A leadership experience built for the future of underwriting agencies
Welcome to the UAC Leadership Academy - a national leadership program tailored for mid-career professionals in underwriting agencies.
Developed by UAC, supported by ANZIIF, and proudly backed by HDI Global as the inaugural Program Sponsor, this high-impact experience blends ANZIIF’s on-demand learning with immersive workshops and industry mentorship.
The program will be led by Jenny Bax, CEO UAC with support from experienced senior industry professionals.
What you’ll gain:
- Certificate in Organisational Leadership (ANZIIF)
- Real-world leadership and commercial acumen
- Guidance from senior industry leaders and mentoring from Jenny Bax, CEO UAC.
- Access to an exclusive Leadership Academy Alumni Network
Applications now closed
At a Glance
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer & Course Mentor
Underwriting Agencies Council
It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome you to the inaugural UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ‘26, proudly sponsored by HDI Global.
This initiative has been two years in the making, built from the ground up with one core goal: to invest meaningfully in the future leaders of the underwriting agency sector. In an increasingly complex and fast paced industry, the need for ambitious, skilled, and visionary leadership has never been more important.
The Leadership Academy reflects UAC’s deep commitment to building a strong and sustainable talent pipeline. We believe education, collaboration, and connection are the cornerstones of professional growth and by extension, sector growth. Over the course of this program, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge your thinking, and engage meaningfully with a network of peers and leaders who will help shape your journey.
Beyond technical skills, we’re equally focused on building a healthy, values led community where authenticity, purpose, and leadership go hand in hand. We want you to walk away not only with new capabilities, but with a renewed sense of clarity about the kind of leader you want to be.
Michael Edmonds
Chair
Underwriting Agencies Council
The Underwriting Agencies sector plays a vital role in protecting a significant portion of policyholders across Australia. Renowned for its innovation, deep expertise, and specialist knowledge, our sector consistently steps up to provide solutions when brokers and clients need them most.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) is held in high regard, not only within the insurance industry but also by a growing number of external stakeholders.
With leadership comes responsibility. As the voice of our sector, UAC is committed to investing in the capability, expertise, and professionalism that define underwriting agencies. The UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ‘26 represents that commitment in action, an investment in the future of our industry.
The Board’s vision and commitment to the development of our future leaders is unwavering. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped shape this important program, and to those who have supported its launch.
Sponsors
Program Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Module Sponsor
Module Partners
Program Content
Step into the future of leadership with the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26.
This landmark program, developed with ANZIIF and supported by HDI Global as Program Sponsor, is designed for ambitious mid-career professionals ready to elevate their impact.
Over six immersive modules, participants will gain practical skills in leadership, business acumen, governance, underwriting strategy, and digital disruption, guided by some of the industry’s most respected experts.
With only 25 places available, the Academy offers exclusive access to learning, mentorship, and networking that will shape the next generation of leaders in underwriting.
Click below to download the full program guide and explore what’s ahead.
Speaker Profiles
Discover the expertise behind our program.
Click below to explore the full Speaker Profiles.
This will give you insights into each presenter’s background, experience, contribution and support for the Leadership Academy.
Candidates
Meet the Class of '26
The UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ’26 brings together 25 outstanding mid-career professionals from across the underwriting sector.
These individuals represent the next generation of leaders, chosen for their ambition, expertise, and commitment to advancing our industry.
Candidate profiles are available Read More
Out of Pocket Expenses
Click below to download the Out of Pocket Expenses.
Program Mentor
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer
Underwriting Agencies Council
Jenny Bax is a trailblazing leader with over 30 years of insurance industry experience. As the inaugural CEO of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), she champions collaboration across the insurance ecosystem and ensuring UAC continues to be a driving force in advocacy, professional development, ad innovation across the agency sector. Jenny’s global career includes senior leadership roles in Australia and abroad, and she has served as founding member and Chair of the ANZIIF General Insurance Faculty Advisory Board.
Her academic credentials include a Graduate Diploma in Insurance, an MBA from Deakin University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Jenny is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership, frequently speaking on mentoring and executive confidence.
Under her guidance, UAC has launched a number of member-focused initiatives such as the Member Spotlight Series, and an Employee Assistance Program with Procare, supporting the wellbeing of agency professionals and now the UAC Leadership Academy.
