OPDU Annual Pension Risk Conference held at Dexter House, Royal Mint Court, 3 March 2015

Managing change and emerging pension scheme risks

OPDU held its fifth Annual Pension Risk Conference on 3rd March, which focused on managing change and emerging pension scheme risks. The theme was particularly apposite given the number of significant changes currently taking place.

Terry Faulkner, Chairman of OPDU’s Advisory Council, welcomed almost 150 delegates to the conference, before introducing Robin Ellison, Head of Strategic Development for Pensions at Pinsent Masons and also a member of OPDU’s Advisory Council, who gave the key note address.

The morning sessions concentrated on defined benefit pension scheme risks and innovative approaches to de-risking; understanding and controlling investment fees; and the significance of European developments and what these might mean for UK pension schemes, their trustees, and sponsoring companies.

After lunch, attention turned to issues affecting defined contribution pension schemes when the sessions considered what schemes might look like in five years’ time; financial education and member communication; and the risks associated with defined contribution schemes and member education.

There were a number of lively panel discussions, which benefited from the knowledge and insight of the high calibre speakers who are named below. The feedback OPDU has received following the conference has been excellent.

Speakers

Terry Faulkner – Chairman of OPDU Advisory Council and former National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) Chairman 

Robin Ellison – Head of Strategic Development for Pensions, Pinsent Masons, OPDU Advisory Council member, and former NAPF Chairman 

Chris Hitchen – Chief Executive Railways Pension Trustee Company and former NAPF Chairman 

Steven Hull – Partner, Eversheds

Hannah Simons – Associate Director, Russell Investments 

Gary Smith – Head of DC Consulting, Capita 

Greg Thorley – Director, Life Academy 

James Walsh – EU and International Policy Lead, NAPF

Typical feedback

“It was a wonderful event…the content and audience work well.”

“Another excellent event…I thought the speakers and subjects covered were very good.”

“I can’t remember when I’ve had more fun doing a public speaking event”

“This was the best OPDU conference so far.”