Elaine Atkinson

Accomplished and IRM Qualified Operational Risk and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) professional with a deep understanding of all elements of Risk Frameworks with the ability to develop, maintain and communicate these elements to multi discipline teams across a business.  Committed to ensuring regulatory compliance standards are met.   A motivated, adaptable and organised self-starter with the ability to lead and co-ordinate with own team and multi discipline teams across the business.  An experienced member of board and risk committees with strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills. Demonstrates real drive, a willingness to succeed and a positive, proactive approach. 

HASTINGS DIRECT INSURANCE | Risk and Controls and Manager | Aug 2023-Present Accountable for the management of the risk and control framework, outputs and processes across all areas of the CIO division ensuring alignment with the Group Enterprise Risk Framework, associated risk policies, company vision and values and regulatory compliance. Key contributions: − Communication, consultation and collaboration with the CIO leadership team and 2nd line risk to develop an understanding of the requirements, objectives, appetite and context for risk management within the division and across Hastings Direct. − Successful in building a proportionate risk framework and associated policies and procedures for the CIO division using a variety of methods to identify the range of risk exposures. These methods included reviewing historical risk events/incidents; horizon scanning, brain-storming sessions, consultation with key stakeholders and RCSA workshops. − Working with key stakeholders to review their processes and procedures to identify controls which are already in place and supporting them to establish new controls where weaknesses were found. − Assessment of inherent and residual risk exposure from both a financial and reputational perspective, evaluating against company and/or divisional appetites and tolerances and determining risk treatment. − Updating the company RMS, Decision Focus with the new framework and associated risks, controls, ratings, actions and KRI’s − Providing formal and informal training and education to colleagues across the business including the creation of supporting manuals and Decision Focus user guides to support both the implementation of the new framework and begin the process of embedding a mature risk culture. − Successful roll-out of new risk structure and move to BAU processes as determined in the Risk Framework.  Supporting and providing challenge to the division to ensure that the level of risk exposure is kept to an acceptable level and raising actions or escalation of issues should tolerances be threatened or exceeded. Management of the quarterly RCSA workshops. − Creation and provision of quality, proportionate and accurate reporting. Chair of the quarterly Risk and Control committee. − Responsibility for the success other core governance processes including audit, company attestations and internal assurance to ensure they are well executed and delivered on time and to quality. 

ALLIANZ INSURANCE UK | Risk, Control and Process Manager – Contract Position | Nov 2022-Aug 2023 Part of the Group Finance IFRS 9/17 project to manage the Risk, Control and Process workstream for the LV= business. Whilst LV= is now part of the Allianz Group the business model, systems and risk framework integration was not complete resulting in a complex and challenging project to ensure that the new standards were met and in alignment with the wider Allianz UK business areas. Key contributions: − Management of the end-to-end workstream to ensure that all new risks, controls and processes and amendments to those existing were in place by the required deadline to meet the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). − Assessment and rating of all newly identified risks and controls by running workshops and testing of key controls. − Review and updating of Opening Balance process and procedure documentation including the production of process flow documentation using MS Visio. − Building close working relationships and effective collaboration with the Investments, Actuarial, Accounting and Financial Reporting Teams to identify the risks and controls required to meet the IFRS 9 and 17 requirements. − Working alongside the whole project team to align activities and provide regular workstream reporting to Steering Committees, the Executive Team, Project Board Committees and the wider Risk Management teams. − Coordination of activities with Allianz Commercial to deliver the most consistent and robust risk and control environment across both business areas whilst considering the inherent and complex differences which exist between them. − Management of the transition of work from the project to BAU. 
 

