Shaping Tomorrow / DB trusteeship: the next chapter
In this month’s episode of Shaping Tomorrow, Clare Routledge sits down with guests Gawaine Batchelor (Aviva) and Nathalie Sims (LCP) ready to discuss the government’s recent consultation on defined benefit pension schemes. Tune in as they explore what the proposed reforms could mean for the industry, including potential changes to the accreditation process for trustees, the diversity of […]
Shaping Tomorrow / Parents in pensions: sharing parental leave
In this month’s Shaping Tomorrow, Clare Routledge sits down with Ellie Dobson (Isio), David Alward (Lane Clark & Peacock) and Laura Fenton‑Williams (Vidett) as they talk openly about taking shared parental leave, what they gained from it and how the experience is changing for parents across the pensions industry. With parental leave no longer assumed to […]
What separates effective trustee boards from the rest? Applying Strengthscope’s workplace research to the realities of trustee governance
Collectively, pension trustee boards oversee assets of around £1.5 trillion, and the governance expectations around these funds is only rising as regulation becomes more complex. This is reflected in the Government’s recent consultation paper, ‘Trust-based pension schemes: Trustees and governance, building a stronger future’, which aims to strengthen governance standards and ensure trustee boards are […]
Vidett announce 14 internal promotions
We’re kicking off the new year on a high note, as 14 of our team step into newly promoted roles effective 1 January 2026. Congratulations to all the following: Alison Hatcher,Chief Client Officer Suzi Lowther, Chief Marketing Officer Ben Salmons, Client Director Rachel Marston, Associate Director Davinder Sira,Manager Emma Anderson, Manager Lisa Sweeney, Manager Malvina Price, Manager Sabrena Edmonds-Koydemir, Manager Tom […]
2026 pensions – what’s in store?
From the changing skills trustees of the future will need to managing transition and change, 2026 will be another big year for the pensions industry. But what should trustees, employers and pension scheme members be looking out for? We spoke to some of our experts to find out what’s big on their list for the […]
Congratulations to Becky Wood and Ben Salmons
It was a double celebration for Vidett this week, as Professional Pensions named two of our team winners at one of the pension industry’s most prestigious evenings! Becky Wood was named the Women in Pensions ‘Trustee of the Year’ after accolades including leading our Endgame Solutions team and helping set up the Endgame Perspectives Group, […]
The generation game: ethical investing for Gen-Z
It’s COP30 week, so in our eighth installment of Shaping Tomorrow, host Clare Routledge leads a compelling conversation with our panel of experts; exploring sustainability and the younger generation’s views on their pensions, investments and whether they match their values. Joining Clare in discussion, are: Sam SwinerdMarketing & Communications, Vidett Archie PritchettOperations Analyst, PensionsPay Joe […]
The importance of programme management in delivering endgame
Client Director Shaun Kilcoyne joins Laura McMillan from Hymans Robertson to discuss why effective programme management is essential for pension schemes navigating endgame strategies. Watch below, as they delve into how rising defined benefit (DB) funding levels and growing project complexity have made strategic foresight and strong governance more critical than ever. Their conversation underscores the […]
Building better boards: the power of positive psychology
In episode seven of our ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast, our host Clare Routledge orchestrates our latest expert panel on the importance of board effectiveness (BE), and how psychology can be used to help enhance your BE reviews. Joining Clare in discussion are: Alison HatcherHead of Trusteeship, Vidett Nicole Johannessen Associate Director and Board Effectiveness Lead, Vidett Scott […]
Micro schemes in maximum focus
At our Endgame Solutions Conference earlier this summer, one of the most insightful sessions turned the spotlight onto a part of the market often left in the shadows: micro schemes. I was pleased to chair the discussion and was joined by a panel of expert colleagues from across the industry, including Adam Davis (K3/Isio), Alma […]
Pensions UK East Midlands elect Kelly Newton
It was brilliant news for Client Director Kelly Newton, following the Pensions UK annual general meeting – where she was appointed the new Chair of their East Midlands committee. Pensions UK (formerly known as the PLSA) advocate for better pensions for schemes, savers and the industry in whole. Kelly, who has served on the committee […]
Breaking down barriers: making communications inclusive
We’re now up to episode six of our ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast, with this month’s released during National Inclusion Week. Tune in as host Clare Routledge quizzes our expert panel on financial inclusion, communications around financial information, how they’re received by members and what we can do to make them better and easier to understand. Joining […]
Planning better journeys for buy-ins and buy-outs
Drawing on practical experience from real transactions, let’s take a look at the common pitfalls and key success factors that schemes must consider to deliver smooth, timely, and member-focused insurance transactions in the current market. Ready, set, go! At Vidett’s recent Endgame Solutions Conference at Silverstone, our third session, ‘Beyond Blame – Building Better Outcomes’, […]
