Applications up 50 per cent for RSA’s third Making Partner Program
Seventy brokers will graduate program by 2010

October 19, 2009 - Leading home, car and business insurer RSA is pleased to announce the selection of 18 brokers for the third round of their ground-breaking Making Partner Program, an educational opportunity designed in partnership with Queen’s University.

"I commend RSA once again for their commitment to broker’s futures through continuation of the Making Partner Program,” said Chuck Byrne, Executive Director of the Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia and a member of the Making Partner third-party selection panel. "Interest in Making Partner is significant as clearly evidenced by the quality, scope and diversity of the applications received. I remain convinced this type of support is precisely what brokers need and that Making Partner will pay dividends for all involved.”

To date, RSA has supported 33 Canadian brokers through the program, helping them to prepare for senior roles within their brokerage. With applications up by 50 per cent for third round of the program this October, RSA will have graduated almost 70 Canadian brokers by the end of next year.

"This is a $1 million investment in the future of the Canadian broker force,” said Shawn DeSantis, Senior Vice President, Broker Business at RSA. "We strongly believe in helping brokers in their succession planning and we want to ensure they have the solid business skills they need to successfully grow their brokerage and take their business to the next level.”

About the Making Partner Program

RSA’s Making Partner Program provides leadership and business skills to brokers on track to become senior managers and who aspire to "make partner” one day in their brokerage. Designed in partnership with Queen’s University, the program includes a one-week session at Queen’s Executive Development Centre, an RSA Education Day and an alumni program.

About RSA

RSA Canada includes Roins Financial Services Limited, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Quebec Assurance Company, Johnson Inc., Western Assurance Company, Ascentus Insurance Ltd., Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company and is part of a global group of companies headed by RSA Insurance Group plc. RSA Canada employs approximately 3,100 people and is represented by a large network of brokers across the country. In 2008, the Canadian Group wrote $1.8 bn in direct premiums with assets exceeding $5.5 billion. Internationally, RSA Insurance Group plc employs about 22,000 people and has the capability to write business in 130 countries and in 2008 its net written premiums were £6.5bn.

RSA and CNS are trade names of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada and Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company, respectively.

For more information contact:

Christine Siemiernik
Corporate Communications Consultant, RSA
416-366-7600 ext. 2423