Suncorp is investing in extensive training for its workers’ compensation and motor vehicle compulsory third party staff, and wants 80% of its 600 staff to gain additional qualifications.

The first intake of 113 staff started their further education in September, while the next intake in March will involve another 100.

Currently Suncorp has four staff completing Masters degrees, 29 completing diplomas and 80 doing either a Certificate III in Financial Services or a Certificate IV in General Insurance.

Spokesman Jake Krausmann told insuranceNEWS.com.au that in the past “there hasn’t been much in terms of specific qualifications in personal injury management” but that is changing.

External training providers such as ANZIIF and the Personal Injury Education Foundation are offering the diploma course, while certificate courses are completed in-house.

All costs associated with the certificates and diplomas are borne by Suncorp.

“Personal injury claims management is one of the most complex areas in insurance,” Mr Krausmann said. “You are dealing with the injured person, their employer, their family, their doctor and even their work colleagues.”