Explore every episode of the podcast Always a Pensions Angle
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGPS Interviews Special: Joe McDonnell | 13 May 2026 | 00:31:51 | |
In a new episode of our LGPS Interviews Special, Nick and Thomas sit down with Border to Coast Chief Investment Officer Joe McDonnell. Joe shares his perspective on navigating geopolitical turbulence, the realities of welcoming seven new partner funds into the pool, and how Border to Coast is approaching local investment, asset transition, and the question of scale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Live from the Pooling Symposium – A Pension Schemes Bill (Act!!) Special | 08 May 2026 | 00:36:06 | |
Recorded live (well, live-ish) at the Pooling Symposium, Nick and Tom are joined by two LGPS heavyweights – Roger Phillips and Clair Alcock of the Scheme Advisory Board – to unpack what the newly-minted Pension Schemes Act actually means for the LGPS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| LGPS Interviews Special: Clair Alcock | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:17:40 | |
Welcome to the third of a special, five-part series Always a Pensions Angle is running in partnership with The Fiftyfaces Podcast. In this series, we will hear from five leading figures from across the LGPS ahead of March 31st. In this episode, The Fiftyfaces Podcast host Aoifinn Devitt sits down with Clair Alcock, Board Secretary of the LGPS Scheme Advisory Board Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Vegan case flags importance of heeding members | 21 Jan 2020 | 00:20:21 | |
Trustees and employers should consult members on their beliefs, and incorporate the investment views of the majority in their pension default fund, according to Romi Savova, chief executive at PensionBee, and David Brooks, technical director at Broadstone. The experts discuss the impacts of a landmark ruling finding that veganism is a philosophical belief, alongside other topics, in this week’s podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What falling sterling means for pension funds | 22 Aug 2019 | 00:11:00 | |
It has been a rocky few months for sterling, with the currency falling more than 7 per cent since May. In this podcast, Shoqat Bunglawala, head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s global portfolio solutions business, and Simeon Willis, chief investment officer at XPS Pensions, discuss the main reasons behind the decline, and what it means for pension funds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Tackling the 'long tail' of underperforming smaller schemes | 15 Aug 2019 | 00:03:56 | |
The Pensions Regulator’s latest defined contribution survey revealed that only 4 per cent of micro schemes and 1 per cent of small schemes are meeting all of the watchdog’s governance standards. David Fairs, TPR's executive director for regulatory policy, analysis and advice, has previously described the "long tail" of underperforming smaller schemes as "unacceptable". In this podcast, Mr Fairs talks to Pensions Expert about what the survey's findings mean, and how the DC landscape might change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The future of trusteeship | 23 Jul 2019 | 00:07:06 | |
Is there a big difference in governance standards between boards with a professional trustee and boards without? Should lay trustees have to demonstrate how they have acquired a minimum level of knowledge and understanding? And what can be done to increase diversity on boards? In this episode, Laura Andrikopoulos, head of governance consulting at Hymans Robertson, discusses some of the Pensions Regulator's 'Future of trusteeship and governance' consultation proposals, and what impact they might have on the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What the firefighters' and judges' case means for pensions policy | 10 Jul 2019 | 00:06:20 | |
The government was recently denied leave to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling that pension changes discriminated against younger firefighters and judges. What does this mean for government policy regarding public sector pensions? And how could the issue spill over into private sector pensions? In this episode, Rosalind Connor, partner at Arc Pensions Law, discusses the far-reaching implications of this landmark case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Putting a stop to unsuitable defined benefit transfer advice | 26 Jun 2019 | 00:09:13 | |
The Financial Conduct Authority recently expressed concern that too much of the defined benefit transfer advice it has seen to date is still not of an acceptable standard. In this podcast, Tom Selby, senior analyst at AJ Bell, and Bob Scott, senior partner at LCP, talk about the impact of increased regulatory scrutiny of transfer advice, the need for DB flexibility, and how schemes and employers can help members by appointing a dedicated independent financial adviser to their scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How will investment pathways help consumers? | 13 Jun 2019 | 00:04:21 | |
In January, the Financial Conduct Authority launched its consultation on investment pathways and other proposed changes to its rules and guidance. The consultation closed in April and the watchdog plans to publish its final rules and guidance in July. In this podcast, Jonathan Parker, director of DC and financial well-being consulting at Redington, discusses how investment pathways will help savers make more appropriate choices, and explains why smaller providers should not be exempt from the proposed regulations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Are you doing enough to engage scheme members? | 07 Jun 2019 | 00:06:05 | |