Vidett welcome four new joiners to the team
It gives us great joy to announce our appointment of four new members to our expanding team. The new appointments span a range of business areas, including governance, finance, technology, and business support, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellent service to our clients. Kelly Newton joins as Client Director, leading Vidett’s governance and secretarial services […]
A glimpse into the future of UK pensions
Alison Hatcher caught up with Asset TV, as she outlined the shift towards a market of “mega schemes” and the resulting governance challenges. Check out the interview below, where she argues for a new, collaborative mindset within the industry and a focus on acquiring the right skills for trustees to manage this transition and deliver […]
Mike Birch appointed to Scottish Widows Master Trust
Scottish Widows have announced that Mike Birch has joined its Master Trust as a trustee. Mike joins their trustee board that includes Jonathan Reynolds (chair), Joanne Fairbairn, Cheryl Black and Gerald Wellesley. On his appointment, Mike was delighted with the news: “Scottish Widows Master Trust is on an ambitious growth trajectory, so it’s a great […]
The future for professional trustees and their schemes
At the end of May, I had the pleasure and privilege to speak at Professional Pensions Live. The discussion centred on the future of trusteeship, a topic that has come up frequently since I joined Vidett. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has set out a vision for the future and I am encouraged by its direction. […]
Trustee Talk: James Chalk talks covenant
Client director James Chalk joined Asset TV’s Sam Rossiter for their episode that centered on the subject of sponsor covenant. Looking at the recent recording, James commented: “As many schemes move towards their endgame or a run-on structure, there is a danger that sponsor covenant is forgotten about. In this edition of Trustee Talk I […]
Death and pensions: easing the process after passing
In the latest episode of our ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast, this month host Clare Routledge welcomes Alison Coulson to part one of the show, ready to discuss an area close to her heart. Alison’s husband Neil sadly passed in March last year, so she reflects on the positives, challenges and areas that need improvement from her […]
Kevin Clark named chair of Pensions UK’s London group
Client Director Kevin Clark has been nominated by the new Pensions UK’s London Regional Group committee to act as its Chair. The announcement follows the recent rebranding of the PLSA to Pensions UK, and the merger of their Central London, South London and South East groups into one single London local group. Aimed at members […]
Vidett win Independent Trustee of the Year
Last night we were once again named ‘Independent Trustee of the Year’ at the UK Pensions Awards 2025 gala dinner in London. Retaining the award from our 2024 win, it was all smiles with the accolade representing another fantastic win for the entire Vidett team. On reflection of the brilliant win, chief executive Wayne Phelan […]
My fond farewell
It’s been a great ride for me at Vidett during almost 10 years at the firm. We were originally known as HR Trustees, when I joined the company straight from a career in banking. Back then I was still a trustee of the Bank of New York Hybrid Pension Plan, where I had served for […]
How insurers can support DB members at and through retirement
Earlier this month, Becky Wood (Client Director and Head of Endgame Solutions) was invited to represent Vidett at Just Defined Benefit Solutions’ webinar focussed on understanding how bulk purchase annuity insurers can support defined benefit members as they move through to buy-out and how the FCA Consumer Duty outcomes are achieved. Joining Becky on the […]
Proposed pensions reforms – the missing trustee voice
The Government’s recent announcement outlines plans to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030 – aiming for all multi-employer defined contribution (DC) schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pools to manage at least £25 billion in assets. It marks a significant step forward for the UK’s pensions landscape. As professional trustees, our […]
Looking at Securitised Credit with Asset TV
Client Director Martin Collins was thrilled to join Asset TV for their latest Pension Fund Forum, as they got together in the London studios to explore the role of securitised credit in investors’ asset allocations. Unpacking the evolving role of securitised credits in institutional portfolios, the panel looked at the market outlook, risk-return characteristics, and […]
Shaping Tomorrow: strength in sustainability
We’re delighted to share with you the latest episode of our ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast, as this month host Clare Routledge puts the focus on sustainability. With political momentum shifting away from net-zero and sustainability, those working in the space are in danger of losing motivation and hope. In this episode our panel explore their day-to-day […]
Vidett welcome four new joiners to the team
We’re delighted to announce our appointment of four new team members to help support our growth plans. The new appointments span a range of business areas, including governance, finance, technology, and business support, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellent service to our clients. Ieuan Solanki joins us as a Manager, bringing a strong experience in […]
Has TPR woken up to university sector issues?
