Open private-sector DB schemes

In a market dominated by DB pension schemes that are on a journey towards an endgame, schemes open to new members stand out. Fewer than one in ten private-sector DB pension schemes are open –  if yours is among them, you have something special.

Sustaining something special

Forging a path towards a sustainable, secure and relevant DB pension scheme for current employees and future generations isn’t easy. But when done well, open DB schemes can thrive. Trustees manage security and sustainability for many generations, and employers have a wonderful point of difference for attracting and retaining talent.

There are challenges. The vast majority of private-sector DB schemes are entering their endgame, so have different priorities from open schemes. They need to target enough money to secure accrued benefits with insurers. And because regulation necessarily focuses on the many, rather than the few, de-risking dominates the discourse.

However, open schemes have an advantage over closed schemes: a very long time horizon. This means your strategy can evolve gradually, and you can glide through financial surprises. With experience of advising more than 50 open DB pension schemes in the public and private sectors, we can help you make the most of this opportunity. We’d love to help you enhance the sustainability and security of your scheme for the benefit of all stakeholders.

We can help your scheme to achieve stable contributions, sustainable investments and an experience that puts members first.

Forging a path towards a sustainable, secure and relevant DB pension scheme for current employees and future generations isn’t easy. But when done well, open DB schemes can thrive.

Stable contributions

When you have decades, your strategy can evolve. Actuarial valuations guide strategic evolution, but needn’t lead to sudden or material changes in contributions. Our modelling and decision-making frameworks give all stakeholders clear line of sight of changes in contribution requirements. This means plenty of opportunity to take early action.

Sustainable investments

We ensure that your investments align with your ESG beliefs and your long-time horizon. Learning from our experience in the private and public sectors, we develop a nuanced approach to asset allocation that is right for you.

A member-first experience

An open DB scheme shows that you value your employees, but only if it’s run with their experience in mind. Our employer and member portal, PRISM, gives each scheme member a personal experience, and our dedicated administration team adds a human touch. We also make auto-enrolment easy for the sponsors.

Featured case studies

A long-term partner for an open scheme

Our open scheme teams helped the Scottish Enterprise scheme to remain sustainable, relevant and secure for current and future generations.

Stability and sustainability for an open scheme

Our actuarial, investment and administration teams work together to make the most of the opportunities that an open scheme can bring its trustees, sponsor and members.

Meet our Open DB schemes team

Through our network, we're connecting a community of open scheme trustees. If you run an open DB scheme and would like to connect with your peers to share best practice, we would love to hear from you.