Northern Conference 2026

Northern Conference 2026

09 July 2026 | 9:30 - 17:00

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Northern Conference 2026

As the pensions landscape continues to evolve, trustees and practitioners across the UK face growing demands for technical fluency, regulatory awareness, and member-focused decision-making. The PMI Northern Conference 2026 offers a dedicated platform to build capability, share best practice, and deepen understanding of the issues shaping pensions delivery today. With a strong emphasis on education and practical application, the programme will explore emerging policy developments, scheme governance, and the evolving role of trustees in a post-consolidation environment.

Sessions will be tailored to support both experienced professionals and those newer to the sector—ensuring relevance, accessibility, and real-world impact. Held in Leeds for the third year running the conference reflects PMI’s commitment to regional engagement and professional development. Delegates will leave equipped with the tools, insights, and confidence to navigate complexity, drive better outcomes, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient pensions system.

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    Fees

    Members: Free
    Affiliate and Corporate members: £600 (+VAT)
    Non-members: £1200 (+VAT)
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    7

    CPD
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    10+

    Speakers

Event Details

THE BASICS

Topics of discussion:
  • More details coming soon
Who should attend:
  • Pension Scheme Managers
  • Trustees
  • Administrators
  • Policy advisers
  • Consultants
  • Lawyers
  • Corporate IFAs
  • Investment managers
  • Actuaries
  • Communication professionals
The venue

The Terrace, 3 Wellington Place, Leeds, England, LS1 4AP

3 Wellington Place By Bevan Cockerill 52

Agenda

More details coming soon.

09:30 - 10:00
Arrivals, registration and breakfast
10:00 - 10:05
Welcome from the PMI
Robert Wakefield
Robert Wakefield
The Tracing Group
Director of Business Operations
10:05 - 10:35
Opening keynote: Pension reform update from the Department for Work and Pensions

This session provides a clear and timely update on current pension reform priorities. The speaker will highlight policy developments, upcoming regulatory changes and what they mean for schemes, trustees and members. You will gain practical insight into how reforms may influence strategic and operational decision-making.

10:35 - 11:10
Economic outlook: What trustees need to know – inflation, growth, monetary policy and investment strategy implications

An expert-led overview of the economic landscape, focusing on the key trends shaping long-term pension investment decisions. The session will explore inflation, market conditions and monetary policy, helping trustees understand the potential implications for funding, risk management and future planning. Attendees will leave with focused, actionable insight.

11:10 - 11:40
Morning networking break
11:40 - 12:10
DB in a changing world: Macro trends, regulatory shifts and the future role of DB schemes

This session explores the evolving Defined Benefit (DB) landscape, looking at regulatory updates, market pressures and long-term sustainability. It will examine the challenges DB schemes face and the opportunities emerging from new thinking, innovation and policy direction. Delegates will gain clarity on the future role of DB in a modern pensions system.

12:15 - 12:45
Breakout session: IHT – the legal and practical guide for schemes

A practical session focusing on Inheritance Tax (IHT) considerations relevant to pension schemes. The speaker will outline the legal framework, typical scenarios and common areas of risk or misunderstanding. You will gain a clearer understanding of how to support members while ensuring schemes remain compliant and well-governed.

12:15 - 12:45
Breakout session: Trustee capability – raising the bar for governance through accreditation, diversity and continuous learning

This session looks at how strong trustee capability drives effective governance. It will explore trustee accreditation, the value of diverse boards and the role of continuous professional development. Attendees will hear practical ideas for strengthening trustee effectiveness and supporting better outcomes for members.

12:45 - 13:40
Lunch and networking
13:40 - 14:10
Decumulation at scale – designing for diverse needs

This session examines how schemes can support members through decumulation with confidence and clarity. It will explore emerging models, diverse member needs and opportunities to strengthen retirement support. You will gain insight into how large-scale solutions can improve outcomes and deliver a more personalised experience at retirement.

14:15 - 14:45
Breakout session: Technology and data – enabling smarter governance through automation, analytics and scheme efficiency

A forward-looking session highlighting how technology and data can transform governance. It will explore automation, analytics and the practical steps schemes can take to improve accuracy, efficiency and risk management. Attendees will learn how better data use can strengthen decision-making and member outcomes.

14:15 - 14:45
Breakout session: Pensions administration – the backbone of member outcomes: operational resilience, data integrity, automation and service standards

This session focuses on the essential role of administration in delivering strong member outcomes. It will cover operational resilience, data quality, service expectations and opportunities for automation. You will hear practical guidance on building robust processes that support a reliable and future-ready administration function.

14:45 - 15:05
Afternoon networking break
15:05 - 15:35
Panel discussion: Building a resilient pensions ecosystem

A panel of industry experts will discuss how schemes, providers, regulators and professionals can work together to create a stronger, more connected pensions environment. Topics include long-term resilience, member needs, innovation and the role of collaboration. Delegates will gain a balanced, forward-looking perspective to take back to their own roles.

15:35 - 16:05
Closing keynote: Inspiring perspectives on the future of pensions

An uplifting closing address offering a future-focused view of the pensions landscape. The speaker will share insights on innovation, leadership and the opportunities emerging across the sector. This keynote aims to leave delegates motivated, informed and confident about the role they play in shaping better retirement outcomes.

16:05 - 17:00
Networking drinks reception

Speakers

More details coming soon.

Robert Wakefield
Robert Wakefield
The Tracing Group
- Director of Business Operations

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their continued support