Nominations open on Thursday for the inaugural Valerie Baker Memorial Award, which recognises excellence in the general insurance intermediary sector.

Ms Baker died earlier this year after suffering mesothelioma – a rare form of cancer.

After moving to Melbourne from England as a 16-year-old in 1963 she launched a successful insurance career and was the first woman to become a director of a broking company. In 1995 she founded Gold Seal Practice Management.

Nominations for the award – sponsored by Gold Seal and Steadfast – close on November 30.

The judging panel includes Ms Baker’s sister and Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker, Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly and Lloyd’s General Representative for Australia Adrian Humphreys.

Shortlisted nominees will be interviewed and a winner will be announced at next year’s Steadfast Convention.

The prize is a trip to London, including business class airfares, accommodation, attendance at a relevant industry course and a tour of Lloyd’s.

“Valerie generously encouraged and mentored her industry cohorts and gave freely of her knowledge and time to help all comers during her life and her career,” her sister told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“This award will formalise that assistance and is designed to be a career development and knowledge enhancement opportunity.”

The award is open to Australian residents working for any general insurance brokerage or underwriting agency.

Nomination forms and further details can be found at the Gold Seal website.

(Link http://www.goldseal.com.au/124/Valerie-Baker-Memorial-Award)