Client feedback

“I work with Wayne and Kirsty. They really understand our business - they work with the company while retaining independence and ensuring compliance. They are a joy and pleasure to work with. ”

Neil McCawley ,

Ferguson plc

“Appointing Kevin as KBC professional trustee was one of the best decisions the bank took. He complements the other two trustees and also appreciates the position of the employer too. The experience a professional trustee adds is invaluable and they can share their knowledge and market practice within the KBC plan. Kevin manages the budget in consultation with the bank, fully debriefs all parties and maintains a constant dialogue with myself (as HR Manager) and trustees. Since we have worked together for a number of years, Kevin also appreciates some of the limitations we face ie budgets, and always comes up with a proactive approach and solution. His input is particularly valued by the bank trustee who is an actuary in our pensions department in Belgium Head Office. ”

Sharron King,

KBC Bank

“When requesting information by email, I have noticed that there is 'out of hours activity' to answer me. I regard this as a stand out 'above and beyond' - impressed.”

“Kathy, may l take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance. There were many times l thought l was losing my mind during my efforts with Aviva. You were a pillar of support for me and you saw my case through to the very end. I cannot thank you enough but thank you again. It is through people like you who strive for professional fairness as well as thoroughness, HCA has such a good reputation.”

Ethel Chimutwe,

HCA International Ltd Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme

“Ian has added more value than we thought he would at the start… which shows it pays to go with someone who is doing the job of a professional trustee as their bread and butter.”

Katherine Cross,

Tyser

“Stuart is a very experienced and good leader and certainly has met expectations.”

Christopher MacFarlane ,

Bristow Group

From giver to taker of advice: the transition to trusteeship

Topic:

Hot topic

Date published:

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Author:

Stuart Southall

Moving into professional independent trusteeship after 38 years as a consulting actuary means I’ve had to learn to switch off an urge… the urge to give advice.

My experience on the other side of the fence has shown me a great professional trustee is someone who can take advice, and I’m now really looking forward to taking advice from others. Yes, my experience means I’m in the ideal position to robustly challenge the advice trustee boards I sit on are given, but it also means I understand the real benefit of that advice.

Collaboration is vital

Developing a real sense of collaboration with your fellow trustees means everyone feels part of a trustee board acting in unity. Together you feel part of a whole - and this helps ensure everyone has input into the decision making process and everyone understands the advice they receive.

The idea of collaborating with yourself as a sole trustee always makes me smile but collaboration is still important, even in sole trustee cases. You still need to collaborate with your colleagues who help support each client, with pension advisers and the pension scheme sponsor.

Over my years as a pension scheme actuary, I’ve seen a massive range of problems and challenges. I see my role now is to use this experience to help the pension trustee boards of the future address and solve the problems and challenges they face. By helping co-trustees take, challenge and analyse the professional advice we receive, we can reach the right decisions to protect and deliver benefits for our scheme members.

Being a professional trustee isn’t completely new to me – I have actually been one for several years. Having it as my main and only role is new and I’m looking forward to working with new pension trustee boards and advisers from across the pensions industry with this different hat firmly on my head!

Watch an interview with Stuart here

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