JOB ALERT: Independent Local Board Chairman Bedfordshire

Job Description

The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Pension Board.

The Chair’s aim is to enable the Pension Board to fulfil their responsibilities in respect of the governance of the Bedfordshire Pension Fund (the Fund) in accordance with the Public Service Pension Scheme Act 2013 (PSPA13), legislation governing the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and the Code of Practice issued by The Pensions Regulator.

You will play an important part in the governance and administration of the Fund.  Scheme members, employers and Bedford Borough Council, as the Administering Authority (known as the Scheme Manager under PSPA13) for the Fund, will benefit from the work you do in helping to ensure that the Fund is well managed.

You will be mindful of the terms of reference for the Pension Board which are kept on the Bedfordshire Pension Fund website and have been approved by Full Council.

The issues you will consider may at times be sensitive and complex.  You should carry out your duties with the utmost care and attention.

The Chair’s role is to work closely in partnership and assist the Scheme Manager in relation to the following matters:

• Securing compliance with the scheme regulations and other legislation relating to the governance and administration of the scheme and any statutory pension scheme that is connected with it;
• Securing compliance with requirements imposed in relation to the scheme and any connected scheme by The Pensions Regulator;
• Ensuring any breach of duty is considered and reported under the scheme’s procedure for reporting to the Pensions Regulator and to the Scheme Manager
• Such other matters as the scheme regulations may specify.
• Assisting the Scheme Manager to ensure the effective and efficient governance and administration of the scheme.

The Chair will be expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Pension Board reach sound recommendations.  This will involve scrutinising Boardpapers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Boardin which the Chair has special expertise.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Pension Board member, the Chair has a number of tasks specific to their role.

1. Main Responsibilities of the Chair

• providing leadership for the Pension Board in their role of setting the strategy and policy of the Pension Board
• planning the annual cycle of Boardmeetings and setting the agendas
• chairing and facilitating the Boardmeetings, ensuring that all voices and opinions are heard and judging when consensus is reached
• monitoring that recommendations made at Board meetings are implemented
• liaising with the Chief Officer for Bedfordshire Pension Fund to maintain an overview of the pension department’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• reviewing and appraising the performance of the Pension Board
• to receive timely advice on best practice on all new developments relevant to the LGPS and pensions in general and ensure their compliance as appropriate
• ensuring that the Board’s reporting requirements are met including for example to the Pensions Regulator and the Scheme Advisory Board
• balancing the views and needs of the participating employers and the scheme members

2. Training and knowledge and skills

• ensure that all new Board members fully understand and appreciate their role and responsibilities
• ensure that appropriate knowledge and skills of all Board members is measured, monitored and maintained to have a relevant understanding of pensions law and working knowledge of the LGPS and its documentation
• ensure that all Board members are developed both as a group and as individuals, to enable them to perform their duties effectively
• ensure that the ongoing training on relevant issues and developments meets the needs of the Board members

3. Qualities expected of the Chair

• proven leadership skills with the ability to effectively chair meetings
• articulate in writing and speech with the ability to prepare formal papers and speak at meetings
• sufficient gravitas and sensitivity to operate effectively at all levels internally and externally
• commitment to the role
• integrity, strategic vision and good/independent judgement
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the duties of the Chair
• ability to help formulate recommendations
• good communication skills
• tact and diplomacy
• willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
• understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Pension Board member

4. Desirable experience and knowledge

• knowledge and experience of governance or management of work based pension schemes and the regulatory bodies involved
• a good knowledge of the local government pension scheme
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work
• the law relating to pensions as it applies to the LGPS
• any matters which are prescribed in regulations

5. Time consideration

• The Pension Board meets four times a year
• It is important that the Chair is able to visit the Fund’s offices and be available to the Scheme Manager on a regular basis
• In addition to Board meetings, contact electronically or by telephone will be necessary
• The time commitment for the Chair is expected to be one day per month, on average

To apply, please download the application pack and note the 30^th March: DEADLINE For Return of Application.