ALLIANZ INSURANCE UK | Risk Manager – Contract Position | Feb 2022-Nov 2022 Working in second line risk to manage the risk framework integration of the specialty personal lines of business from LV= to Allianz within a complex business and entity structure. Business Partner for the Finance and Human Resources Personal Lines business. Key contributions: − Creation of a new risk framework following the transfer of existing Allianz personal business lines from the commercial division into a newly created personal division to ensure that the requirements of Group mandated risk policies were met. This included amalgamation of the Allianz Personal, Allianz Commercial and LV= business areas such as Finance, HR, IT, Business Continuity, Compliance into a shared service structure across Allianz Holdings. − Successful management of the risk management integration of the LV= specialty lines of business into the Allianz risk management framework.  This was a complex project due to the requirement to maintain separate financial and regulatory reporting of various legal entities. − Supporting 1st line risk manager with the creation of a suite of risks, controls, key controls and reporting documents for the Specialty Lines of Business. − Production of regular reporting for Board, Risk, Finance committees and other ad-hoc reporting − Business Partnering with the Finance and Human Resources 1st line risk representatives for Allianz Personal to support and challenge their identification, assessment, reporting and review of the risks faced within their business areas.  
 

TALBOT UNDERWRITING LTD | Senior Risk Analyst) | Jan 2021-Feb 2022 Working with all areas of the syndicate with specific responsibility for the Finance, Underwriting, New York, Singapore and Actuarial business areas to continue to embed and improve risk management processes and procedures and align with AIG. Key contributions: − Collaboration with operational and support services to review and test operational controls and risk assessments. − Undertook a full review of all KRI’s across the business (Financial and Non-Financial Risks) and implemented changes to the suite of KRI’s following the review to ensure the appropriateness, accuracy and relevance. − Creation of a new suite of KRI reporting dashboards for use in Committee papers. − Contribute to and produce ORSA reports for Lloyd’s of London and the PRA − Production of committee reporting for Executive Committee, Operational Risk Committee, Financial Reporting Committee, Insurance Reporting Committee and Risk and Compliance Committee − Successful creation of an Emerging Risk register and associated reporting − Reporting of risk events/incidents and working with business areas to find resolutions to individual issues and strengthen controls. − Working with the capital modelling team to produce 2022 Solvency II capital requirements, including stress and scenario testing. 

SOUTH EAST COAST AMBULANCE SERVICE | Emergency Care Support Worker) | Oct 2019-Jan 2021 Supporting clinically qualified paramedics to provide high quality and effective pre-hospital clinical care to patients.  Responding to 999 emergency calls, undertaking hospital transfers and urgent hospital admissions Working as part of a team, responding to often very distressing and challenging situations requiring excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Working under extreme pressure and uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic whilst adapting to constantly changing regulations. 
 

AXA TRAVEL INSURANCE | Operational Risk and Internal Control Manager – Contract Position) | Mar 2018-July 2018 Undertook a review of the governance, framework, operational risks and internal controls to identify areas of weakness and where improvements could be made.   Key contributions: − Production of Gap Analysis to identify areas of improvement. − Identified tasks and outputs required to bring AXA Travel into line with AXA Group. − Created a detailed project plan to ensure that the work required was kept to timescale and budget. − Successful handover of the project and outputs to a member of staff who was tasked with taking the actions forward. − Created and monitored Compliance plans and combined Risk and Compliance Issue Log and Actions. 
 

Jan 2016-Mar 2018/July 2018-October 2019 It was my intention to start a new contract in Risk Management however my father became unwell in Jan 2016 and I made the decision to care for him until he passed in April 2017. My mother passed away suddenly 7 weeks after my father. As the executor of what turned out to be a complicated will, probate process and house sale I was fortunate enough to be able to take time away from the workplace to undertake this.  In October 2019 I was finding it difficult to secure a new risk management position due to the time of year so having been a volunteer for St John's Ambulance I was able to join the South Coast Ambulance Service as an Emergency Care Support Worker.

TOWERGATE INSURANCE | Group Risk Business Partner (Contract) | Jun-Oct 2015 Completed comprehensive review of regulatory breach policy / processes identifying and recommending areas in need of improvement. Supported preparation of robust and consistent training as well as procedural documentation. Updated risk reporting required by the Group Risk Committee. Key contributions: − Re-designed Delegated Authority processes and record keeping. − Created and produced enhanced risk policies and procedures across the group. − Developed new group risk register requirements and template. − Organised and led risk management workshops as well as reviews corporate-wide, working with internal auditors in testing controls. − Analysed risk and loss events to ensure implementation of appropriate actions focused on minimising financial impact. − Identified and assessed business development and improvement opportunities. − Positively impacted operational performance and service quality through enhanced policies, processes, procedures, and resources. 
 

