The 129,000-member Chartered Insurance Institute will hold its first ever virtual AGM in October.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the professional body has taken the decision to hold its AGM virtually, with members able to watch and ask questions.

For the first time in the CII’s 108-year history the annual general meeting will take place online only at 2pm on Thursday 8 October.

In August the institute’s members will be sent details of how to take part and hear about the work of the CII as well as look ahead to plans for the next 12 months. 

Members will be able to cast their votes and ask questions. 

Ahead of the AGM the body published its annual report today which showed a near 1,700 increase in membership from 127,480 in 2018 to 129,151 in 2019.

The Personal Finance Society, which offers the Chartered Financial Planner designation, now has 39,953 members and forms 31% of the total CII membership.

The AGM panel will include the CII’s first independent chair Dr Helen Phillips along with current CII President Nick Turner, incoming President Julie Page, and Sian Fisher, the CII’s chief executive.

Nick Turner, President of the CII, said: “Last year members voted to modernise our governance practices, including allowing them to attend our AGMs virtually, casting their votes and asking questions live from wherever they may be. 

“I look forward to members from across the UK and around the world joining the meeting on 8 October.”

Sian Fisher said: “During the last few months the CII has responded swiftly to challenges faced as a result of Covid-19 by bringing in many new ways of working, most of them to ensure the safety of our members. 

“This virtual AGM is another way of allowing us to connect with all our members, ensures they remain at the heart of our decision making and reduces the risk of spreading the Coronavirus.”

The annual report can be viewed here: www.annualreport.cii.co.uk