Aon Benfield to outsource claims jobs

Aon Benfield has announced plans to outsource some of its UK client services.

The move is part of a plan to re-model the business.

The company said that the new model, which includes a combination of internal Aon Benfield resources together with an external provider, will enable Aon Benfield to deliver a new standard of client service.

In a statement, the broker said: "Aon Benfield will retain key senior client services experts who are responsible for interacting directly with clients and ensuring that their claims, accounting, and contract wording needs are fulfilled."

"These experts will proactively negotiate contentious claims, provide closer oversight of outsourced activities, develop innovative products and services, and provide improved levels of services in existing time lines. They will work with a team of reinsurance client services professionals who will transfer from Aon Benfield to the partner, improving the partner’s overall post placement capabilities."

In December, Aon announced that it would cut between 500 and 700 back office jobs over the next three years, following its takeover of Benfield.

David Ledger, chief executive, UK for Aon Benfield, said: “This new operating model maximizes the strength and talent within Aon Benfield while ensuring our clients have access to industry-leading technology. By growing the number of senior client service leaders, we are strengthening the team that interacts directly with clients, while ensuring improved performance from our outsourced activities.”

Aon Benfield’s outsource provider will be announced at the end of the month and will begin work in March.

Ledger added: “When developing our model, we received input from clients, to ensure we are meeting their operational needs. We are selecting our outsource partner based on its ability to utilise the leading technology that our firm has developed while offering an excellent employment opportunity for our skilled client services professionals who will continue to serve our clients on an ongoing basis.”