While technology is helping improve pensions communications across the industry, several challenges remain. In this PE podcast, Shola Salako, trustee representative at Dalriada Trustees, and Rhys Williams, strategy director at communications consultancy Quietroom, discuss the different ways in which schemes and providers can engage with members, and where they might be going wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Is LGPS governance up to scratch? | 02 Apr 2019 | 00:09:04 | |
From asset pooling and actuarial valuations, to administration and data, local government pension schemes have a lot to think about this year – meaning good governance is more important than ever. In this podcast episode, Kirsty Bartlett, partner at law firm Squire Patton Boggs, and Ian Colvin, head of LGPS benefits and governance at Hymans Robertson, discuss potential conflicts of interest, pressure on fund resources and the importance of focusing on administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How to select the right master trust | 19 Mar 2019 | 00:07:28 | |
Master trusts have until the end of March to complete their applications to the Pensions Regulator for authorisation. In this PE podcast episode, Ian McQuade, director at Muse Advisory, discusses master trust selection and how the watchdog's authorisation and supervision regime will change the market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| LGPS Interviews Special: Peter Wallach | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:18:04 | |
Welcome to the second of a special, five-part series Always a Pensions Angle is running in partnership with The Fiftyfaces Podcast. In this series, we will hear from five leading figures from across the LGPS ahead of March 31st. In this episode, The Fiftyfaces Podcast host Aoifinn Devitt sits down with Merseyside Pension Fund's Director of Pensions Peter Wallach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Improving the quality of professional trustees | 11 Mar 2019 | 00:06:11 | |
Last month, the Professional Trustee Standards Working Group published a set of new standards, which all professional trustees will be expected to meet. The group is also due to launch an associated accreditation framework later this year. In this episode of the PE podcast, Rachel Croft, director at Independent Trustee Services, explains what these new standards mean for schemes, how they will improve professional trustee quality, and whether increasing professionalisation and rising workloads could lead to the extinction of the lay trustee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How to approach the bulk annuity market | 12 Feb 2019 | 00:04:26 | |
2019 is predicted to break last year's record for bulk annuity deals. But with insurers being more selective, experts have stressed the need for defined benefit pension scheme trustees to make sure they are well prepared before approaching the market. In this episode, Marian Elliott, head of integrated actuarial at consultancy Redington, discusses the main drivers behind increased derisking activity in recent years, and explains how pension funds should prepare for transactions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ESG: Trustee investment duties explained | 24 Jan 2019 | 00:11:31 | |
New regulations coming into force this year mean pension schemes will be required to publish more-detailed statements of investment principles. These will address financially material environmental, social and governance risks, such as climate change. In this episode, Stuart O'Brien, a partner at law firm Sackers, discusses recent ESG-related developments, the danger of conflating ethical matters with ESG considerations, and explains how schemes can respond to member and pressure group queries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A closer look at DB consolidation | 09 Jan 2019 | 00:07:11 | |
Last month, the government published a consultation on the consolidation of defined benefit pension schemes. What is the outlook for DB superfunds? And what should trustees consider if they are thinking about switching from a sponsor covenant to a consolidator covenant? In this episode, Alex Hutton-Mills, managing director at Lincoln Pensions, and Paul McGlone, president of the Society of Pension Professionals, discuss the consultation and whether early adopter nerves are holding back inflows to the new DB consolidators. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Next steps for the pensions dashboard project | 11 Dec 2018 | 00:09:24 | |
Earlier this month, the Department for Work and Pensions published its long-awaited feasibility report and consultation on how the industry can create online pensions dashboards. What does the industry make of the study? And how much progress is needed to make the project a success? In this episode, Girish Menezes, board director at the Pensions Administration Standards Association, and Anthony Rafferty, managing director of fintech company Origo, discuss compulsion, dashboard governance and data. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What can we learn from the Barnardo's outcome? | 14 Nov 2018 | 00:07:36 | |