Application
Applications for the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26
Applications are now open for UAC underwriting agency members. Open 1 September 2025 and close 16 October 2025
With only 25 places available, applications will be reviewed by a judging panel from across the insurance industry after the closing date.
All eligible applications received by COB 16 October 2025 will be given equal consideration.
Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified post the judging period.
Applications now closed
ANZIIF Online Modules
Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person two day module, or provide proof of prior completion.
There are mandatory and optional courses available.
Module 1: Leading with Purpose
Mandatory:
- 5 Week Course:
Manage professional development - ANZIIF (Skills Unit)
Optional: 30 minutes each
- Becoming resilient - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- How to build leadership skills - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
Optional: 15 minutes each
- Five skills for insurance leaders of the future - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
- Leadership in the workplace - chasing the X factor - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
Module 2: Business Acumen: Managing a successful agency business, financial & product portfolio
Mandatory:
- 5-week course: Analyse data - ANZIIF (Skills Unit)
- ReACT - Regulation and the law, what you need to know now - ANZIIF
Optional: 15 minutes each
- Meet the Customer of the Future - ANZIIF Journal
- Customer Relationship The True Test - ANZIIF Journal
- Business Made Personal - ANZIIF
Module 3: Underwriting Business Development & Claims Management - The Keys to Successful Business Outcomes
Mandatory:
- 90 Minutes: Caring for the vulnerable customer
Optional:
Module 4: The Past, The Present and The Future - Underwriting Agencies breaking new ground
Mandatory:
- 2 Hours: Lloyd’s Demystified: Understanding the World's Leading Insurance Market - ANZIIF (Short course)
Optional:
- 2 Minutes: SNAPSHOT: History of insurance
- 5 Minutes: Insurers focus on support for First Nation peoples
- 5 Minutes: Taking charge of climate change risk
Module 5: Governance and Organisational Integrity: what you need to know for a long-term sustainable business
Mandatory - 2 Hours Each:
Module 6: Data, AI & Digital Disruption
Optional:
- 30 Minutes: Blockchain in an insurance context - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- 30 Minutes: Parametric insurance - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- 45 Minutes: ANZIIF Webinar: Insurtech across the value chain - ANZIIF (Professional Development Video)
- 15 Minutes: How to collaborate successfully with insurtechs - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
Health & Safety
Market Lane Group
Wotton Kearney
Contact
Have questions about the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26?
If you would like more information about the program or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact the UAC team at admin@uac.org.au.
We’re here to support candidates and answer any queries you may have.
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer & Course Mentor
Underwriting Agencies Council
It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome you to the inaugural UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ‘26, proudly sponsored by HDI Global.
This initiative has been two years in the making, built from the ground up with one core goal: to invest meaningfully in the future leaders of the underwriting agency sector. In an increasingly complex and fast paced industry, the need for ambitious, skilled, and visionary leadership has never been more important.
The Leadership Academy reflects UAC’s deep commitment to building a strong and sustainable talent pipeline. We believe education, collaboration, and connection are the cornerstones of professional growth and by extension, sector growth. Over the course of this program, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge your thinking, and engage meaningfully with a network of peers and leaders who will help shape your journey.
Beyond technical skills, we’re equally focused on building a healthy, values led community where authenticity, purpose, and leadership go hand in hand. We want you to walk away not only with new capabilities, but with a renewed sense of clarity about the kind of leader you want to be.
Michael Edmonds
Chair
Underwriting Agencies Council
The Underwriting Agencies sector plays a vital role in protecting a significant portion of policyholders across Australia. Renowned for its innovation, deep expertise, and specialist knowledge, our sector consistently steps up to provide solutions when brokers and clients need them most.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) is held in high regard, not only within the insurance industry but also by a growing number of external stakeholders.
With leadership comes responsibility. As the voice of our sector, UAC is committed to investing in the capability, expertise, and professionalism that define underwriting agencies. The UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ‘26 represents that commitment in action, an investment in the future of our industry.
The Board’s vision and commitment to the development of our future leaders is unwavering. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped shape this important program, and to those who have supported its launch.
Program Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Module Sponsor
Module Partners
Step into the future of leadership with the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26.
This landmark program, developed with ANZIIF and supported by HDI Global as Program Sponsor, is designed for ambitious mid-career professionals ready to elevate their impact.
