The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is expanding its involvement in national disaster response through a formal partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, following the completion of the £104 million COVID-19 Support Fund that ran for five years.
The Fund, launched by the ABI in May 2020, was developed to assist charities during the height of the pandemic.
Backed by £84 million from the insurance and long-term savings industry and an additional £20 million from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the initiative became one of the largest private sector responses to the crisis. The financial support reached 17 national charities and more than 100 smaller community organisations.
“Insurers and long-term savings providers play a crucial role in the financial response to national crises," said Yvonne Braun, ABI executive lead, COVID-19 Support Fund and director of policy, long-term savings and health and protection. "They see the impact these events have on people’s lives and are committed to helping communities recover and rebuild."
In its early stages, the Fund allocated £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust. The Trust worked with Community Foundations to distribute resources at the local level, focusing on food, essentials, mental health support, and reducing social isolation. Another £2.5 million was channeled through Business in the Community’s National Business Response Network, directing corporate support to schools, local charities and housing services for vulnerable groups.
Over time, the initiative shifted toward supporting longer-term recovery efforts. These included projects for unpaid carers, people affected by domestic abuse, and those facing unemployment or in need of retraining. Funds also enabled the launch of services such as the Alzheimer’s Society’s volunteer-based Companion Calls and Action for Children’s Sidekick digital advice platform for young carers.
“By partnering with the National Emergencies Trust, we’re proud to build on the legacy of our COVID-19 Support Fund - demonstrating the power of our industry when it comes together to support those in need," Braun added.
Additionally, the Fund’s support for the FT’s Financial Literacy & Inclusion Campaign contributed to the production of accessible adult financial education materials, reaching a wide audience including NHS workers, low-income employees, and service personnel.
As the COVID-19 Support Fund concludes, the ABI’s new role as an appeal partner with the National Emergencies Trust will involve activating its member network during future national or local emergencies. The Trust, established in 2019, provides a centralised way for individuals and organisations to donate during crises. Funds are allocated to survivors, affected communities, and relevant charities.
"Our appeal partners programme is all about making that collaboration easier and faster in times of crisis, so we’re thrilled to welcome the ABI as our latest member," said Mhairi Sharp, CEO of National Emergencies Trust. "Their influence and connections will be a powerful force for good, when people across the UK need it most.”
Graeme Trudgill, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, called the fund “a great example of the insurance sector coming together”, while Christopher Jones of the International Underwriting Association noted it is “good to see that these efforts have had a long-term impact.”
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