The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is set to deliver training that supports the latest version of the General Insurance Code of Practice.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) board approved the new document at the end of last month and the revised code will take effect from January, with a transition period.

The three training programs cover the full code as well as learning modules that target new obligations on services suppliers and insurance investigators.

ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford says there is an increased focus generally on improving customer outcomes following the Hayne royal commission and the code reflects a genuine commitment by insurers.

“We have been engaging with the industry broadly and there is clearly a strong desire to improve,” she told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “This is a significant step forward in terms of customer care.

“There is no doubt that is in the customers’ interests, but it is also in the interests of industry to do it well.”

The revised code includes a focus on vulnerable customers, including those facing financial hardship and issues around mental health and domestic violence.

“All of the vulnerability requirements and importantly how the code responds to that are all embedded in this training,” Ms Willsford said.

ANZIIF is also producing a centralised platform that can provide a training record as the enforcement of requirements becomes more rigorous and the code extends to third-party suppliers such as investigators.