Pooling Academy
9/5/23 at 12:00 PM to 7/1/25 at 12:00 PM
Pooling Academy – Enroll here (ongoing – can enroll at any time).
- Understand key concepts relating to public entity pooling and learn how it differs from traditional insurance.
- Develop a strong knowledge within core pooling functions. Learn to effectively manage pooling operations and utilize critical thinking skills.
- Access in-depth information addressing both the ongoing needs of pools and the latest trending topics.
Course Catalogue:
Pooling Basics – Pooling Basics courses are designed to offer learners a baseline understanding of core pool operations including governance, underwriting, claims, finance, risk management, member relations, and employee benefits. Within each course, learners will explore key concepts, learn from pooling experts, and engage with interactive exercises to increase their pooling knowledge and bring that knowledge to their own pools.
How Pools Can Help Public Entities Manage Cyber Risks – Cyber incidents are an evolving threat for public entities and an important issue risk pools are actively addressing. Pools can help member entities avoid or minimize the impact of cyber incidents. This hot topic course will discuss the importance of good cyber hygiene for public entities and five cyber hygiene practices pools can help prioritize. We’ll also identify other ways pools can support public entity practices to boost cybersecurity and resources that might be useful to pools and their members.
The Top 5 Influences on Pools Right Now – This special edition hot topic offers insight into the Top 5 Influences on Pools Right Now. For each influence, AGRiP Executive Director Ann Gergen identifies our shared pooling history, our current state, and where we might be headed in the future. Influences: Turnover, Cybersecurity, Weather Patterns, Well-Being, Pooling Mindset.
Financial Reporting Practices – Every pool has processes and practices to ensure adequate and transparent financial reporting, whether determined solely by its own financial policies and governing body or required by regulation. Annual audited financial statements are an important foundation of pool financial reporting practices. The first module reviews variations in pool financial reporting and how pools provide important financial reporting through their annual audited financial statements. The second module covers variations in pool financial reporting and important elements of audited financial statements.
Business Continuity – This course discusses the goals of Business Continuity Planning and the importance of developing clear mitigation and response strategies to not only react and respond during an unexpected event but to thrive before, during, and after the event.
Internal Controls & Data Management – Internal controls are the mechanisms, policies and procedures used to ensure financial and accounting information integrity. Internal controls aid a pool in promoting transparency, accountability and fraud prevention. In this course, learners will explore the reasons why internal controls are vital to pooling, including important considerations for capturing and managing financial data.
The Role of Diversity & Inclusion in Pooling – This course explores diversity and inclusion as they relate to a pool’s culture, people and practices. We define diversity and inclusion concepts, the benefits and power of inclusivity, and how to incorporate a diverse mindset into pool culture and operations.
Finance Operating Budgets – The members and governing body of any public entity risk pool depend on pool management to develop an accurate budget that adequately funds all its operations and supports rate stability. In the first module to this course, Budget Types and Revenues, learners will review the basic components of a pool budget (including program, general administration, and capital asset budgets) and common sources of revenue for pools. In the second module, Expenses, Budget Influences and Related Considerations, learners will review common pool expenditures and variables that a pool may encounter during its budgeting process.