Client feedback

“So much more proactive than the previous company. On the ball - thinking in advance of things needing doing - very proactive.”

Paul Rudd ,

Chairman of Trustees, Express Newspaper

“Back in the day there was a large trustee board, with several independents (from the financial world) and the ex-Chairman of the company was offered the role as Chair of Trustees as a sweetener when he stepped down. Unionised company then divided - broad range of active members. They needed some expertise, consistency and leadership during this time. Wanted a serious/professional to lead and guide the trustees. ”

Dave Benstead ,

Diodes Zetex

“Alex is the first professional trustee we have had and has revolutionised the way they look at things - helped above and beyond.”

Angela Clayton,

Accent Group

“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

“Kat & Jason are very good at making it happen – they just take care of it.”

Stephen Allaker ,

Bristol Myers-Squibb

“I learnt more than I expected to at the trustee training course. A good introduction to the trustee role.”

Rob Hartley,

RSPCA

2020 – what a year!

Topic:

Hot topic

Date published:

Monday, 21 December 2020

Author:

Curtis Mitchell

If stockpiling toilet paper, PPE, viability of deficit reduction contributions (DRCs), remote working and lockdowns weren’t enough, I’ve been thinking about all the additional challenges pension trustees and scheme secretaries have had to contend with over the past few months:

Covid-19 meant for many clients an in-depth assessment of ‘going concern’ became an unexpected hurdle for the annual audit of trustee report and accounts.
Then there was the scramble to sign off accounts by the end of September to ensure implementation statements were not required for another year.
For the schemes signed off since 1 October, we’ve had to figure out what goes into the implementation statement and what doesn’t!
Since 10 December, we’ve all had to do the rather bizarre compliance and certificate email to CMA to meet the deadline of 7 January 2021…

The Pensions Regulator ended the year with the introduction of the ‘pledge’ campaign to combat pension scams encouraging trustees, providers and administrators to sign up with best practice. This seems to have hit exactly the right note and I’m pleased this is clearly going to keep us busy over the months to come.

It’s been a difficult year for many and I’m sure we will all be happy to see the back of it, but on behalf of everyone at PSGS, we hope you have a safe, relaxing festive season and we look forward to working with – and hopefully seeing – you in 2021!

Oh and I can't forget the virtual meeting catch phrase of 2020 has to be ”You’re on mute!”.

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