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
At a Glance
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer & Course Mentor
Underwriting Agencies Council
Class of ’26 gave us a wonderful foundation to build on. We learnt a lot from our participants, presenters and from bringing the Academy to life for the first time. We’ve taken those learnings into Class of ’27 - keeping what worked, listening to feedback, and continuing to evolve the program.
The purpose of the Academy hasn’t changed. We want to invest in talented people who will help shape the future of the underwriting agency sector, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow and challenge themselves.
Participants will gain exposure to different parts of our industry, learn from outstanding industry leaders and subject matter experts, and build relationships with peers who will share the journey with them.
But the Academy has never been just about what happens in the classroom. It’s about building confidence, staying curious, asking questions and challenging your thinking. It’s also about becoming clearer about the kind of leader you want to be.
One of the things we loved seeing in Class of ’26 was the strength of the connections across the cohort. That sense of community became an important part of the Academy, and one we want to continue building with Class of ’27 and beyond.
To everyone considering applying, or thinking about nominating someone from your organisation - I encourage you to take the opportunity.
Back yourself, or back someone in your team.
We can’t wait to see what Class of ’27 brings.
Michael Edmonds
Chair
Underwriting Agencies Council
The underwriting agency sector plays a vital role in protecting a significant portion of policyholders across Australia. It is a sector known for innovation, deep expertise and specialist knowledge. Time and again, underwriting agencies step up to provide solutions when brokers and their 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 is an important part of that commitment. Following the success of our inaugural Class of ’26, we are proud to see the Academy continue to grow and evolve with Class of ’27.
The Board’s commitment to developing our future leaders remains unwavering. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to the Academy - our sponsors, presenters, supporters and the many people who generously share their time and expertise.
We look forward to welcoming Class of ’27 and seeing the next generation of leaders make the most of this opportunity.
Sponsors
Program Content
Step into the future of leadership with the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '27.
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 seven 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 a maximum of 35 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
Candidates
Meet the Class of '27
We look forward to announcing the Class of ’27 candidates in December 2026
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 '27
Open 1 October 2026 and close 23 October 2026.
Apply Here
Download the questions to assist with completing your online application.
ANZIIF Online Modules
Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person module, or provide proof of prior completion.Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person 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: Understanding the Market and the Players
Mandatory:
- 2 Hours: Lloyd’s Demystified: Understanding the World's Leading Insurance Market - ANZIIF (Short course)
Optional: 15 minutes each
- 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 3: Portfolio Management – Underwriting, Business Development & Claims Management - The Keys to Successful Business Outcomes
Mandatory:
- 90 Minutes: Caring for the vulnerable customer
Optional:
Module 4: 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 5: Governance, Cyber & Privacy risks and Organisational Integrity: what you need to know for a long-term sustainable business
Mandatory - 2 Hours Each:
Module 6: Data, Technology & Human Intelligence - Harnessing AI & Insurtech, building resilience and leading what comes next
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
Wotton Kearney
Contact
Have questions about the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '27?
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.
At a Glance
Jenny Bax
Chief Executive Officer & Course Mentor
Underwriting Agencies Council
Class of ’26 gave us a wonderful foundation to build on. We learnt a lot from our participants, presenters and from bringing the Academy to life for the first time. We’ve taken those learnings into Class of ’27 - keeping what worked, listening to feedback, and continuing to evolve the program.
The purpose of the Academy hasn’t changed. We want to invest in talented people who will help shape the future of the underwriting agency sector, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow and challenge themselves.
Participants will gain exposure to different parts of our industry, learn from outstanding industry leaders and subject matter experts, and build relationships with peers who will share the journey with them.
But the Academy has never been just about what happens in the classroom. It’s about building confidence, staying curious, asking questions and challenging your thinking. It’s also about becoming clearer about the kind of leader you want to be.
One of the things we loved seeing in Class of ’26 was the strength of the connections across the cohort. That sense of community became an important part of the Academy, and one we want to continue building with Class of ’27 and beyond.
To everyone considering applying, or thinking about nominating someone from your organisation - I encourage you to take the opportunity.
Back yourself, or back someone in your team.
We can’t wait to see what Class of ’27 brings.
Michael Edmonds
Chair
Underwriting Agencies Council
The underwriting agency sector plays a vital role in protecting a significant portion of policyholders across Australia. It is a sector known for innovation, deep expertise and specialist knowledge. Time and again, underwriting agencies step up to provide solutions when brokers and their 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 is an important part of that commitment. Following the success of our inaugural Class of ’26, we are proud to see the Academy continue to grow and evolve with Class of ’27.
The Board’s commitment to developing our future leaders remains unwavering. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to the Academy - our sponsors, presenters, supporters and the many people who generously share their time and expertise.
We look forward to welcoming Class of ’27 and seeing the next generation of leaders make the most of this opportunity.
Sponsors
Program Content
Step into the future of leadership with the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '27.
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 seven 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 a maximum of 35 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
Candidates
Meet the Class of '27
We look forward to announcing the Class of ’27 candidates in December 2026
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 '27
Open 1 October 2026 and close 23 October 2026.
Apply Here
Download the questions to assist with completing your online application.
ANZIIF Online Modules
Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person module, or provide proof of prior completion.Candidates are required to complete the following online ANZIIF modules prior to attending each in person 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: Understanding the Market and the Players
Mandatory:
- 2 Hours: Lloyd’s Demystified: Understanding the World's Leading Insurance Market - ANZIIF (Short course)
Optional: 15 minutes each
- 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 3: Portfolio Management – Underwriting, Business Development & Claims Management - The Keys to Successful Business Outcomes
Mandatory:
- 90 Minutes: Caring for the vulnerable customer
Optional:
Module 4: 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
Module 5: Governance, Cyber & Privacy risks and Organisational Integrity: what you need to know for a long-term sustainable business
Mandatory - 2 Hours Each:
Module 6: Data, Technology & Human Intelligence - Harnessing AI & Insurtech, building resilience and leading what comes next
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
Wotton Kearney
Contact
Have questions about the UAC Leadership Academy - Class of '27?
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.