FERMA Forum report
The recent biennial FERMA (Federation of European Risk Management Associations) Forum in Venice saw the several initiatives, as well as the launch of the certification scheme (see separate article).
The event featured a familiar cornucopia of conference events using a framework of profession, innovation and diversity.
In her opening remarks, Julia Graham said: “The title of this FERMA Forum is Living and Working in a Riskier World. Since FERMA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2014, our world has changed, and perhaps this Forum should be called ‘Living and Working in a New and Riskier World’. In this new and riskier world, our profession is thriving and ready to seize opportunities to take a bigger role in advising and leading risk management in organisations.”
The opening keynote speaker was Mario Greco, CEO of diamond sponsor Generali Group, followed by probably the first showing ever of a haka at a FERMA event. The film of the Maori war dance was the introduction to the second keynote speaker, former All Blacks rugby team captain Sean Fitzpatrick.
A third keynote, organised by host association ANRA, featured the €5.5bn MOSE (Moses) project to save Venice from rising sea levels. In the meantime, however, sponsors and other service providers took full advantage of the Venetian venue to host receptions in fabulous settings. A few swam in the (chilly) waters of the Adriatic from the Lido beach; no delegates fell into a canal.
Important announcements
FERMA launched a detailed report on organisations’ duty of care for international travellers, a joint project by FERMA and medical and travel security risk company International SOS with a legal review by DLA Piper. Travel Risk Management 2015 European Trends.
Compliance for global programmes remains a thorny problem across Europe. FERMA and AXCO revealed they are working together to make the database launched with Airmic Insight Risk Manager available to other FERMA members.
Recognising the importance of the UK Insurance Act 2015, FERMA launched Changes in UK Insurance Law - An Introduction for European Companies in cooperation with insurance governance specialist Mactavish.
“I found it all interesting, with a good range of topics,” said Patrick Smith, “and it is very good to have industry leaders from across Europe.” Airmic has now started a review process to see what it can learn from the FERMA Forum that can be applied to Airmic’s own events. "Although Airmic has a very established and successful annual conference, this year in Harrogate, we are always keen to learn from other events and are always keen to continually improve. "
Resources:
FERMA rimap certification: http://rimap-certified.org/
Changes in UK Insurance Law - An Introduction for European Businesses
Travel Risk Management 2015 European Trends: http://www.ferma.eu/blog/2015/10/travel-risk-management-2015-european-trends/
More Forum reports: www.ferma.eu