Board effectiveness: creating efficient boards for two clients
Vidett’s strengths‑based board effectiveness reviews help trustee boards improve governance, collaboration and decision‑making. Working with Strengthscope, we give boards clear insight into their dynamics and practical actions to enhance how they work together. Recent clients saw meaningful improvements, from streamlined structures to stronger long‑term planning and more inclusive discussions.
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 […]
Vidett’s key themes for 2026
What is it about a new year that’s so exciting? For the first time, as we head into 2026, I asked AI – and that, perhaps, in itself demonstrates how rapidly our world is changing. So here at Vidett, we’re embracing the ‘fresh start effect’ and channelling our ‘collective energy’ to share with you our key themes for 2026. Our key themes reflect the principal areas where we make a difference for our clients, whether it’s helping […]
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 […]
Delivering a merger for Volvo Group
We’d helped Volvo Group UK drive efficiencies for their UK pension arrangements for over 12 years.
Then, when the time was right, we then assisted them in achieving their objectives of simplifying the pension arrangements for members and the Company by merging 4 pension scheme into 1. Find out the how we overcame challenges and brought benefits by downloading our case study.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Vidett assist a PPF+ £7m buy-in
We assisted Just Group in completing a £7m buy-in with The McGregor Construction (Highlands) LimitedPension Plan (the Plan). Acting as Plan Trustee, the buy-in was completed in April 2025 and secured the benefits of 66 pensioner and 8 deferred members above PPF levels. Chérilyn Lamonby and Stewart Graham worked collaboratively with Just Group, Beacon, PwC, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Shaping Tomorrow: collaboration drives success
In episode three of our ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ podcast, our host Clare Routledge puts the spotlight on a project the team have been working on for Volvo Group, that has seen us merge four of their pension schemes together. Joining Clare in discussion this month, are: On the latest episode, Clare commented: “We have been on […]
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 […]
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 […]
Administrator performance reviews
It’s a trustee’s responsibility to ensure that their pension schemes are run as effectively as possible to help achieve the best outcomes for members. Download our case study to find out how we turned an uncertain situation into a positive outcome.
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 […]
Vidett to speak at BUFDG Finance Festival
Client director Mandy Kaur-Sadler and associate director Phil Williams have been invited to be guest speakers at the British Universities Financial Directors Group’s (BUFDG) prestigious Finance Festival on 10 March 2025. With the implementation of new funding and governance regulations, alongside significant changes in pension scheme funding levels following the 2022 ‘mini-budget fallout,’ the UK […]
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 […]
5 pitfalls to look out for when dealing with death in service
In this article for the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA), Shaun Kilcoyne highlights key mistakes to avoid when dealing with the unfortunate situation of death in service. Shaun discusses the common mistakes made that often lead to a longer, more stressful process and how to avoid these pitfalls. Read the article here
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 […]
Life assurance trustee services: try our test case
Dealing with a death in service case can be a very challenging time. When emotions are heightened by the death of an employee, handling the administration of their life assurance benefits can create unwanted stress. Many employers will default to looking at the employee’s Expression of Wish form. But is it always obvious who should […]
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 […]
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 […]
Beyond traditional buy-outs: viewing alternatives through different lenses
Endgame continues to be one of the hottest topics in the pensions industry, with the conversation expanding beyond traditional buy-outs to a range of alternative solutions, such as the establishment of a public consolidator and a heightened focus on schemes running on indefinitely. We recently hosted our Endgame Solutions Conference, bringing together over 250 professionals […]
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. […]
The effect of mergers and acquisitions on pension plans: top considerations for employers
Multiple moving parts and competing interests are a feature of M&A activity, but all the more so when a pension is involved. By engaging early, the scheme’s trustees will be in a better position to understand what’s driving the transaction, ensure the interests of scheme members are appropriately protected and support the deal process. You […]
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 […]
Delivering full benefits for Debenhams Retirement Scheme members
The Debenhams Retirement Scheme (the Scheme) received a lot of press coverage when the retailer appointed Administrators. The news that the Scheme trustees have agreed a transaction with Clara Pensions (Clara), allowing the Scheme to exit PPF assessment and for all 10,400 members to join Clara and receive their originally promised pensions in full (along […]
Clara-Pensions and the Debenhams Trustee announce agreement to transfer members of the Debenhams Retirement Scheme out of PPF assessment
14 March 2024: Clara-Pensions (Clara), the member-first consolidator for defined benefit pension schemes, and the Trustees of the Debenhams Retirement Scheme have reached agreement on the UK’s second ever superfund transaction. The 10,400 members of the Debenhams Scheme, which entered the Pension Protection Fund’s (PPF) assessment period in April 2019 following the insolvency of Debenhams, […]
The PLSA Winter Conference
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association West Midlands Winter Conference is taking place on Wednesday 8 November 2023 in Birmingham. Sir Steve Webb will kick off the conference as the keynote speaker, with the afternoon exploring the final destination for DB pensions (including an insurer panel discussion on risk transfer, and discussions on alternatives). Vidett will be in attendance, […]
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 […]
What do trustees need to consider with reinsurance?
Earlier this year we hosted our Vidett ‘Risk Transfer Conference’, bringing together industry experts from around the country. We were joined by Phoenix Group, Just and Hymans Robertson for a session on reinsurance to explore the latest trends and key things pension trustees need to know. The market is growing, with no signs of stopping! […]
Securing a speedy £160m buy-in for Repsol Sinopec
Whilst acting as the sole trustee for the Repsol Sinopec Pension and Life Scheme, see what we did to help them capitalise on an improvement in scheme funding levels.
This case study is a great example of how we quickly secured members benefits through collaboration and teamwork.
Gloomy retirement
Stuart Southall recently wrote to The Times regarding pension adequacy, automatic enrolment and pension contribution rates. The letter was published in the national newspaper on Friday 21 April. “Sir, You report (Apr 20) that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has enlisted Lord Darling of Roulanish and David Gauke to take a fresh look at pension […]
Protecting DB schemes & their members
Many pension savers have lost out over the years due to a lack of proper protection of their pension savings. I started working in pensions several years after the Robert Maxwell scandal in 1991, where he stole £460m from the Mirror Group pension funds. Given the enormity of the sums stolen from the ‘Maxwell schemes’, […]
Dealing with distress – part two: radical surgery
So, your pension scheme sponsor is in distress and, having assessed the situation (see part one – keep calm & carry on), it is clear the employer cannot support both the scheme and continue trading. Insolvency is inevitable. It is just a matter of time… Time for a rescue attempt Although it may seem like the […]