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled that Barnardo’s cannot change the inflation protection it provides to members of its defined benefit scheme from the retail price index to the consumer price index. So, what does the result mean for other DB pension funds and their sponsors? Matthew de Ferrars, pensions partner at law firm Pinsent Masons, and Faye Jarvis, pensions partner at law firm Hogan Lovells, discuss what trustees can learn from the recent Barnardo's outcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Autumn Budget: Reaction | 31 Oct 2018 | 00:07:32 | |
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has delivered his Autumn Budget. To mull over patient capital and what might have been, Alex Janiaud is joined by James Riley, council member at the Society of Pension Professionals, and Steven Cameron, pensions director at Aegon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What does the future hold for LDI? | 17 Oct 2018 | 00:04:17 | |
The popularity of liability-driven investment strategies among defined benefit pension funds has increased over the years. In 2017, the total notional value of liabilities hedged by LDI strategies continued to grow, rising to £965bn from £904bn, according to XPS Pensions research. In this episode, Nick Harvey, principal at XPS Pensions, discusses how scheme exposure to LDI has changed over time, and what the future holds for this type of investment strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| DC default design: Make sure you understand your members | 03 Oct 2018 | 00:09:49 | |
Last month, Pensions Expert reported that trustees of the Lloyds Bank Pension Scheme No.1 had overhauled the default offering for their DC members. In this episode, Lydia Fearn, head of DC and financial well-being at consultancy Redington, and Maria Nazarova-Doyle, senior investment consultant and head of DC investment consulting at JLT Employee Benefits, discuss the most important factors for trustees to consider when designing or reviewing their default investment strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How should trustees be monitoring their employer covenant? | 18 Sep 2018 | 00:09:01 | |
Over the past few years, headlines highlighting several high-profile defined benefit pension cases have hammered home the importance of having a strong covenant. Mark Evans, director at Independent Trustee Services, and Adolfo Aponte, director at covenant specialists Lincoln Pensions, explain how trustees can keep tabs on their employer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Whose Job Is It Anyway? Pension regulation, market oversight, and the forgotten workforce | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:34:47 | |
One of the pensions world's more stubborn headaches gets a proper airing - does it actually make sense to have both the FCA and TPR overseeing pensions? From there the conversation turns to a new global report and some uncomfortable questions about whether gig economy workers are being left behind on retirement saving. Oh, and two people who have clearly never considered the finer points of skeleton racing attempt to find a pensions angle from the sport. It goes about as well as you'd expect! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What would be the impact of tighter regulation of actuaries? | 05 Sep 2018 | 00:06:37 | |
An advisory group to the government review of the Financial Reporting Council is considering the role of actuaries and the extent to which actuaries should be subject to formal regulation in response to the pensions-related nature of recent corporate failures. Bob Scott, senior partner at actuarial consultancy LCP and immediate past chair of the Association of Consulting Actuaries, discusses the potential impacts of tighter regulation of the profession, and what it could mean for pension funds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What can be done to help savers achieve a better retirement income? | 22 Aug 2018 | 00:06:17 | |
Eighty per cent of people are not sure whether they are saving the right amount for retirement, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association. What can be done to help savers achieve a better income in retirement? In this episode, James Walsh, the PLSA’s policy lead on engagement, EU and regulation, discusses auto-enrolment minimum contribution increases, the self-employed, and confusion about pensions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| DB transfers: What trustees and employers should consider | 09 Aug 2018 | 00:08:35 | |
Since the introduction of freedom and choice in 2015, more and more savers have showed an interest in defined benefit transfers. In this episode, Ben Roe, senior partner and head of member options at Aon, and Gary Evans, board director at the Pensions and Administration Standards Association and chair of Pasa's Transfers Working Group, discuss the responsibilities of trustees and employers when it comes to DB transfers, and how they can support members in making the right decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| PPF remains strong despite record liability intake | 25 Jul 2018 | 00:10:23 | |
The Pension Protection Fund's latest annual report shows it has weathered a record influx of defined benefit liabilities without much trouble. Chief financial officer Andy McKinnon discusses future challenges for the lifeboat amid a changing pensions landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Should the FCA have brought in a charge cap for drawdown? | 10 Jul 2018 | 00:11:05 | |
