About us

Your clients are at the heart of what we do

As a mutual society, we're owned by our members, so we always work with their best interests in mind. Since 1868, we've adapted to various changes in the world and evolved our products to meet the needs of our members.

We offer a wide range of health, welfare, and protection products including Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection, Over 50s Life Cover and Care Plans, to give peace of mind and financial security to those who need it. With decades of experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, National Friendly will always be here to support you and your clients.

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Our history

1868

Founded in 1868 by Rev. Canon Portal at Albury Rectory, with the aim to provide a deposit system allowing members to co-fund medical help.

1900

The turn of the century saw an increase in popularity for the society and our numbers grew.

1948

Following World War 2, we continued to adapt alongside the country’s breakthroughs in medicine, including the foundation of the NHS.

1982

After numerous homes around the country, we moved to Bristol, where we’ve remained since.

2020

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we kept our human touch and supported our members however possible.

2023

We recently launched our unique Accident Only Income Protection and our four levels of My PMI, with many more exciting changes to come.

Underwriting

Learn about our pragmatic, flexible and friendly underwriting approach which provides cover that meets the profile of your client.

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News

Read about what we’ve been up to in our latest society news, articles, and insights.

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Our main decision making body and the Executive Committee runs the Society’s business.

Geoff Brown

Chairman

Geoff is a qualified Actuary and had 44 years of experience in the financial services industry before retiring in late 2013. He spent most of his career in the health and care sector including 20 years with international healthcare company BUPA Limited, where he held a variety of roles and responsibilities – most recently as Chief Risk Officer of the BUPA Group and prior to this as Director of Compliance and Chief Actuary of the UK division. Geoff is also currently a Non-Executive Director of Medicover Forsakrings AB (publ.) and Chair of its Compliance and Risk Committee. Medicover is a Swedish insurer which provides healthcare insurance propositions for individuals and companies in Poland, Romania and Hungary. Geoff joined the National Friendly Board as a Non-Executive Director in June 2014 and was appointed as Chairman of the Board in May 2021.

Mark Searles

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Mark has held senior executive and Board positions within Financial Services and Technology sectors. He most recently spent 9 years in Australia, as Group CEO & Managing Director of AUB Group Ltd, Australasia’s largest, listed, equity-based Risk Management group. Prior to moving to Australia, Mark held senior management positions with Zurich; LloydsTSB; HSBC; Sage and American Express. Returning to the UK in 2019, he is currently a Haberdashers-appointed Governor of an Education Academy Trust (Chairing their Audit Committee) in addition to holding various Advisory roles. Mark joined the National Friendly Board as a Non-Executive Director in June 2020 and was appointed as Senior Independent Director in May 2021.

Graham Singleton

CEO

Graham is a qualified Actuary with over 35 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has spent most of his career in Life and Pensions. He held Chief Actuary and Chief Financial Officer roles in various companies before latterly becoming CEO of the Phoenix Resolution Life Companies and Swiss Re’s UK Insurer Reassure Limited, and its Life and Pensions Outsourcing Business Admin Re Limited. More recently specialising in non-executive work covering a variety of Financial Services disciplines including Life & Pensions, Consumer Finance and General Insurance. Graham joined the National Friendly Board as a Non-Executive Director in December 2019 and was appointed as CEO in April 2021.

Julian Ellacott

Chief Actuary

Julian joined the Society in July 2020 to lead the Internal Actuarial Function. He qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 2003, and has over 20 years’ experience working in the Life Insurance Sector. He spent nearly 10 years working for the International Consultancy Watson Wyatt (now part of Willis Towers Watson), advising all types of Insurer, from friendly societies to multi-nationals. For the 11 years immediately prior to joining the Society he worked for Just Retirement (now Just Group), in a variety of actuarial roles spanning Risk and Capital Management, Pricing and Corporate Development. Julian was appointed to the Board as an Executive Director in May 2021 and also asked to act as Chief Actuary for the Society.

Oliver Jones

Commercial Director

Oliver joined the Society in August 2017 as Commercial Development Manager to develop and increase the Sales and Marketing Distribution. He has spent the past 18 years in the health and protection industry working closely with clients and intermediaries. Previously to joining National Friendly he was Head of Intermediaries overseeing the distribution of Private Healthcare and Short Term Income Protection through a network of specialist brokers. Oliver was appointed as Sales & Distribution Director in May 2022 looking to implement the Society’s long term strategy of growing a sustainable business model.

