New Actuaries Institute President Jenny Lyon wants to grow the profession’s contribution to public policy discussion and advise governments and regulators on issues including climate change and risks in finance.

Actuaries have the experience and knowledge to provide important inputs, she says.

“They apply a holistic view, consider a wide range of parameters but can also dive into the detail and understand what drives outcomes,” Ms Lyon said. “A key strength of the profession is that it offers an independent voice that government and regulators can trust.”

Institute members have been appointed to advise Federal Treasury on the development of retirement income products, and the institute has produced issues papers about climate change, among other matters.

Members are working on a paper examining the complexities of insurance and mental health.

Ms Lyon also intends to increase engagement with younger members.

“People are the strength of our profession,” she said. “Our young members are our future, they represent the majority in our profession.”

Ms Lyon is a director of SKL Executive, a specialist actuarial recruitment consulting business.