Last month, The Pensions Regulator (TPR) wrote to trustees of university sector pension schemes as part of their review of defined benefit (DB) schemes in the higher education (HE) sector. Most that were contacted will likely be asking themselves questions like “Why now?” and “What do I do?”. Timings wise, it feels quite late to […]
Alison Hatcher joins Vidett as Head of Trusteeship
We’re excited to announce Alison Hatcher has joined us as our new Head of Trusteeship from The Pensions Regulator in May 2025. As an accredited professional trustee and former NED of the PLSA, Alison is known for her passion to drive value for members and challenge the status quo to drive effective change. She has […]
Mike Birch talks covenant with Isio
Earlier this month, client director Mike Birch was invited to guest on Isio’s latest webinar, alongside Matt Cooper (Head of Covenant Solutions, Isio) and Jill Forsyth (Covenant Specialist, Isio). During the 25m episode, the three discuss defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, as they look to better understand what The Pensions Regulator’s (TPR) updated covenant guidance […]
Mark Cliff joins PLSA West Midlands Group line-up
Client Director Mark Cliff joined as a guest speaker at the PLSA West Midlands Group’s in-person event on Thursday 3rd April from 3.30pm – 5.00pm. Taking place in Gowling WLG’s office at Two Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6WR, the event kicked off with a panel discussion looking at Clara Pensions’ first transactions, with speakers: There was […]
26 years on and feeling proud
This Thursday I am retiring after 26 years of continuous service, starting in administration with Punter Southall, then transferring in 2014 to the trustee business which merged with 20-20 Trustees to become Vidett 2 years ago. I recently heard Heather Small’s ‘Proud’ on the radio, the song asks “What have you done today to make […]
My action-packed week in higher education
This week it’s been all go here at Vidett, where we could be found paying special attention towards the higher education (HE) sector. It’s an area where we have several experts in the field, including myself, our HE lead Mandy Kaur-Sadler, Mike Birch, Rich Ingham and Geoff Winn. It was a particularly busy week for […]
Trustee Talk: Higher Education
Client directors Mandy Kaur-Sadler and Mike Birch were delighted to join Asset TV in their latest episode of Trustee Talk. Hosted by Sam Rossiter, they discussed the different challenges facing those involved with university pension schemes, and how Vidett can help. On the latest episode, Mandy commented “It was good to discuss the headwinds currently […]
Shaping Tomorrow: inspiring women
Our latest ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast is ready for download, as we join Client Director/host Clare Routledge for an International Women’s Day themed episode. This month Clare is joined by a number of guests all from Vidett, as we celebrate achievements, share experiences and discuss changes they’d like to see in the future. On the release […]
Scotland’s LifeTech innovation: how could pensions be affected?
With a growing ecosystem of companies and initiatives focusing on improving life sciences and healthcare through technology, Scotland has emerged as an innovation hub in an industry now employing over 42,500 people. It’s also one that’s turning over billions in revenue every year, which represents big business locally for Scotland. Boosting Investment for Scotland A […]
Careers in pensions: the old and new
When we started our careers in pensions in the 80s and 90s, the landscape was vastly different. Back then central Edinburgh and Glasgow were crammed with Scottish banks and insurance companies; so it was a bit of a no-brainer to start work in that sector. Although there has been huge consolidation in the financial services […]
Promotions at Vidett
We’re delighted to start our new year off with some exciting announcements, following seven promotions within the team, all in effect from 1 January 2025. With that in mind, our congratulations go out to Claire Chamberlain, Karen Henderson, Matthew Wickett, Rich Ingham and Sarah Swindells, who all become associate directors, whilst Frances Hogan and Katie […]
The great DB debate
Despite the decision to join a master trust sitting with a pension scheme’s sponsor, the trustee’s view remains important. Pension scheme journeys are a partnership between sponsors and trustees; both wanting the best outcomes for scheme members. As responsible trustees, we need to consider which schemes the master trust approach might be right for and […]
Driving results and savings: reviewing your advisers
Is it me or does personal administration these days feel more complex than ever? In today’s day and age, where everything should be the quickest and easiest it has ever been to do – even the simplest things can still seem like a long, slow, drawn-out burden. Just recently, my personal car insurance was due […]
Death-in-service: Inheritance tax & Budget impacts
Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget has aimed to “make the inheritance tax system fairer” by making changes to death-in-service rules and inheritance tax, such as adding tax to unspent pension pots. Will death-in-service payments paid via discretionary trusts be affected when the changes go into effect on 6 April 2027? How will you be affected? We […]
Vidett aid £250m buy-in of five schemes
