On the go: The Association of Professional Pension Trustees has unveiled a new provisional accreditation scheme.
The interim measure is designed to allow prospective professional trustees to make progress toward full ‘gold standard’ accreditation, at a time when the coronavirus lockdown has made it impossible to sit the examinations required to gain full accreditation.
The Pensions Management Institute, which sets exams for the process, expects to have its first online exam available in May, but will take longer to migrate others.
Provisional accreditation is obtainable by filling in an online application and submitting relevant documents.
Nita Tinn, APPT chair, said: “This is a challenging and uncertain time for pension schemes and sponsoring employers, which means that professional trustees are called upon now more than ever to exercise their skill and judgment in navigating through a series of difficult decisions.”
As a result, she said the APPT is keen “to ensure all professional trustees can gain APPT accreditation as soon as possible, which is why – having consulted with the Pensions Regulator – we are accepting applications now”.
Late last week, the PMI announced that Michael Clark, director at CBC Pension Services, had become the first fully accredited professional trustee in the UK.
“I’m delighted to have become the first PMI-accredited professional trustee,” Mr Clark said.
“I believe that the continued drive towards increasing the professional behaviour and standards for all trustees will stand the industry well in dealing with the current and future challenges that face pension schemes and their sponsors.”
