Please note: programme is subject to change

-
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. 

-
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Jonathan Stapleton, Editor- in-chief, Professional Pensions

-
Opening Keynote

Welcome to Professional Pensions

-
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
    -
    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!

    -
    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
      -
      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
      -
      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

      -
      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
      -
      Smarter engagement, stronger outcomes: Empowering members through better communication

      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
      -
      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 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
      -
      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 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
      -
      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
      -
      Smarter engagement, stronger outcomes: Empowering members through better communication
      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
      -
      Smarter engagement, stronger outcomes: Empowering members through better communication
      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
      -
      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 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
      -
      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
      -
      Networking and 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! You can also use this opportunity to check into your rooms from the registration desk.

      -
      The changing nature of trusteeship in an evolving pensions landscape

      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
      -
      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.

      -
      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.

      -
      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