Independent Person (Pension Fund) – Non-voting

Consult; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wandsworth Council seeks an experienced pensions professional to provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge at board level for the Local Government Pension Scheme fund. This non-voting independent appointment will be contracted rather than employment with the councils, with in-person attendance required in Wandsworth, London.

The role involves attending Pension Committee meetings, reviewing papers, and offering assurance on governance, investments, administration and risk

Qualifications

• Significant pensions knowledge and experience with robust, independent and evidence-based challenge.
• Ability to provide independent scrutiny and objective challenge at governance level.
• Familiarity with governance, investments, administration and regulatory framework of pension schemes.

Responsibilities

• Attend Pension Committee meetings, training and governance activities.
• Review committee papers and prepare ahead of meetings.
• Provide independent oversight on governance, investments, administration and risk management.

Skills

Pensions knowledge

Independent challenge

Governance experience

Education

PMI qualification

APPT accreditation

LGPS knowledge

Job description

About Us

Independent Person (Pension Fund) - Non-voting

Independent contractual appointment

Initial term: Three years

Remuneration: Fixed rate for meetings and day rate for ad hoc

Location: Wandsworth, London, with in-person attendance required

Closing date: 1st November

Are you an experienced pensions professional with the expertise and independence to provide strategic advice and constructive challenge at board level?

Wandsworth Council, as the Administering Authority for the Wandsworth Pension Fund, is seeking to appoint an Independent Person to support the governance of a £3.3 billion Local Government Pension Scheme fund. In this newly created role, you will provide independent scrutiny, professional expertise and objective challenge to the Joint Pensions Committee, Senior Responsible Officer and asset pool.

This is a non-voting, independent appointment and is not employment with Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. To preserve your independence, you will be engaged through a contractual arrangement, either as an individual or through a limited company or umbrella company, subject to IR35 requirements.

What You'll Do

• Attend Pension Committee meetings, training sessions and related governance activities.
• Review committee papers and undertake preparation work in advance of meetings.
• Provide independent oversight and challenge on governance, investments, administration and risk management.
• Scrutinise advice and recommendations received from advisers, service providers and London CIV.
• Support the development and review of Fund strategies, policies and governance arrangements.
• Help ensure the Fund's governance arrangements remain effective, transparent and aligned with statutory requirements.
• Provide assurance through independent and objective challenge on key issues affecting the Fund and its members.

About You

You will bring significant pensions knowledge and experience together with the ability to provide robust, independent and evidence-based challenge.

You Will Either

• Hold a relevant qualification from the Pensions Management Institute (PMI);
• Be an accredited member of the Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT); or
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience within the Local Government Pension Scheme environment.

You will also have strong knowledge of pension fund governance, investments, administration and the regulatory framework affecting pension schemes, together with the ability to work effectively with elected members, senior officers, advisers and other stakeholders.

Independence

Maintaining independence is fundamental to this role. You must not have any personal, financial or professional interests that could compromise your ability to act impartially.

Applicants must not currently provide, or have recently provided, paid services to the Fund or have connections that could create a conflict of interest. A full independence and conflicts assessment will form part of the appointment process.

Time commitment and remuneration

The appointment is for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and governance requirements.

You will be expected to attend meetings in person, undertake preparation work and provide additional support as reasonably required.

Remuneration will be agreed contractually and will reflect the responsibilities of the role and market norms. Reasonable expenses will be met by the Pension Fund.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

Attached documents

• Job profile.pdf