Chartered Month Member Stories: Progressing to the Next Level with the CILA Diploma

In this Chartered Month member interview, we speak to Grant Williams, a Commercial Loss Adjuster at Sedgwick, who has recently completed the CILA Diploma qualification. Grant shares how the Diploma has strengthened his technical understanding, improved his confidence when dealing with complex policy matters, and supported his progression towards major loss work. Grant is also a member of CILA’s Future Focus committee.

Can you briefly describe your current role and how long you’ve worked in the profession?
I’m a Commercial Loss Adjuster at Sedgwick and have worked in insurance for nearly 10 years. I started in sales at a local broker and later transitioned into claims, initially handling household and caravan claims at Davies. Over time, I’ve built experience in complex commercial claims, which has shaped my understanding of the wider insurance landscape.

What motivated you to start your CILA qualifications?
I wanted to progress into larger and more complex claims, including Major Loss work. To take on these responsibilities, I knew I needed a strong foundation of technical knowledge, and the CILA qualifications provided the ideal pathway to gain that understanding and develop my career.

How has gaining this qualification impacted your confidence at work?
Completing the Diploma has greatly improved my confidence when handling complex policy matters and interpreting case law. I feel more assured in explaining decisions to policyholders and colleagues, and I can provide the right level of support and guidance during claims, knowing I have the qualifications and knowledge to back up my decisions.

What new responsibilities or opportunities opened up for you after achieving the Diploma?
I’m able to have conversations surrounding progression into major loss by showing my commitment to becoming qualified. Having a greater understanding of the ICOB’s, contra proferentem, TCF, Insurance act and consumer rights act has also enabled me to provide more technical and through recommendations to insurers.

How did the Diploma deepen your technical knowledge compared to earlier learning or experience?
The Diploma provided a much deeper understanding of insurance principles and their practical application. The recommended reading materials added further insight, helping me expand my knowledge beyond my day-to-day experience and strengthen my approach to complex claims.

Why do you see the Diploma as an important step on the journey to becoming Chartered?
The Diploma is a crucial stepping stone to Chartered status. It builds a solid technical foundation that prepares you to tackle more advanced learning and responsibilities, helping you progress to the next level of your career.

What would you say to someone considering starting (or continuing) their CILA journey?
It can be challenging to balance work, study, and personal life, but the effort is worth it. My advice is to study consistently where you can and use your colleagues as a sounding board to test your understanding. Completing the qualifications will give you confidence, knowledge, and career opportunities that make the investment of time worthwhile.

The Diploma is a key milestone on the journey to Chartered status, building on earlier learning and equipping members with the depth of knowledge required to operate confidently at a senior technical level.

Take the next step on your Chartered journey with CILA and explore the Diploma qualification.