Pensions UK, the trade body for the pensions sector, is advertising for a senior policy expert to lead on its work on defined contribution (DC) provision, including master trusts and “lifetime savings”.
The position is designed to support Pensions UK’s policy team, led by director of policy and advocacy Zoe Alexander, through the major reforms expected from the Pension Schemes Bill and the Pensions Commission.
In the job advert, the trade body states that the current reform agenda “will shape the future of the sector and outcomes for millions of savers for decades to come”.
On LinkedIn, Alexander said the new post was “crucial” for Pensions UK as it continues to develop its work. Influencing pensions policy is one of the organisation’s five core aims set out as part of its ‘2030 Ready’ project.
The new head of DC, master trusts and lifetime savings is expected to be “at the heart of these significant changes and influence the direction of government and regulatory policy so that everyone has a better income in retirement”, the advert says.
Responsibilities will include policy development, raising Pensions UK’s profile, supporting members with policy-related issues, and acting as a spokesperson. The role will also include forging relationships with relevant organisations, regulators, policymakers and other trade bodies.
The full job advert is available on LinkedIn.
Pensions UK has been restructuring and amending its work over the past few months following its rebrand from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
In July, it hired two deputy directors to newly created positions. Matthew Blakstad joined from Nest Insight as deputy director of strategic policy and research, while Dirk Paterson joined from the Business Banking Resolution Service as deputy director of external affairs.
The trade body’s five-year strategy, dubbed ‘2030 Ready’, involves five overarching priorities: working to improve pensions outcomes, influencing policy, delivering value for members, making Pensions UK an attractive place to work, and ensuring it is on a sound financial footing.
This week, Pensions UK published a report following a member consultation on its fees and membership structure. It plans to raise the cap for membership fees for some schemes over the next three years, reflecting expected changes to the number of DC funds and master trusts in the future.
There will be a new membership band for the Local Government Pension Scheme with the same fees as private sector funds. Pensions UK said it may “revisit this category when the future of the local government pension landscape is clearer”.
