EDII partner with Markel to take Digital Minds programme outside London with Leeds launch

EDII is expanding its flagship Digital Minds Embed programme beyond London for the first time, launching a new cohort in Leeds aimed at developing innovation and leadership skills across the insurance sector.

The nine-month programme, which is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), will begin in October 2026 and is being delivered in partnership with Markel UK.

Sessions will be hosted at Markel’s Leeds office and will be open to professionals working across brokers, insurers, MGAs and insurance-related businesses throughout the North of England.

The move follows the completion of 11 London-based cohorts and reflects growing efforts within the industry to widen access to professional development and innovation-focused training outside the capital.

EDII said the programme is designed to equip delegates with the skills and behaviours needed to lead organisational change, with a focus on collaboration, commercial awareness, digital engagement and innovation.

Caroline Bedford, chief executive at EDII, said: “Taking Digital Minds Embed beyond London is something we’ve known insurance needs for some time. The innovation capability gap isn’t a London problem, it’s an industry-wide one.

“Digital Minds Embed alumni are already leading change across the market and we want that impact felt in every part of the UK.”

Regional focus

Markel, which has previously enrolled employees on the programme, said the initiative would help make high-quality development opportunities more accessible to insurance professionals outside the capital.

Simon Johnston, UK marketing director at Markel, said: “Talent and ambition exist well beyond London and access to high quality development opportunities should too.

“Hosting in our Leeds office feels particularly fitting, creating a space for collaboration, fresh thinking and stronger connections across the market.”

The launch forms part of EDII’s wider efforts to promote digital skills and innovation across the insurance sector through partnerships with organisations including the CII and technology provider CGI.

Applications for the inaugural Leeds cohort are now open, with places capped to encourage collaboration and peer learning among participants.