Day 1 Programme
Please note: programme is subject to change
Welcome to the Trustee Senate hosted by Professional Pensions.
As you step into this enlightening conference at the Tylney 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 Trustee Senate 2026. We begin this year’s Senate with a keynote from Frank Gardner, the BBC’s Security Correspondent, exploring the geopolitical and security developments reshaping the global outlook. Drawing on his extensive experience reporting on international affairs, conflict and global security, Frank will examine the forces driving instability, the shifting balance of global power and the risks emerging for governments, businesses and institutions. He will offer a compelling perspective on what these developments could mean for markets, long-term investment and the environment in which trustees are making decisions.
Private markets are becoming a more established part of DC investment, with LTAFs creating new ways for schemes to access them. But gaining access is only the first step. Trustees still need to understand where the opportunities lie, how different assets work together and what this means for members.
This session will explore how schemes can build a diversified private-markets allocation through an LTAF, from private equity and debt to real assets. It will consider portfolio construction, liquidity and implementation, and how trustees can balance UK investment ambitions with strong long-term member outcomes.
An ideal opportunity to connect with fellow trustees and relish refreshments provided by Tylney Hall, for first class company and a second to none experience!
DB endgame decisions are increasingly shaped by market conditions rather than funding levels alone. Volatile bond markets, insurer capacity constraints and high asset valuations have introduced new timing and risks for trustees considering buy-in, buy-out or run-on strategies.
This session moves beyond possible routes and execution mechanics to examine how trustees can factor market context into strategic decision-making within the endgame, and how they are assessing whether to lock in outcomes.
Alistair Jones updates on how both DB and DC UK pension schemes have been allocating to Insurance Linked Strategies over the last year. The opportunity for schemes to enhance potential returns, diversify risk, be liquid and provide resilience to societies has been a popular allocation in recent years.
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
This workshop will explore how DB and DC pension schemes can use securitised credit to enhance yields, improve diversification and support collateral management within LDI portfolios. Through practical examples, attendees will gain an understanding of key risks, liquidity considerations, governance requirements and manager selection.
It’s here, it’s growing and it’s creating change. We’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence and innovative technologies set to reshape every industry, with pensions being no exception. But before looking to the future, we need to understand where the technology is today, what it can do and how it is already being used.
This session will explore the innovation already taking place across pensions, from administration and member communications to investment and governance. It will highlight the opportunities this creates and the questions trustees should be asking their advisers and service providers, helping them build the understanding needed to oversee its use and deliver better and secure outcomes for schemes and members.
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.
This workshop will explore how DB and DC pension schemes can use securitised credit to enhance yields, improve diversification and support collateral management within LDI portfolios. Through practical examples, attendees will gain an understanding of key risks, liquidity considerations, governance requirements and manager selection.
It’s here, it’s growing and it’s creating change. We’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence and innovative technologies set to reshape every industry, with pensions being no exception. But before looking to the future, we need to understand where the technology is today, what it can do and how it is already being used.
This session will explore the innovation already taking place across pensions, from administration and member communications to investment and governance. It will highlight the opportunities this creates and the questions trustees should be asking their advisers and service providers, helping them build the understanding needed to oversee its use and deliver better and secure outcomes for schemes and members.
It’s here, it’s growing and it’s creating change. We’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence and innovative technologies set to reshape every industry, with pensions being no exception. But before looking to the future, we need to understand where the technology is today, what it can do and how it is already being used.
This session will explore the innovation already taking place across pensions, from administration and member communications to investment and governance. It will highlight the opportunities this creates and the questions trustees should be asking their advisers and service providers, helping them build the understanding needed to oversee its use and deliver better and secure outcomes for schemes and members.
This workshop will explore how DB and DC pension schemes can use securitised credit to enhance yields, improve diversification and support collateral management within LDI portfolios. Through practical examples, attendees will gain an understanding of key risks, liquidity considerations, governance requirements and manager selection.
An ideal opportunity to connect with fellow trustees and relish refreshments provided by Tylney Hall, for first class company and a second to none experience!
Please use this time to check-in to the comfort of your room.
Along with our agenda full of fantastic speakers, you will also have the opportunity to utilise the venue’s facilities.
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.
Before dinner revel in an amazing speech by our esteemed guest speaker, more details coming soon!
Experience an evening of fine dining hosted by Professional Pensions at the esteemed Tylney Hall. Set against the backdrop of this exquisite location, and sophisticated atmosphere of Tylney Hall; This memorable dinner experience promises a night of refined dining and meaningful interactions that will leave a lasting impression.