Select 74 - Autumn Event

Time: Doors open at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start

Venue: SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY

Tickets: £95 (early bird price, available until 20th October); £110 thereafter

Select 74 Autumn 2025 event

We are delighted to announce that the speakers for our Autumn Event, focusing on oncology, will be Gareth Matthews and Dr Chris Ball, who will be presenting talks on the following topics:

Gareth Matthews – Cancer of the Oropharynx: Perspectives from the Insurance Professional and the Patient

The discussion will include head and neck cancer background, viral influence on incidence and outcomes, and how that translates through to cancer staging systems. We’ll cover survival, the personal impact of diagnosis and treatment, and ‘what’s next’ for the illness, all while looking through the lens of the insurance professional and the patient.

Dr Chris Ball – Beyond the Biological: Cancer, Psychological Distress and Insurers

Although the biological understanding of cancer moves on apace, we cannot lose sight of the individual who is experiencing that problem and their social context. I aim to take a look at the language we are using to talk about cancer and psychological distress to understand the ways language creates expectations and actions in those experiencing and assessing cancer risks and outcomes. Explore the presence of psychological distress at various stages of the ‘cancer journey’ and look to understand the impact of psychological distress on outcomes, particularly social rather than biological. Then explore some specific issues arising from the changing nature of cancer treatment and the landscape of psychological distress that are presenting new issues for insurers.

Talks will be delivered in the conference centre on the dockside, before moving on to the ship for networking and a hot fork buffet in the First Class Dining Saloon, followed by a disco in the Hayward Saloon until midnight. You will have to option to request your favourite tunes when you purchase your ticket! Guests will be able to explore the ship during the event, experiencing the sights and sounds of life on board..

Speaker profile: Gareth Matthews FALU, ALMI

I’ve been the Chief Underwriter (and Head of Claims) for Hannover Re UK since 2020, having moved back to the UK from Ireland where I held the same role. My responsibilities include underwriting and claims operations, strategy, philosophy, and research and development, and I’m especially interested in innovation, genetics, and genomics, as well as behavioural science. Working for Hannover Re since 2007 (and Legal & General since 1999) has granted me exposure to many technical areas including life and disability underwriting, life expectancy analyses, claims assessment and management, internal and external audit, and actuarial liaison for product and tender purposes. I have transcontinental technical experience with particular focus in North America and Europe, plus input into the design and application of expert systems and our underwriting manual, hr | Ascent. Finally, I’m a member of the editorial panel for our global thought leadership magazine, hr | Recent, having penned several locally and globally published articles.

Speaker profile: Dr Chris Ball

Dr. Ball is a former Consultant Psychiatrist and has worked with Gen Re for 20+ years. In addition to providing underwriting and claims advice, he contributes to product development, education and training, and the development of underwriting manuals. Formerly Chris was a Clinical Director with the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. His interest in mental health and insurance medicine developed after initial training in primary care.

Two free places available!

We are pleased to be able to offer two free places at this event: one for an underwriter, and one for a claims assessor. Entry is limited to individuals who have not previously had the opportunity to attend a Select 74 event. Please share details of this competition with your colleagues who are eligible to participate.

To enter, first confirm with your manager that they are happy for you to do so, then send an email titled ‘Select 74 Competition’ to christopher.wright@rgare.com by 1st October 2025 with the following details:

· Name, company, current role

· Why should you be chosen for a free place at this Select 74 event? (maximum 200 words)

Please note that the prize does not include transport or accommodation costs associated with attending the event. Winners will be chosen by members of the Select 74 committee and notified shortly after the closing date.

Charity raffle

We will be raising money for Velindre Cancer Charity at this event with a raffle. If your company would like to donate prizes, please bring these with you on the day. You can find out more about the Velindre Cancer Charity here: https://www.velindrefundraising.com/velindre-cancer-charity/

We really hope that you will be able to join us for what promises to be an excellent evening of continuing professional development and networking.

Thanks to our event sponsor Inuvi for supporting this event