Joanne Hastings, head of customer, assurance and capability at Aviva, discusses her firm’s entry to the Excellence in Professional Development category
1. Why did you put yourselves forward for this category?

We entered this category to highlight the transformative impact of the Commercial Lines Academy (CLA) on our people, customers and business.
The CLA’s tailored development programmes empower colleagues at every stage of their careers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to deliver exceptional service.
By investing in our people and focusing on customer-centric skills, we ensure we attract, retain and develop top talent.
This commitment to professional growth and excellence is central to our culture and sets us apart within the industry.
2. What makes your entry stand out, and why should you win the award?
Our entry stands out for its adaptability and focus on tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of our colleagues and customers.
In 2024, we delivered 857 licences – well above our target – and reduced the average time to licence from eight to four months, which demonstrates improved efficiency.
The CLA’s bespoke learning pathways and practical skill development ensure every colleague is supported to reach their full potential.
This approach not only drives business success but also ensures our people are equipped to deliver outstanding customer outcomes which makes us a leader in professional development.
3. What would winning this award mean to you and your firm?
Winning this award would be a significant recognition of our dedication to developing talent and delivering for customers.
It would celebrate the collective effort and innovation behind the CLA, reinforcing Aviva’s reputation as a great place to build a career.
Most importantly, it would highlight how our commitment to ongoing learning and tailored development translates into better customer outcomes, stronger broker relationships and a competitive edge in the market.
This recognition would inspire us to continue raising standards for our people, customers and the wider industry.





































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