Simon Thomas

Non Executive Director

Simon is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales having trained with Price Waterhouse. He has over 30 years' experience in Financial Services, with most of his career in Life & Pensions. He retired from his most recent Executive role as Group Chief Financial Officer of Provident Financial Group PLC in March 2020. Prior to that, he was the Group Chief Financial Officer of Just Group PLC, a FTSE 250 Financial Services Company, for approximately 12 years. He was also the Finance & Customer Services Director at Canada Life (UK) and spent 10 years at Nationwide Building Society, where he started work in the Financial Systems area and ultimately became their Group Financial Controller. Simon is currently a Non Executive Director of the Melton Building Society and joined the National Friendly Board as a Non Executive Director in September 2023.

The key people responsible for the day-to-day running of the Society.

Graham Singleton

CEO

Graham is a qualified Actuary with over 35 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has spent most of his career in Life and Pensions. He held Chief Actuary and Chief Financial Officer roles in various companies before latterly becoming CEO of the Phoenix Resolution Life Companies and Swiss Re’s UK Insurer Reassure Limited, and its Life and Pensions Outsourcing Business Admin Re Limited. More recently specialising in non-executive work covering a variety of Financial Services disciplines including Life & Pensions, Consumer Finance and General Insurance. Graham joined the National Friendly Board as a Non-Executive Director in December 2019 and was appointed as CEO in April 2021.

Julian Ellacott

Chief Actuary

Julian joined the Society in July 2020 to lead the Internal Actuarial Function. He qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries in 2003, and has over 20 years’ experience working in the Life Insurance Sector. He spent nearly 10 years working for the International Consultancy Watson Wyatt (now part of Willis Towers Watson), advising all types of Insurer, from friendly societies to multi-nationals. For the 11 years immediately prior to joining the Society he worked for Just Retirement (now Just Group), in a variety of actuarial roles spanning Risk and Capital Management, Pricing and Corporate Development. Julian was appointed to the Board as an Executive Director in May 2021 and also asked to act as Chief Actuary for the Society.

Oliver Jones

Sales & Distribution Director

Oliver joined the Society in August 2017 as Commercial Development Manager to develop and increase the Sales and Marketing Distribution. He has spent the past 18 years in Sales working closely with clients and intermediaries in various roles and industries. Previously to joining National Friendly he was Head of Intermediaries overseeing the distribution of Private Healthcare and Short Term Income Protection through a network of specialist brokers. Oliver was appointed as Sales & Distribution Director in May 2022 looking to implement the Society’s long term strategy of growing a sustainable business model.

Martyn Love

Head of Risk & Strategic Projects

Martyn joined the Society in November 1990 as part of the Finance Team. During his time with the Society, Martyn has held numerous managerial roles including Customer Services, Premiums and Business Services. More recently Martyn has held the position of Risk & Assurance Manager with responsibility for overseeing the development of the Society’s Risk Appetite Framework, Risk Universe and oversight of the Internal Audit function. Martyn has also successfully lead the Project Team in the development and launch of a number of the Society’s new products including Accident Only Income Protection, Guaranteed Life Assurance and Immediate Care Annuities. Martyn is also a Trustee of the Society’s Pension Scheme and holds qualifications in Risk Management and is an EU General Data Protection Regulation Practitioner.

Liz Thompson

Head of Legal & Compliance

Liz Thompson joined the Society on a permanent basis in September 2021 to lead the Legal and Compliance function, this also includes the complaints handling for both the regulated entities. Liz brings with her a wealth of expertise and experience creating and leading various Compliance teams within the regulated environment, including the mutual sector, as well as setting up complaints handling functions. Liz also has extensive experience of risk management, governance and conduct risk within the sector. Liz has worked as a consultant for the last few years and has acted as Chief Risk Officer, Risk and Compliance Director and Head of Compliance and Governance in temporary roles supporting regulated entities.

Andy Jeffree

Head of Internal Audit

Andy joined the society in March 2023 and has worked in Internal Audit and Risk Management roles for the last 19 years of his 35 year career (and counting) in the Financial Services industry. He joined the Institute of Internal Auditors in 2008, qualifying in 2013 and gaining Chartered Internal Auditor status in 2016 as well as Chartered Manager with the Chartered Management Institute. He has gained a strong knowledge of risks, controls and governance as well as organisation, communication and analytical skills having conducted internal control reviews and audits over a wide range of processes in financial services.