Please note: programme is subject to change

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Registration and Refreshments

Welcome to the Autumn Trustee Senate hosted by Professional Pensions.

As you step into this enlightening conference at the Fanhams Hall, rest assured that your belongings will be attentively cared for while you immerse yourself in the enriching sessions of day one. 

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Welcome and Opening Remarks

Jonathan Stapleton, Editor- in-chief, Professional Pensions

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Opening Keynote

Welcome to Professional Pensions Trustee Senate 2025. We begin this year’s senate with a keynote geopolitical update, exploring the risks and forces shaping markets and societies. Our guest Keynote Speaker, Manas Chawla, a political risk expert and the Founder of London Politica, the world's largest political risk advisory for social impact, will share insights to help trustees navigate an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

Speaker
Founder and Chief Executive
London Politica
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Navigating the Net Zero Transition: the role of investors on society’s road to net zero

The momentum for climate action has weakened, but the science has not changed. With climate risks escalating and temperatures continuing to rise, the urgency for action is clear. At Robeco, we are dedicated to navigating this transition and helping our clients carefully manage both climate risks and opportunities.

In this session, Lucian Peppelenbos will evaluate where we – society - are today on the journey to net zero, the challenges ahead and the role that investors can play.

    Speaker
    Climate & Biodiversity Strategist
    Robeco
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    Networking and Refreshments

    An ideal opportunity to connect with fellow trustees and relish refreshments provided by Fanhams Hall, for first class company and a second to none experience!

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    An Update On The Insurance Linked Strategies Opportunity

    Alistair Jones updates on how pension schemes have been allocating to Insurance Linked Strategies. The opportunity for schemes to enhance potential returns, genuinely diversify risk, provide liquidity, as well as social resilience to societies from climate events has been a popular trend in recent years.

      Speaker
      Managing Director and Head of ESG
      Leadenhall Capital Partners
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      Retirement realities: Supporting smarter decumulation choices

      As members approach retirement and enter the decumulation phase, they face crucial choices around how to access their pension savings. This session will examine the evolving landscape of retirement behaviours — including the increasing use of drawdown versus annuities, the reasons behind these decisions, and what trustees need to know to support good outcomes.

      This session will address:

      • Evolving member preferences – how are retirement income choices changing
      • Navigating investment risk across different decumulation pathways
      • What an effective default decumulation strategy should look like
      • Emerging innovations and developments trustees should be aware of
      Speaker
      Principal and Investment Consultant
      Barnett Waddingham
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      Lunch

      This is your chance to mingle, connect, and replenish your energy amidst the Trustee Senate's vibrant atmosphere. Join us in savouring a spread prepared to elevate your midday experience. Whether you're networking, sharing insights, or simply taking a moment to unwind; Take your seat, and enjoy! 

      Day 1 Boardrooms

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      Beyond Buyout: Making sense of run-on strategies in the DB endgame

      As DB schemes approach their endgame, increasing alternatives to buyout are reaching the market. Run-on strategies are emerging as a viable, flexible alternative- but how do they work in practice and what do trustees need to consider?

      This session will address:

      • Evaluating whether a run-on approach is suitable for your scheme
      • Comparing different run-on models and the outcomes they deliver
      • Strategic and governance considerations to secure long-term member benefits
      • Practical lessons and actionable insights for trustees and sponsors
      Speakers
      Senior Actuarial Consultant
      Hymans Robertson
      Principal
      Hymans Robertson
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      Private markets and pensions: Unlocking value in a changing landscape

      Mansion House II has set the tone for a significant shift in how DC schemes approach private markets. As allocations to private assets looks to grow, pension professionals face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. So how can DC schemes successfully increase private market allocations, and specifically real estate allocations, and is this to the benefit of members?

      This session will address:

      • What are the key opportunities and barriers in the private markets investment landscape - a discussion on returns and liquidity
      • The role of real estate assets in a diversified growth portfolio
      • How aligned are private markets with the productive finance agenda
      Speaker
      Co-head of Institutional UK Real Estate
      Columbia Threadneedle Investments
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      Trustee Tribunal: Trustee led discussion on current issues

      In this peer-to-peer session, delegates will discuss the challenges they are facing both as individual trustees and boards, looking at how they are working to overcome these hurdles. Trustees will have the chance to learn from each other's experiences and discuss a wide array of issues they encounter leaving them with food for thought on how to approach these developments.

