Professionalism in practice: Video learning library

The Professionalism Committee has curated 10 videos from the high-quality suite of IFoA CPD content. These videos explore various professional scenarios and dilemmas that a member may encounter throughout their working career. They serve as prompts to encourage members to reflect on how they would navigate such predicaments.

The videos showcase the challenges and opportunities faced by actuaries as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the industry. Several important themes are explored throughout, including the impact of climate change, the emergence of AI and related tools, the importance of effective communication and principles from the Code of Conduct.

New videos added December 2025

Model of Discretion illustrates a dilemma whereby an actuary is hired for their knowledge of their previous employer’s proprietary model. When the new employer pressures her to reveal industry secrets, how would they respond?

Project Alaska describes a situation where a pricing actuary is away for a holiday but receives an unsolicited text message. He is asked by colleagues to approve a major decision urgently. This case elaborates on the challenges faced by poor communication.

Dear Prudence explores a common occurrence in a consulting environment. The client pressures the consulting actuary to alter key results to reduce contributions for a pension fund. This could place the consulting actuary in a difficult situation when their results are challenged.

All Systems Gone examines a serious incident of cyberattack on an organisation’s systems. When an organisation’s systems are held ransom, how would they respond? Should they call the police and notify staff and the public, or acquiesce to the hacker’s demands?

Existing videos

Lying AIs explores an interesting instance where AI learns to selectively adjust data to maximise the targeted objective. In a world where AI models and tools are becoming the norm, how will members tackle challenges in their understanding of “black boxes” and meet their obligations as an actuary?

Picking up the Slack describes a poorly managed project which challenges members’ ability to comply with relevant standards. It highlights the importance of technical peer reviews, maintaining clear audit trails and good documentation of work.

Temperatures Rising explores the principles of integrity and competence and care in the context of tackling climate change. Should organisations take a conscious effort to challenge environmental concerns or stick to traditional corporate objectives? When should lip service be replaced by real action?

Making the Cut examines the common biases encountered during the recruitment process. Key prejudices include age (both too young or too old), gender and personal reasons such as mental health.

Independence Day showcases the importance of professional integrity and independence, as a senior actuary follows his instincts and does what he believes is best for his company, even if it conflicts with the views of his superiors.

Boss's Best Buddy highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the workplace, as a graduate trainee actuary is the subject of office gossip regarding his relationship with his manager.

How to use these videos

You can get the most value from these videos by using them as part of a discussion group, where you can share ideas with others about the professional and ethical challenges involved. You can read about how to run one of these discussion groups here in this article, Flexing Your Ethical Muscles and it’s a great opportunity to bring ethics to life with your colleagues.

Alternatively, you could personally review and reflect on the scenarios and think about what you might to do manage such a situation. This is also a great way to build your ethical thinking skills and your awareness of our professional obligations.

Time spent with these videos will also contribute to your compulsory 5 CPD points per year of Professionalism Training. Schedule some time to enhance your actuarial, professional and ethical skills, and deepen your understanding of this dynamic and exciting profession.