Mid November brings the annual trip to the seaside that is the LGPS Pension Managers’ Conference in Torquay. The only conference on the circuit with a predominantly administration focus, the event is part technical forum, part an exchange of ideas and part support group for the UK’s LGPS pension managers.

You can read about the various presentations and workshops in our Conference Highlights, but there were three themes that seemed to resonate throughout both days of the conferences and many of the presentations.

Get ready for a blizzard of legislation

Newly appointed local government minister, Lee Rowley, faces quite an in-tray of stalled legislation and guidance, which if implemented would see funds facing a whirlwind of change in the new year. 

Among the things to look out for are levelling up and pooling guidance, changes to legislation to accommodate GMP reconciliation, perhaps some progress on Goodwin and, just maybe, an update on New Fair Deal; the last consultation on which was published three prime ministers ago.

There is also a new pensions minister at DWP, Laura Trott, who’s keen to get on her bike¹ and ensure that Pensions Dashboard is a success. And at the same time, we expect TPR to publish its single code of practice in the new year.

Don’t forget the human element

There was talk throughout conference about how important it is to ensure that LGPS officers are valued and properly rewarded. The increasing complexity of the scheme and the demands on officers will only continue to increase. How can we ensure that those responsible for delivering the LGPS have access to high quality training and support?

Many funds reported difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff due to being constrained by the pay scales and job evaluations of their host authority. Discussions included career grades, the apprenticeship levy and the role of professional qualifications.

There was also discussion about DLUHC’s forthcoming Good Governance consultation and especially the role workforce planning might have in addressing some of these issues.

The role of technology

Discussion about technology also ran through the conference, concluding with a Q&A session featuring the three LGPS systems providers. Technology certainly allows us to do much more than we otherwise could, but we should never view administration systems alone as the answer to every LGPS problem. No system is at its most effective if it’s used incorrectly, if fund processes are not good or if data is poor. Funds need to think about the administration system as one, very important, tool in their armoury but one that is only effective when accompanied by clear planning, sound processes and effective policies.

I’m sure that some of these issues will continue to form the backdrop to future Torquay conferences, no doubt alongside newly minted challenges. Whatever lies ahead, I hope that the Pension Managers’ Conference can go from strength to strength and continue to provide the forum for those involved in LGPS administration to keep abreast of issues, share ideas and sing karaoke until the small hours.

If you would like to discuss further, please get in touch. 

¹ Sorry about that one