Last month, the Financial Conduct Authority released its long-awaited Retirement Outcomes Review. Daniela Silcock, head of policy research at the Pensions Policy Institute, and Nathan Long, senior pension analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, discuss the FCA's consultation, including its decision not to impose a charge cap for drawdown products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What next for the Pensions Regulator? | 27 Jun 2018 | 00:07:28 | |
Last month, chief executive of the Pensions Regulator Lesley Titcomb said she would be leaving the watchdog at the end of her contract in February 2019. The announcement came only a few months after the release of the government's defined benefit white paper, which outlined a vision for a stronger regulator with new powers. Sir Steve Webb, director of policy at pension and investment provider Royal London, and Janet Brown, partner at law firm Sackers, discuss Titcomb's legacy and the future of the regulator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Guy Opperman talks AE, the self-employed and superfunds | 12 Jun 2018 | 00:09:10 | |
From the government's review of auto-enrolment, to the publication of its defined benefit white paper, the past 12 months have been a busy time regarding retirement saving. While a significant amount of progress has been made, plenty more is needed. In this podcast, Guy Opperman, minister for pensions and financial inclusion, discusses auto-enrolment, pensions for the self-employed and superfunds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Should member-nominated trustees be elected or selected? | 30 May 2018 | 00:10:00 | |
Under the Pensions Act 2004, at least one-third of a pension scheme’s trustees should be member-nominated. David Brooks, technical director at consultancy Broadstone, and Stephen Fallowell, former MNT at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund and committee member of the Association of Member Nominated Trustees, debate the merits of electing trustees versus selection by panel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How is LGPS pooling driving responsible investment? | 16 May 2018 | 00:08:47 | |
As Local Government Pension Scheme pooling progresses, the £29bn Brunel Pension Partnership – which includes 10 LGPS funds, including the Environment Agency Pension Fund – has been one of the strongest advocates of responsible investing. In this podcast, Brunel’s chief executive officer, Dawn Turner, discusses how far institutional investors have come with sustainable investment, what progress needs to be made, and how the Brunel pool views environmental, social and governance issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Are trustees engaging suitably with fiduciary managers? | 01 May 2018 | 00:08:37 | |
In April, the Competition and Markets Authority published its working paper on trustee engagement with investment consultancy and fiduciary management. Caroline Escott, policy lead for investment and defined benefits at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, and Hugh Nolan, director at consultancy Spence & Partners, discuss the challenges faced by trustees engaging with these sectors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| LGPS Interviews Special: Trevor Castledine | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:19:56 | |
Welcome to the first of a special, five-part series Always a Pensions Angle is running in partnership with The Fiftyfaces Podcast. In this series, we will hear from five leading figures from across the LGPS ahead of March 31st. In this first episode, The Fiftyfaces Podcast host Aoifinn Devitt sits down with LGPS Central's Chief Client and Advisory Officer Trevor Castledine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How will the UK's first pension superfund work? | 17 Apr 2018 | 00:04:20 | |
The UK's first superfund was announced in March, a day after the government encouraged the creation of commercial consolidators in its long-awaited white paper on the defined benefit sector. Alan Rubenstein, chief executive of the Pension SuperFund, explains how the vehicle will work, and when it might absorb its first DB scheme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Do savers want CDC? | 26 Mar 2018 | 00:11:51 | |
March 26 2018: As the government edges closer towards allowing the introduction of collective defined contribution schemes, Kevin Wesbroom, senior partner at consultancy Aon, and Will Aitken, director at consultancy Deloitte, go head to head over CDC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Protecting DB pensions: The white paper’s proposals | 23 Mar 2018 | 00:07:10 | |
March 23 2018: While the government’s recently published white paper on protecting defined benefit pensions included a range of proposals, some issues are still subject to consultation. Gabrielle Holgate, partner at law firm Stevens & Bolton, and Martin Hunter, principal at consultancy Xafinity Punter Southall, talk about the impact of the proposals on schemes and employers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Spring Statement 2018: What does it mean for trustees and savers? | 14 Mar 2018 | 00:06:31 | |
March 14, 2018: There were no new pension announcements in this year's Spring Statement. Instead, Chancellor Philip Hammond focused on debt and growth forecasts, emphasising that there was “light at the end of the tunnel”. Lynda Whitney, partner at Aon, and Hugh Nolan, president of the Society of Pension Professionals and director of consultancy Spence & Partners, discuss the statement, and what it means for pension trustees and savers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autumn Budget 2017: Reaction from the experts | 24 Nov 2017 | 00:09:13 | |
