Alison Royle

James Hampden’s UK director on why she took the plunge and became a scuba diver

Why a career in insurance?
Like many people, I fell into it. In 1979, I was unhappy in my job, so after just a few months I resigned without a job to go to – but with the full support of my parents. I went straight to an agency, which suggested a job at Commercial Union. I instantly recognised them as my Dad’s car insurer, so they had to be OK!

Describe your average working day.
I don’t have one – the only thing that is guaranteed is that I leave home at 7.30am and get back home at 7pm, having driven 52 miles each way across at least four counties! I deal with HR issues, monitoring and upgrading our customer service delivery, compliance matters, insurer relationships, premises and many other things that don’t actually mean dealing with a customer directly unless it’s because of a complaint. And I am particularly great at changing light bulbs!

Why take the plunge into scuba diving?
I was invited to do a try dive with a friend, but missed it and had one-to-one coaching instead. My brother was a BSAC instructor when he was in the RAF, so I’d always been curious – plus I am a water baby. The coaching took place a couple of months before I was going on a trip to Cuba that included diving at the hotel. Normally the course takes weeks, but because I wanted to get qualified before my holiday, I sped through it – in the winter, I may add! – so I could dive in the Caribbean.

Are there any shared qualities that you think are essential for life on the job and life in the ocean?
Definitely risk management and having the patience of a saint! I do a lot of coaching at work and I have started my dive instructor exams, because I believe being able to teach the subject makes me more capable of doing it safely. I also like to know things inside out, both at work and while diving.

Do you have any exciting diving plans coming up?
This year has been a real damp squib. A dive trip to Portland has been cancelled due to the weather and our club boat is in dry dock. I don’t really enjoy UK diving, but I believe it is important for my own safety to be a competent diver in difficult conditions. It makes diving somewhere like the Caribbean much easier and more enjoyable. In September, I am spending two weeks in Turkey, which should give me some reasonable dives. I have a love of turtles and will be diving near some turtle habitats. Hopefully it will be as exciting as my first experience of a turtle in a natural habitat last year in Mexico.

The CV

1979-1986: Commercial Union, Personal Lines and Commercial Underwriter
1987-1999: Commercial Union, Inspector
1999-2004: CGU/NU Account Manager
2004-present: James Hampden, Director, UK Division