Expression of Interest: Local Pensions Board Member

APPOINTMENTS TO THE ROLES OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE BARNET LOCAL PENSION BOARD 

Key features and functions of the role 

The London Borough of Barnet, as Administering Authority for the Local Government Pension Scheme, is seeking two employer representatives of a participating employer, three scheme member representatives and one independent member to join the Local Pension Board as set out below under the section ‘Roles required’.  The Local Pension Board is made up of representatives from active scheme members, retired or deferred members and scheme employers, along with an independent member.   

Key features and functions of the role  

Your role as a member of the Local Pension Board will be to assist the Senior LGPS Officer in ensuring that the scheme complies with legislation relating to its governance and administration in line with the Public Sector Pension Scheme Act 2013, the Local Government Scheme (LGPS) Regulations 2013 (as amended) and any requirement of The Pensions Regulator.  

The features of the role will include (but not be restricted to) the:  

• Review of management, administrative and governance  

• Review of the compliance of scheme employers with their duties;  

• Review of documents required by the Regulations;  

• Review of scheme member and employer communications;  

• Review of complaints received by the Senior LGPS Officer and the application of the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure and Pension Ombudsman referrals where appropriate;  

• Review of the exercise of employer and administering authority discretions;  

• Review of the Pension Fund risk register;  

• Review of the adherence of subjects to their legal duty to report items of administration that have a ‘material significance’ to The Pensions Regulator.  

Key responsibilities of the role  

• You will be required to comply with the Pension Fund training strategy;  

• You will sign and comply with the London Borough of Barnet’s Local Pension Board Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy; Qualities and skills required for the role.  

• You should be able to demonstrate the following essential qualities and skills required to undertake this role:  

• To be able to interpret, assess and where necessary critique management information and reports;  

• To be able to make objective recommendations, ensuring that you are at all times working in the best interests of the Scheme Manager;  

• To already possess or show an aptitude to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the LGPS Regulations and The Pension Regulator’s Trustee Toolkit and Code of Practice. 

Experience and knowledge that will support this role  

• Knowledge and experience of governance or management of pension schemes;  

• An awareness of key aspects of the administration of the LGPS; 

• Prior experience of committee work.  

Term of office  

The term of office will be 4 years 

You should be able to attend training sessions and evening board meetings either on MS Teams or at Hendon Town Hall. The period of appointment is four years and the Local Pension Board will meet quarterly. An allowance of £127 shall be paid to the members of the Local Pension Board for each meeting or training that they attend.  

Roles Required  

• 2 employer representatives from an admitted or scheduled body (e.g., London Borough of Barnet, CSG or Middlesex University) 

• 3 scheme member representatives (employee side) comprising: 

• 1 active member 

• 2 retired/deferred members 

• Local Pension Board - 1 independent member/advisor * Having no current employment, contractual, financial or other material interest in the Council or any Fund employer and not being a member of the LGPS Fund. 

Independent and Scheme Members shall be appointed following a public recruitment, selection and interview process. 

*You cannot be an Independent Member if you are… 

• Currently, or have been in the last 5 years, a Councillor or an employee at the London Borough of Barnet 

• Closely associated with anyone who is now, or has been in the last 5 years, a Councillor or employee of the London Borough of Barnet 

• An active member of any political party either now, or at any time during, the last 5 years 

• Currently, or have been in the last 5 years, holding a public profile in relation to political activities or having involvement in a lead or prominent position in a significant contentious issue with the Council