November 24 2017: What will the Autumn Budget mean for the pensions industry? Ruth Bamforth, director at law firm Walker Morris, and David Brooks, pensions technical director at consultancy Broadstone Corporate Benefits discuss a pensions-light Budget and the chancellor's proposals for facilitating pension fund investment in patient capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Cyber security: Is your scheme protected? | 31 Oct 2017 | 00:15:57 | |
October 31 2017: Cyber security has risen up the agenda for pension funds in recent years. In the wake of ransomware attacks affecting computer systems across the world, and with new data protection requirements on the horizon, Margaret Snowdon, chairman of the Pensions Administration Standards Association, and Dan Taylor, client director at third-party administrator Trafalgar House, explain how trustees can safeguard their schemes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How trustees and employers can support member decisions | 03 Sep 2017 | 00:09:47 | |
September 4 2017: How can trustees and employers provide support on members' financial decisions without being subject to regulation? Kate Smith, head of pensions at provider Aegon, and Mike Crowe, trustee representative at Dalriada Trustees, discuss the Financial Conduct Authority's employer and trustee factsheet and what can be done to improve members' financial wellbeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A closer look at the main parties' pension proposals | 25 May 2017 | 00:14:28 | |
May 25 2017: From a double lock to a flexible state pension age, Malcolm McLean, senior consultant at Barnett Waddingham, and Edward Brown, partner at law firm Hogan Lovells, discuss the pension policies the political parties have proposed in their manifestos before the general election on June 8. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pool Power, Pension Gaps, and Political Promises | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:33:03 | |
Fresh from the LAPF Strategic Investment Forum (and a close encounter with aggressive geese), Tom explores LGPS governance challenges and the advice accountability dilemma. Nick tackles the gender pensions gap, trustee diversity initiatives, and why politicians paying lip service to pension campaigns always comes back to bite them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Probing Amendments and Panglossian Optimism | 25 Jan 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
Nick reports from wet and windy Scotland (with trainee guide dog Jenny) as the duo dissect the Pension Schemes Bill's journey through the House of Lords. From LGPS forced consolidation powers to DB surplus negotiations and fiduciary duty debates - will the government's reassurances be enough? Pour a coffee and find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| New Year, Same Bill | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:32:00 | |
Nick and Tom shake off the Christmas cobwebs as the Pension Schemes Bill faces serious Lords scrutiny. Plus: The LGPS grapples with Fit for the Future timescales, and we talk bulk annuities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The 2025 Review: Bells, Bills and Brunel | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:48:07 | |
Pour yourself some mulled wine and settle in as Nick and Tom dissect the wildest year in pensions for ages. They tackle the Pension Schemes Bill's many moving parts, explore the dramatic LGPS pooling reorganisation, and debate the merits of last-minute Christmas shopping. From mega funds to local investment mandates, value for money frameworks to defence spending controversies - it's pensions, politics, and festive cheer. What more could you want? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Budget Leaks and Legislative Tweaks: Your Guide to a Chaotic Couple of Weeks | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:31:10 | |
What a week for pensions policy! Nick and Tom are back for Episode 2, and there's a LOT to unpack. Fresh from the Pensions Expert Annual Conference at Pennyhill Park (where everyone finally "got" pension dashboards), the team tackles two massive stories: the Pension Schemes Bill's third reading AND the Autumn Budget. We cover plans to modernise fiduciary duty and what it means for domestic investment, the OBR leak that led to Richard Hughes' resignation, and what the budget actually delivered: salary sacrifice caps, PPF pre-1997 indexation wins, and LGPS stamp duty relief. Plus: why your rugby club mate thinks their pension is doomed, Tom's absolute nightmare journey to Wales involving cancelled trains, a broken phone, and Bristol Parkway (which is definitely not in Newport). Oh, and Jenny the trainee guide dog makes her podcast debut with strong opinions on anything chewable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rumours, Reversals… and a Really Big Budget | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:29:04 | |
Welcome to Always a Pensions Angle – the podcast where Thomas Parker and Nick Reeve break down the biggest news stories of the day and uncover what they really mean for pensions. In this first episode, they explore why the upcoming Budget has triggered so much speculation, diving into the political pressures, the rumours around income tax and National Insurance, and the growing debate over capping salary sacrifice. With clear, candid analysis, Tom and Nick highlight the key pension implications to watch as Budget day approaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||