UK Insurance Change Management Salary Survey: a look at the contract market

We recently conducted a survey of over 100 mid-to-senior level change management professionals working in insurance and reinsurance to get a picture of the market over the last year. Based on their insights, the contract recruitment market is looking particularly robust. But what are the benefits of hiring contract resource? And how can insurers attract the best contract talent? Let’s take a closer look at the contract recruitment market within insurance change management. 

The shorter-term nature of project work 

There’s huge demand for transformation projects as organisations look to future-proof themselves in a changing, challenging business environment. For many organisations, contracting offers the ideal route for bringing in the right experts who can ensure speedy delivery before moving on to their next assignment. 

The need for immediate impact 

Facing tight project deadlines, organisations need subject matter experts with finely honed skill sets who immediately understand the nature of the business, the purpose of the project and the requirements of the role. While a permanent hire will often take a while to become embedded in the business, a contractor will often be able to make an instant impact, which is hugely important when it comes to project delivery. 

Building expertise 

Contractors provide ready-made, tried and trusted expertise that might not already exist in the organisation. Having a flow of genuine experts who have been there and done that, who know what’s required to deliver a project, allows an organisation to constantly build on its bank of knowledge and embed a change mindset. Every project delivered is a set of lessons learned. 

Attracting change management talent 

To stand out from their competitors and attract the best talent in an increasingly competitive contract recruitment market, employers need to offer:  

Attractive compensation packages 

67.6% of contractors agree that their pay is a fair reflection of their role and deliverables, suggesting a clear understanding of their industry, current market rates and the value of their skills. These people know what they’re worth, so if you don’t pay them at least the going rate for their expertise, someone else will. 

Flexibility 

When making a move, flexible working is the biggest priority for 57.1% of change management professionals working in insurance. In our everyday conversations with candidates, we’re seeing that they’re much more willing to come into the office when their employer understands the importance of work-life balance and is willing to be flexible when it comes to childcare and other family needs. 

Longevity 

A contractor doesn’t just want to come in to get a project over the line. They want to be involved in everything from inception to planning to delivery, working as a trusted, independent expert whose skills are valued. Having a contractor involved right from the start doesn’t just give them a sense of importance. It also gives them the opportunity to bring their experience to bear on the project right from the outset. 

Conclusion: from stability to certainty 

In a world where stability is distinctly lacking and adaptability is key, what businesses now need is certainty. Ensuring high-quality talent with the experience and specific skill set required, contract hiring provides that certainty. And for skilled contractors, it offers considerable rewards, career flexibility and the opportunity to hone their skills while making a difference to a number of organisations. 

For the full results of our survey, take a look at our UK Change Management and Transformation Market Overview and Salary Survey 2025. 

If you’re a hiring manager looking for a highly skilled change management contractor to help deliver a project for your organisation, or you’re a change management professional looking for your next contract role, please get in touch with me: laura.bellamy@eamesconsulting.com