A national governance survey of the LGPS and its stakeholders has been launched today by Hymans Robertson and the Scheme Advisory Board (SAB). The leading pensions and risk consultancy will invite pension managers, S151 officers, committee and pensions chairs from every fund as well as employer and member representatives and other interested stakeholders to share views on a range of governance models and to consider means of further raising standards across the LGPS.

The survey will ask for feedback on four example governance models which range from improving governance guidance, to introducing more significant structural changes.  Views are being sought on how the models measure up against key success criteria. The online survey will be supplemented by a series of workshops and a webinar with the intention of enabling as many stakeholders as possible to contribute and help shape any proposals that emerge from the review.

Catherine McFadyen, Head of LGPS Actuarial, Benefits and Governance announces on the launch of the survey:

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to survey such a broad and expert network of professionals. Our first-hand experience in the LGPS shows that it is full of strong governance examples and this is an opportunity for funds across the country to identify and highlight their own good practices.

“The LGPS is a unique pension arrangement which spans the length and breadth of the country. We hope that this survey will allow us to generate a clearer picture on how key factors such budget management, clarity of roles and responsibilities, conflict management and the ultimate governance structure of the fund can impact standards of delivery for employers and members. We are confident that this survey will help us to identify a wide range of governance best practice across the network and that any proposals emerging will help to simplify and support what can be a demanding and difficult role.”