Professional Indemnity/Liability Insurance

Professional Indemnity (PI) or, as it is sometimes called, Professional Liability insurance, covers any claims made against the University (and persons performing any function under the aegis of the University) arising out of any negligent act, error or omission on the part of the University in or about the conduct of the University's business.

Anyone who gives to another person advice and/or services of a skillful character according to an established discipline might be regarded as a 'professional'. That means persons other than those in 'traditional' professions, such as doctors and lawyers, can be considered to be 'professionals' eg. computer consultants, advertising agents, university academics etc.

A 'professional' will hold himself or herself out as having a special skill, which can be relied upon by another. Consequently, the law requires that the 'professional' exercise the required skill to an appropriate level expected by that profession. Professionals are only human and mistakes do happen. Any financial loss, injury or damage arising from a mistake or failure by the 'professional' to exercise the required level of skill may mean that an award is made in favour of a person who suffers the loss, damage or injury. A 'professional' may also be held to be liable for a mistake even though there was no negligence.

As with all insurance policies, this protection is subject to certain terms, exclusions, conditions and limitations.

The Professional Indemnity Policy is administered by the Manager, Insurance and Risk Management, Kazia Lombardo [t: 6620 3696; e: kazia.lombardo@scu.edu.au]

Updated: 26 May 2011