Matthew Ford was elected to IFoA Council in 2024. Matthew has been a life actuary for around 30 years, working in several life companies and consultancies. He is currently a Principal at Milliman and based in London. Here he shares his thoughts on standing for Council and his experience as an IFoA Council member.
What was your reaction to the IFoA's recent request for nominations for the Council elections?
For the vast majority of my career, mine was ‘No, that sort of thing really doesn’t sound like me…’. But in March 2024, after a long discussion about the IFoA with a colleague, they turned round to me and said: ‘Why don’t you stand for Council then?’.
To which I could only respond ‘Yes, that…is a really good idea.’.
Personally, I stood for election because I could see the IFoA going through a period of change in its governance and structure. I wanted to do my part to help guide and steer us through with our members’ interests at heart.
I also thought I had some useful skills and experience to apply there. We have a wide variety of people on Council, each with different experience, backgrounds, and passions. We all bring our own unique views and experiences to bear across the range of Council initiatives and matters. So, if you have an aspect of the profession (and there are many) that you have a real interest in and want to contribute to your profession, then please seriously consider standing.
The nomination process is pretty straightforward. I recommend spending some time crafting your candidate submission. Make sure your relevant experience and what you stand for is clear, rather than being too generic (at least if you want my vote).
It’s also worth doing a bit of canvassing both before and during the election period. LinkedIn is useful here. However, you’ll probably be surprised how many current and past colleagues, or other actuaries you’ve come across at some point, you can politely reach out to.
By the way, standing is not that scary either, or if you’re not convinced about that, just be brave.
Since joining Council last August, I’m glad to be able to say that it’s not just been about attending bi-monthly meetings throughout the year. There are many opportunities to drive forward proposals and projects, and each Council member plays an active part. For example, I’m assisting Working Groups looking at our future structure, governance and how actuaries adapt to and benefit from AI. I’ve also joined the Life practice board.
The whole Council has collectively spent considerable time and thought on the detailed development of the profession’s vision, with Kartina performing a sterling role leading us through this. I’ve enjoyed these activities and certainly learnt a few things through them, not least about the breadth and depth of our people and the impact we can have.
So, what are you waiting for…?
Matthew Ford, IFoA Council Member
Membership of the IFoA Council means you play a part in the future direction and success of the IFoA.
Our next council election will take place later this year, and nominations are encouraged from any member, anywhere in the world, with the requisite skills and time to take on the role.
If you are Fellow or Associate of the IFoA and are ready to find out more about the nominations and election process, please visit our dedicated nominations website.