We were once again thrilled to play our part in another buy-in, this time to the value of £250m, that saw the benefits for members of five separate schemes secured in the combined transaction. On the completion of the deal, client director James Double was happy to reflect: “We’ve been working intensely on this project […]
Mark Cliff appointed chair of FMT
Mark Cliff – a Vidett client director – will join joining Fidelity Master Trust (FMT) board in January 2025. Taking over the FMT responsibilities from the departing Kim Nash in April 2025, Mark will bring his focus on large complex defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) pension schemes. He joins FMT from Legal & […]
Talking endgame: trustee insights and perspectives
As professional trustees, we bring essential skills to all defined benefit (DB) pension schemes and particularly during endgame transactions. This was a hot topic at our ‘Endgame Solutions Conference‘, where myself, Becky Wood, Ben Salmons and Mark Johnston discussed our experiences and insights, alongside the session’s chair, Joanna Carter from XPS. A busy year In […]
Trustee Talk: defined benefit endgame with Clare Routledge
This month, client director Clare Routledge caught up with Asset TV’s Sam Rossiter, ready to discuss defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, and their journey to endgame. Commenting on the latest episode, Clare said “With record levels of DB surpluses come decisions for trustees on how to use those surpluses. In this edition of Trustee Talk […]
REBA Pensions Summit 2024
Client directors Caroline Eastwood and Aimee Denham were recently on the line-up for the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA)’s Future of Pensions Summit; running their workshop on ‘New thinking for DC – using governance to drive value & engagement’. Commenting on the London event, Caroline said: “Engagement remains the biggest challenge for schemes of […]
Vidett and Strengthscope®: avoiding overdrive risks on trustee boards
Harnessing the strengths of individuals is the key to working together and understanding our collective strengths within a team will create more effective trustee boards. Knowing this, we’ve recently collaborated with Strengthscope®, a company that helps people to better understand their strengths. Strengthscope® goes deeper than the strengths-based approach that is now well known in […]
The bulk annuity market: a new wave
At our Endgame Solutions Conference in May, I chaired an engaging panel discussion titled ‘New insurers entering the market and future outlook’, where I was joined by: Adam Davis, Managing Director at K3 Advisory; Dweenisha Caleechurn, Pensions Director at PwC; Gurbani Swanni Leach, Director at M&G; and Gary Needham, Head of BPA Business Development at […]
Vidett Vikings set sail at Cosan’s charity regatta
The Vidett Vikings returned to the seas, as Helen Beckinsale, Duncan Willsher and Martin Collins were amongst the 120 participants taking part in Cosan Consulting’s annual charity regatta. Taking place in Lymington, the day started with breakfast rolls before the teams met their skippers and fellow sea-mates onboard their yachts, before competing in two separate […]
Lisa, Amanda & Jacob join Vidett
This month we welcome three new members to our team: Commenting on the appointments, our Chief Executive Wayne Phelan, said: “We are delighted to welcome three new highly experienced team members. Lisa and Amanda bring significant pension expertise having worked in high profile pension roles on a wide range of schemes. Jacob is a skilled […]
Buy-in: a piece of cake
Learn how Mark Johnston and Ben Salmons collaborated at pace – alongside external parties – to help a client by achieve a quicker-than-normal buy-in for their pension scheme.
No time to lose: 3 strategies to make your pension scheme more sustainable
As part of Vidett’s Sustainability service line, I recently participated in the HSBC Bank Pension Scheme’s event, Narrative Climate Scenarios: Bringing the Real World into Decision-Making. While the event was insightful, the message was clear: the effects of climate change are immediate, and as pension scheme trustees, we must manage the associated risks and contribute […]
Mike Birch chairs innovation panel at the PMI Annual Conference
In July this year, Client director Mike Birch joined the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) for their Annual Conference 2024, as he chaired one of their breakout sessions entitled ‘Regulatory challenges and opportunities in pension innovation’. The panel saw Mike joined by: Looking back at the panel, Mike commented: “AI provides significant opportunities within the pensions […]
The PLSA: Thames Valley Summer Meeting
Client directors Simon Lewis and Simon Riviere recently joined the Thames Valley PLSA summer meeting, ready to tackle the subject of cyber security. The session, chaired by Simon Lewis, saw Suzanne Burrell join Simon Riviere on the expert panel; exploring how recent cyber incidents in and out of the pensions space, plus regulator guidance, has […]
University of Manchester name Mandy Kaur-Sadler as new chair of trustees
We are thrilled to see client director Mandy Kaur-Sadler has been confirmed as the new chair of the University of Manchester’s trustee board, following the retirement of her predecessor Jon Ferns. Mandy was both delighted and privileged to take on this role; thanking Jon for all his hard work and dedication in the role previously. […]
Vidett win Independent Trustee of the Year!