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        Trustee Tribunal: Trustee led discussion on current issues
        In this peer-to-peer session, delegates will discuss the challenges they are facing both as individual trustees and boards, looking at how they are working to overcome these hurdles. Trustees will have the chance to learn from each other's experiences and discuss a wide array of issues they encounter leaving them with food for thought on how to approach these developments.
        -
        Beyond Buyout: Making sense of run-on strategies in the DB endgame

        As DB schemes approach their endgame, increasing alternatives to buyout are reaching the market. Run-on strategies are emerging as a viable, flexible alternative- but how do they work in practice and what do trustees need to consider?

        This session will address:

        • Evaluating whether a run-on approach is suitable for your scheme
        • Comparing different run-on models and the outcomes they deliver
        • Strategic and governance considerations to secure long-term member benefits
        • Practical lessons and actionable insights for trustees and sponsors
        Speakers
        Senior Actuarial Consultant
        Hymans Robertson
        Principal
        Hymans Robertson
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        Private markets and pensions: Unlocking value in a changing landscape

        Mansion House II has set the tone for a significant shift in how DC schemes approach private markets. As allocations to private assets looks to grow, pension professionals face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. So how can DC schemes successfully increase private market allocations, and specifically real estate allocations, and is this to the benefit of members?

        This session will address:

        • What are the key opportunities and barriers in the private markets investment landscape - a discussion on returns and liquidity
        • The role of real estate assets in a diversified growth portfolio
        • How aligned are private markets with the productive finance agenda
        Speaker
        Co-head of Institutional UK Real Estate
        Columbia Threadneedle Investments
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        Private markets and pensions: Unlocking value in a changing landscape

        Mansion House II has set the tone for a significant shift in how DC schemes approach private markets. As allocations to private assets looks to grow, pension professionals face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. So how can DC schemes successfully increase private market allocations, and specifically real estate allocations, and is this to the benefit of members?

        This session will address:

        • What are the key opportunities and barriers in the private markets investment landscape - a discussion on returns and liquidity
        • The role of real estate assets in a diversified growth portfolio
        • How aligned are private markets with the productive finance agenda
        Speaker
        Co-head of Institutional UK Real Estate
        Columbia Threadneedle Investments
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        Trustee Tribunal: Trustee led discussion on current issues
        In this peer-to-peer session, delegates will discuss the challenges they are facing both as individual trustees and boards, looking at how they are working to overcome these hurdles. Trustees will have the chance to learn from each other's experiences and discuss a wide array of issues they encounter leaving them with food for thought on how to approach these developments.
        -
        Beyond Buyout: Making sense of run-on strategies in the DB endgame

        As DB schemes approach their endgame, increasing alternatives to buyout are reaching the market. Run-on strategies are emerging as a viable, flexible alternative- but how do they work in practice and what do trustees need to consider?

        This session will address:

        • Evaluating whether a run-on approach is suitable for your scheme
        • Comparing different run-on models and the outcomes they deliver
        • Strategic and governance considerations to secure long-term member benefits
        • Practical lessons and actionable insights for trustees and sponsors
        Speakers
        Senior Actuarial Consultant
        Hymans Robertson
        Principal
        Hymans Robertson
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        Refreshments Break

        An ideal opportunity to connect with fellow trustees and relish refreshments provided by Fanhams Hall, for first class company and a second to none experience! 

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        Free Time and Networking

        Use this opportunity to connect with fellow trustees, catch up on any work, or utilise the venue's fantastic facilities during this period of free time.

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        Drinks Reception

        As the sun sets and the atmosphere transforms, treat yourself to a selection of beverages and indulge in forging connections with fellow attendees. Cheers to creating memories, toasting to success, and embracing the spirit of togetherness in a setting designed to delight. Step into the allure of our drinks reception, where every connection is an opportunity waiting to be discovered.

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        Dinner

        Experience an evening of fine dining hosted by Professional Pensions at the esteemed Fanhams Hall. Set against the backdrop of this exquisite location, and sophisticated atmosphere of Fanhams Hall; This memorable dinner experience promises a night of refined dining and meaningful interactions that will leave a lasting impression.

        After dinner revel in an amazing speech by our esteemed guest speaker, Gerald Ratner!

        Speaker