Please note: programme is subject to change
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.
Jonathan Stapleton, Editor- in-chief, Professional Pensions
Welcome to Professional Pensions
Recent policy developments, including the Pension Schemes Bill, Mansion House II, and the government’s response to the options for DB schemes consultation, mark a significant shift in the UK pensions landscape. With major implications for trustees, sponsors, and scheme members, this session will unpack what these changes mean in practice and how schemes should respond.
This session will address:
- What are the key policy changes and their associated timelines
- How the reforms will change the pensions industry and what opportunities they present
- The implications for member outcomes and scheme strategy
- How to effectively prepare for these changes
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!
Despite ongoing geopolitical headwinds, the net-zero transition is gaining pace and pension schemes play a vital role in this transition. This session explores the opportunities and challenges in aligning pension portfolios with net-zero commitments whilst delivering long-term sustainable value for savers.
This session will address:
- The current state of responsible investments in pensions
- Real examples of pension scheme transition plans
- Striking the right balance between financial goals, sustainability commitments, and fiduciary duty
- Impact investment opportunities for pension schemes and what are some investible opportunities
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 schemes successfully increase private market 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 including in the UK
- Do private markets and productive finance deliver long-term value for savers
- The role of private market assets in a diversified DC portfolio
- Risk considerations across different private market asset classes
- How to educate members on private market investments increasing engagement
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
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
Supporting members through their retirement journey requires more than just information – it demands meaningful engagement and clear, empathetic communication. By combining digital innovation with a human-centred approach, trustees can build trust, boost member confidence, and drive better decisions.
This session will address:
- Strategies to engage the unengaged and transform passive members into active participants
- How will engagement drive better outcomes
- How to make engagement easier and more impactful for members
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
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
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
- Strategies to engage the unengaged and transform passive members into active participants
- How will engagement drive better outcomes
- How to make engagement easier and more impactful for members
- Strategies to engage the unengaged and transform passive members into active participants
- How will engagement drive better outcomes
- How to make engagement easier and more impactful for members
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
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
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! You can also use this opportunity to check into your rooms from the registration desk.
With the introduction of recent pension policy reforms and TPR launching its strategy to drive up standards of trusteeship, the role of trustees is coming under increasing change and scrutiny. This session will explore how trustees can adapt to thrive in this increasingly complex environment.
This session will address:
- The implication of the evolving pensions landscape for trusteeship
- Emerging trends and shifts in the professional trustee market
- The impact of increased oversight by TPR on trusteeship
- How regulatory change is shifting the roles and responsibilities of trustees
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.
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.
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.
Before dinner revel in an amazing speech by our esteemed guest speaker, more details coming soon!