We were thrilled to be named ‘Independent Trustee of the Year’ at the recent UK Pensions Awards. The win recognises a fantastic year for all, as the winners were announced at Professional Pensions’ gala dinner in London last week. In recognition of the award, our co-chief executive Wayne Phelan commented: “I can speak for everyone […]
The North London PLSA: Annual Workshop
Two members of the team were on the road: Tuesday 4th June, with Simon Lewis and Helen Beckinsale joining the PLSA’s North London group to run a session on the importance of trustee diversity. The day promised to be a content rich one, with an impressive range of speakers and topics as per below: Further […]
Is now the time for pension trustees and employers to act on scheme security?
For most defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, funding positions have never been better. This is a reason for action rather than complacency as the environment could change, certainly over the timeframes of DB schemes. Pension trustees should have a clear plan to take advantage of current positions. Setting and delivering a strategic plan is in […]
Equipping your trustee board to deal with changing circumstances
To look after member benefits, pension trustee boards need to stay on top of changing circumstances and be ready to address unexpected challenges. In this article, Vidett’s Chris Halewood identifies some changes faced by two hypothetical trustee boards and suggests how to deal with them. Boards rely on their trustees to function properly. If a […]
The future of professional trusteeship
What is the future of professional trusteeship? Our head of relationship management Helen Beckinsale addresses this and more in the latest episode of Hymans Robertson’s PITstop series. Hosted by Hyman’s head of strategic relationships, Lisa Whitfield, this episode discusses the state of play for professional trustees amidst increased consolidation of the market, regulatory demand, and ensuring […]
The pros and cons of introducing a health trust – and why it matters
In this article for the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA), Kevin Clark explains the benefits and drawbacks that introducing a health trust can bring. This includes how they can smooth the provision of funding for healthcare claims, balanced against the costs of setting up a trust. To read the whole article, please click here. […]
The PLSA West Midlands Group
Trustee director Aimee Denham will be joining the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) for their in-person West Midlands Group event in Birmingham. Taking place on Thursday 1st February from 10am, the event will be tackling various defined contribution topics including CDC. Joining Aimee on guest speaker duties, will be: On joining the event, Aimee said: “I’m […]
How high inflation has hit pensions and what it means long term
In this article for the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA), Nicola Paul explains how pensions have been affected by high rates of inflation. This ranges from the impact high inflation has had on scheme funding to how employee’s retirement decisions have been influenced. Please click here to read the article
University of Birmingham: Business, Finance and Consultancy Fair
We were delighted to attend the University of Birmingham’s career networking event in October; taking place on campus, we set up a stand ready to have a chat with students who may be interested in a career in pensions with us. We had lots of interest in the stand, as Tom Stockley and Davinder Sira […]
Achieving efficiencies across multiple pension schemes
This case study shows how we, as an independent trustee and scheme secretary, improved both cost and time efficiency for a client with four separate defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. This included streamlining our client’s trustee boards and delivered noticeable benefits for the company, trustees and members.
Asset TV’s Private Markets Panel
Asset TV invited trustee director Martin Collins to join their Private Markets livestream, as part of their Pension Fund Forum series. Martin was joined on the panel by fellow experts: Raman Rajagopal (senior client portfolio manager, Invesco Private Credit); Lok Ma (trustee director, Law Debenture); and Tricia Ward (research team manager, Redington) to discuss various […]
Fiduciary manager selection
We were appointed trustee in 2018. An early task was working with the trustee board to consider whether engaging a fiduciary manager would be an appropriate measure to help mitigate funding risks.
Shoosmiths on TAP: the later stages of a risk transfer project
Trustee Director Becky Wood recently spoke to Shoosmiths on TAP for their latest episode on risk transfer. In episode two of the risk transfer series hosted by Suzanne Burrell (Partner, Shoosmiths), Becky joins Adam Davis (Managing Director, K3 Advisory) on the panel focusing on the later stages of a risk transfer project. They discuss what […]
Capturing investment opportunities
Our first ever Risk Transfer Conference bought over 200 professionals from the industry together at Villa Park. The day was made up of various panels, including one with representatives from Isio, Legal and General, Linklaters and Cardano. The session looked at how we can capture different investment opportunities in the run up to a transaction, […]
Why we need more young trustees and how to make this happen
I recently watched my colleague Simon Lewis’ trustee diversity and inclusion (D&I) podcast with Hymans Robertson (part of their popular PITStop series). It got me thinking about age diversity, how the pension industry can attract younger pension trustees and whether trustee perceptions need to change. While anyone over 18 can become a trustee, it’s usually a role […]