EQUNITI GROUP | Group Risk Manager (Contract) | Sep 2014-Jun 2015 − Delivered expertise in IT systems, audits, regulatory compliance and ERM focused on enhancing the company’s risk management and compliance structures. − Monitored and analysed risks to identify issues, recommend solutions, and implement leadership support. − Worked closely with the Finance Department to analyse strategic risks versus rewards. − Communicated with customers regarding issues, complaints, and requests for information / counsel. − Forged productive relationships with executive and senior management team members, serving as SME in a wide range of projects / ventures. − Orchestrated design and implementation of a new ERM framework utilising COSO standard from design to training and risk maturity improvements. − Production and delivery of reports, presentations, and dashboards. 
 

BARCLAYS BANK | Vice President – Group Reputation Risk (Contract) | Oct 2013-Feb 2014 Key contributions: − Developed new Group Reputation Risk Framework and policy after introduction of new Group Enterprise Risk Management Framework (COSO). Provided identification and measurement of Reputation Risk KPI’s, KRI’s, and KCI’s. − Designed monthly, semi-annual, and annual reporting structures. − Modernised Reputation Risk Intranet site. 
 

BARCLAYS BANK | Operational Risk Business Partner / Lead Operational Risk Manager (Contractor) | Jun 2013-Sep 2013 Working in the Retail and Business Banking group to provide new risk framework, policies, procedures and processes in preparation for a new Operational Risk, Governance and Control team implementation. − Represented as well as directed end-to-end change / risk management programme.  − Generated monthly reports for the Retail and Business Banking Chief Operating Office for delivery to senior management as well as Risk, Compliance and Control committee. 
 

UNUM Risk Manager | Jan 2010-Dec 2012 Directed development, implementation, and monitoring of ERM risk framework, strategy, and policy with a strong focus on stakeholder needs. Served as risk management SME on projects across business. − Selected and led procurement of new Risk Management system (OpenPages), liaising with supplier to ensure proper installation and effective alignment with company’s risk management framework, IT infrastructure, and data security. − Played a key role in design of ORSA, supporting Solvency II consultants to ensure system compliance with regulations. − Uncovered and targeted internal control issues by collaborating with auditors throughout all review phases. − Functioned as risk business partner to Marketing, Sales, IT, and Claims divisions. Worked collaboratively with directors and board members in creation of risk registers. − Defined, implemented, and monitored Risk Appetite. − Organised and facilitated quarterly Risk and Control Self-Assessment Workshops with divisional leadership teams. − Formulated scenario plans and implemented testing, challenging risk and control owners on their assessments. − Innovated reporting structure for board, senior management, and committees. − Designed and delivered risk management trainings to all staff levels. − Successful in managing a project to buy out a run off claims block from another insurer. A key member of the project board with divisional directors and other senior management 

EARLY CAREER SUMMARY − Additional roles at Unum include Senior Technical and Planning Manager – Income Protection Claims and Claims Management Specialist. Previous experience includes roles of Administration Manager at SFS Group as well as Business Information Analyst, Network Administrator, Administration Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Cabin Crew Training Assistant, and Youth Trainee at British Airways Plc. EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BTEC Certificate in Business Studies Certificate in International Risk Management (CIRM) Registered Risk Practitioner (RRP) Management Development Programme Process Mapping & Document Production Training NOTE:  Due to shared caring responsibilities for an elderly relative, I am looking for a full-time home working role with the ability to work full-time hours compressed Monday-Thursday.  I have been working in this way for a number of years, and it works very well given my extensive risk management experience and ability to self manage my workload. 

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BTEC Certificate in Business Studies Certificate in International Risk Management (CIRM) Registered Risk Practitioner (RRP) Management Development Programme Process Mapping & Document Production Training