Our Grants Committee plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the Charity by considering applications for financial assistance from current and former insurance employees and their dependants, who are experiencing hardship due to misfortune. We are delighted to have recently welcomed four new members to the Committee.
Matt Branch
With more than 20 years’ experience in people leadership, welfare support, and organisational governance across complex public sector environments, Matt has a strong track record of supporting individuals and families facing hardship, health challenges, and personal crisis.
As a Chartered Member of the CIPD, he has extensive experience assessing evidence, balancing competing priorities, and providing objective recommendations to senior decision-makers. Having worked closely with charities, healthcare providers, and statutory agencies, and supported funding applications and grant assessment processes, he is committed to ensuring fair, transparent, and compassionate access to support for those most in need.
Charlie de Carvalho
Charlie has a background in recruitment and has spent over six years working for AIG in talent acquisition. Having previously worked in Hong Kong and Singapore, he has in-depth knowledge of the HR landscape in both the UK and Asia Pacific.
In his role, he regularly encounters people facing challenging circumstances and requiring support. Whilst he believes that insurance companies are generally very good at supporting their employees, he feels that circumstances are rarely the same, and so the ability to provide more bespoke forms of support would be highly beneficial for individuals and their families.
Charlie’s work has also included a focus on early careers, DE&I, Employee Resource Groups and disability inclusion – all areas of expertise that will be of great benefit to the Committee when reviewing cases.
Vannessa Young
Vannessa is the British Insurance Brokers’ Association’s (BIBA) Compliance, Sustainability and Advisory Boards’ Manager, and has been working in the insurance industry for more than thirty years. She began her career as a journalist and editor working on specialist insurance publications including the Financial Times, at Lloyd’s, and an internet compliance start-up. At BIBA, she holds several roles, including compliance and regulator relations, looking after the Association’s governance through its advisory boards and, most recently, its Social Commitment Policy, actively supporting social causes and initiatives that align with the Association’s values and purpose.
Vannessa brings a wealth of experience in the industry to the Committee, including the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and sensitivity. She values diverse perspectives and believes effective committees combine robust scrutiny with compassion and understanding.
Laura Thrale
Laura is currently Head of International Compliance and has previously undertaken a wealth of insurance-related compliance and risk roles.
In her work, Laura advises Boards and senior leaders on complex matters requiring sound judgement, objectivity, and balanced, ethical decision-making. Her ability to assess evidence, apply policies fairly and consistently, and consider the impact of decisions on both individuals and organisations will be a much-valued set of skills on the Committee. Laura’s understanding of the importance of balancing compassion with the responsible management of charitable resources, coupled with her wealth of skills, will enable her to make a positive contribution to the careful assessment of grant applications.
