Northern Conference 2026

Northern Conference 2026

09 July 2026 | 9:30 - 17:00

book now

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 fourth 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.

  • icon

    Fees

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

    7

    CPD
  • icon

    10+

    Speakers

Event Details

THE BASICS

Topics of discussion:

 

  • Pension reform and policy updates
  • Trustee capability, accreditation and governance standards
  • Economic outlook and investment implications for trustees
  • The future of DB schemes amid regulatory and market change
  • Inheritance tax: legal and practical considerations
  • Decumulation solutions at scale for diverse member needs
  • Using data to manage risk in a changing environment
  • Pensions administration, resilience and service excellence
  • Building a resilient pensions ecosystem
  • Leading positive change keynote speech
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 chair
Robert Wakefield FPMI
Robert Wakefield FPMI
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 - 11:05
Trustee capability – raising the bar for governance through accreditation, diversity and continuous learning
Adam Bartlett
Adam Bartlett
Pi Partnership
Governance Consultant
Jenny Croxall
Jenny Croxall
Pi Partnership
Professional Trustee

Strong trustee capability underpins effective governance. This session explores trustee accreditation, the value of diverse boards and the importance of continuous professional development. Attendees will hear practical ideas for strengthening trustee effectiveness and supporting better outcomes for members.

11:05 - 11:35
Morning networking break
11:35 - 12:05
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.

12:10 - 12:40
Breakout session: 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.

12:10 - 12:40
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.

12:45 - 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
Chris Tagg
Chris Tagg
Barnett Waddingham
Partner, Pension Administration
Robert Wakefield FPMI
Robert Wakefield FPMI
The Tracing Group
Director of Business Operations

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
David Walmsley
David Walmsley
TPR
Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision

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: Perspectives on leading positive change
Frederika Roberts
Frederika Roberts
Positive Psychology
Organisational Change and Workplace Culture Speaker

This closing keynote will offer a forward-looking perspective on leadership, workplace culture and organisational change. Drawing on expertise in positive psychology, the session will explore how individuals and organisations can adapt, innovate and build more effective ways of working.

Delegates will gain practical insights into leading with confidence, supporting positive change and creating environments where people can perform at their best. The session will leave attendees feeling informed, motivated and ready to apply these ideas in their roles.

16:05 - 17:00
Networking drinks reception

Speakers

More details coming soon.

Frederika Roberts Keynote
Frederika Roberts
Positive Psychology
- Organisational Change and Workplace Culture Speaker

Frederika Roberts is an expert in Positive Psychology, Organisational Change, and Workplace Culture Improvement.
Her keynotes and workshops support the wellbeing and optimal functioning of individuals and groups across a wide range of organisational settings — from schools and universities to businesses, charities, and the public sector.

With a professional background spanning recruitment, social media marketing, and teaching, Frederika brings a unique blend of insight, energy, and practical experience to her work. Since 2013, she has delivered impactful talks and training to diverse audiences and now also lectures at postgraduate level. She is currently undertaking doctoral research into Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to organisational change and whole-system wellbeing.

Frederika is the author of Recipe for Happiness (2013) and For Flourishing’s Sake (2020), co-author of Character Toolkit for Teachers (2018) and Character Toolkit Strength Cards (2020), and co-editor of The Big Book of Whole School Wellbeing (2022).

Adam Bartlett
Adam Bartlett
Pi Partnership
- Governance Consultant
Chris Tagg
Chris Tagg
Barnett Waddingham
- Partner, Pension Administration

Chris is an experienced administrator and client manager for occupational pension schemes.

Chris has extensive experience in providing administration services to all types of occupational schemes and well as providing governance and secretarial services. He also has good knowledge of project management, particularly around implementation of new schemes.

David Walmsley
David Walmsley
TPR
- Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision

David is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; serving as Deputy Chair of TPR’s EDI Steering Committee and a Public Sector Equality Duty champion.

He is Director of Trusteeship, Administration & DB Supervision. A chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience spanning pensions regulation, financial analysis, and corporate restructuring. David has led on strategic transformation across defined benefit schemes, trusteeship, and administration and has played a key role in the development of policy and guidance, most recently, the new DB Funding Regs, Code and accompanying covenant guidance. David has played a significant role in TPR’s transformation.

Jenny Croxall
Jenny Croxall
Pi Partnership
- Professional Trustee
Robert Wakefield FPMI
Robert Wakefield FPMI
The Tracing Group
- Director of Business Operations

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their continued support

Pi Partnership
Pi Partnership
Insight Partner
-
Spence & Partners
Spence & Partners
Sponsor
-