UK change and transformation market insights in insurance 2026: Return to office, salaries and transformation drivers

What factors currently drive change programmes in insurance? Why do change and transformation professionals seek new roles? What are typical in-office requirements and salaries within this sector?

To understand how trends and norms in 2026 differ from last year’s data, we conducted a survey of over 100 change professionals working in the UK insurance industry.

Change and transformation professionals seek flexibility

Flexibility remains a top priority for change professionals. Among those surveyed, 48% identify flexible work arrangements as their top priority when seeking new roles, while 65% say they’re required to be in the office two to three days per week. 

Hybrid is now a settled middle ground. Employers who don’t offer some degree of flexibility may experience narrower talent pools. There are, nonetheless, benefits to delivering change in person. 

As shared in the report:

“In many ways, stakeholder management, delivering change and getting people to buy into change are best done face to face. Employers are realising the importance of the personable side of the job, which involves winning the hearts and minds of the business before bringing a transformation programme to life.” 

M&A activity and AI are driving transformation initiatives

Increased M&A activity has been driving change programmes in insurance, with many insurers seeking to build capability and tooling in line with a growing AI-first mindset. 

At the same time, some change professionals remain wary of AI, cautioning against finding ‘problems to fit solutions’ before greater regulatory clarity and stronger ROI outcomes are achieved.

Salary expectations need aligning with market conditions

Whereas 77% of change professionals in 2025 agreed that they were paid fairly for their roles and responsibilities, only 50% feel they are paid fairly in 2026. 

To attract top talent, recruiters and employers will need to work together to educate candidates regarding market conditions, creating alignment through accurate salary benchmarking and clear communication of progression pathways. 

Request a download of our Change & Transformation Market Insight and Salary Survey

For the full results, a detailed picture of the current change landscape (including permanent and IR35 contract insights) plus detailed salary bands per role, request a download of our 2026 change & transformation market insights. 

If you’re a change and transformation professional looking for your next opportunity or are looking to bring in the best change talent, please get in touch with me.