Discover the key areas employers need to discuss with scheme trustees.
Read our Finance Director’s guide to DB scheme actuarial valuation.
Defined Benefit pension schemes can be hard for employers to manage
Trustee prudence in Defined Benefit scheme funding can result in excessive caution in both investment policy and funding valuations.
This may lead to calls for the employer to contribute more money to the scheme. These are significant payments in many cases, and can interfere with business plans. Watch our short video to find out how to address this problem.
Employers with a scheme that is closed to new entrants or future benefits are particularly keen to reduce the ongoing business risks and manage the costs of providing those benefits.
Ultimately, the employer is responsible for delivering the defined benefits promised to members. But many employers struggle to exercise control over trustee decision-making.
How First Actuarial can help
Our services give employers peace of mind that they are fulfilling their pension responsibilities.
Overseeing scheme trustees
We work with employers to set up and maintain checks and balances to make sure that trustees:
- Listen to employers and make allowances for their long-term plans for the scheme
- Take a prudent approach to funding calculations, without being overly cautious
- Produce investment strategies that are cost-effective and take account of the employer’s long-term plans
- Consider all options – not just those that are easier for trustees – fully and openly.
Company accounting
We provide quick and accurate pension figures for company accounts, and keep employers informed so there are no unpleasant surprises at year end.
Managing liabilities
We can help you manage Defined Benefit risks with a sensible, phased approach to reducing liabilities, while protecting your scheme members, and your reputation.
We can also help you reduce your scheme liabilities by supporting your members with the right information and explaining any complex areas. That way, you’re also helping your members can choose the right options to meet their needs.
Whether your ultimate aim is to find out more about buy-out or run on the scheme, we can get you to where you want to be, quickly and cost-effectively.
Our main consultant has a good style and is able to help people think through options in easy-to-understand terms, and plan for the future accordingly.
– Joan Goulden, Alliance One International Services Ltd
Find out more about our Defined Benefit services
Download our Defined Benefit brochure.
