Aviva halves time taken for underwriters to obtain their licences

Aviva has halved the time it takes for underwriters to obtain their licences this year following improvements to the insurer’s technical development programmes.

Speaking to Insurance Times, Joanne Hastings, head of customer, assurance and capability at Aviva, revealed that the average time to secure an underwriting licence has dropped from eight months in 2023 to just four months in 2025.

Hastings noted that the reduction in licensing time highlights the positive consumer impact of investing in effective talent development, as it strengthens responsiveness from increased operational capacity.

In 2024, Aviva reached 847 underwriting licenses and as of the end of September 2025 have reached 667.

Hastings said: “One of the key things that the team were focused on improving was the onboarding to make sure our licence plans are delivered.

“It’s hugely improved, so now we can be more responsive and deal with our customers queries better which is really important to us.”

Expanding opportunities

As part of her job, Hastings leads the insurer’s Commercial Lines Academy (CLA).

Since the CLA was launched in 2018, it has developed its range of initiatives, including training not only for underwriting, but also for distribution and middle management progressing into senior leadership roles.

Hastings said: “I even have people now running that programme that were some of the first candidates that were on the programme, so the succession is brilliant.

“To see the number of people that have been promoted through that programme into senior underwriter roles [is] really rewarding.”