Over six immersive modules, participants will gain practical skills in leadership, business acumen, governance, underwriting strategy, and digital disruption, guided by some of the industry’s most respected experts.
With only 25 places available, the Academy offers exclusive access to learning, mentorship, and networking that will shape the next generation of leaders in underwriting.
Click below to download the full program guide and explore what’s ahead.
Discover the expertise behind our program.
Click below to explore the full Speaker Profiles.
This will give you insights into each presenter’s background, experience, contribution and support for the Leadership Academy.
Meet the Class of '26
The UAC Leadership Academy - Class of ’26 brings together 25 outstanding mid-career professionals from across the underwriting sector.
These individuals represent the next generation of leaders, chosen for their ambition, expertise, and commitment to advancing our industry.
Candidate profiles will be published here following the official announcement at the UAC AGM in December 2025.
Click below to download the Out of Pocket Expenses.
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer
Underwriting Agencies Council
Jenny Bax is a trailblazing leader with over 30 years of insurance industry experience. As the inaugural CEO of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), she champions collaboration across the insurance ecosystem and ensuring UAC continues to be a driving force in advocacy, professional development, ad innovation across the agency sector. Jenny’s global career includes senior leadership roles in Australia and abroad, and she has served as founding member and Chair of the ANZIIF General Insurance Faculty Advisory Board.
Her academic credentials include a Graduate Diploma in Insurance, an MBA from Deakin University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Jenny is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership, frequently speaking on mentoring and executive confidence.
Under her guidance, UAC has launched a number of member-focused initiatives such as the Member Spotlight Series, and an Employee Assistance Program with Procare, supporting the wellbeing of agency professionals and now the UAC Leadership Academy.
Applications for the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26
Applications are now open for UAC underwriting agency members. Open 1 September 2025 and close 16 October 2025
With only 25 places available, applications will be reviewed by a judging panel from across the insurance industry after the closing date.
All eligible applications received by COB 16 October 2025 will be given equal consideration.
Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified post the judging period.
Applications now closed
Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person two day module, or provide proof of prior completion.
There are mandatory and optional courses available.
Module 1: Leading with Purpose
Mandatory:
- 5 Week Course:
Manage professional development - ANZIIF (Skills Unit)
Optional: 30 minutes each
- Becoming resilient - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- How to build leadership skills - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
Optional: 15 minutes each
- Five skills for insurance leaders of the future - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
- Leadership in the workplace - chasing the X factor - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
Module 2: Business Acumen: Managing a successful agency business, financial & product portfolio
Mandatory:
- 5-week course: Analyse data - ANZIIF (Skills Unit)
- ReACT - Regulation and the law, what you need to know now - ANZIIF
Optional: 15 minutes each
- Meet the Customer of the Future - ANZIIF Journal
- Customer Relationship The True Test - ANZIIF Journal
- Business Made Personal - ANZIIF
Module 3: Underwriting Business Development & Claims Management - The Keys to Successful Business Outcomes
Mandatory:
- 90 Minutes: Caring for the vulnerable customer
Optional:
Module 4: The Past, The Present and The Future - Underwriting Agencies breaking new ground
Mandatory:
- 2 Hours: Lloyd’s Demystified: Understanding the World's Leading Insurance Market - ANZIIF (Short course)
Optional:
- 2 Minutes: SNAPSHOT: History of insurance
- 5 Minutes: Insurers focus on support for First Nation peoples
- 5 Minutes: Taking charge of climate change risk
Module 5: Governance and Organisational Integrity: what you need to know for a long-term sustainable business
Mandatory - 2 Hours Each:
Module 6: Data, AI & Digital Disruption
Optional:
- 30 Minutes: Blockchain in an insurance context - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- 30 Minutes: Parametric insurance - ANZIIF (Professional Development Activity)
- 45 Minutes: ANZIIF Webinar: Insurtech across the value chain - ANZIIF (Professional Development Video)
- 15 Minutes: How to collaborate successfully with insurtechs - ANZIIF (Professional Development Article)
Market Lane Group
Wotton Kearney
Have questions about the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '26?
If you would like more information about the program or the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact the UAC team at admin@uac.org.au.
We’re here to support candidates and answer any queries you may have.