Donna Walsh

Standard Life

Head of Master Trust

Varsha Gicas

PMI

Chief Customer Officer

Presentation of certificates to participants of the Trustee Accelerator Programme.

Dr Priya Khambhaita

PPI

Head of Research

This session brings together the views of employers, trustees and members to reflect on the work of the Pensions Commission. Speakers will share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the system, highlighting where stakeholder priorities align and where further progress is needed to deliver better outcomes for savers.

Torsten Bell

The Pensions Minister

During this keynote address, the Pensions Minister will open the conference and share insights into the current pensions landscape. The session will provide a view of emerging trends and highlight the importance of collaboration as the industry navigates ongoing change.

Private markets continue to attract attention as a potential source of long-term value for savers. This session examines how access can be broadened responsibly, the importance of liquidity and transparency, and what trustees need to consider when assessing value for money in alternative assets.

Refreshments and a chance to exchange insights with peers.

This practical session explains the current inheritance tax framework as it applies to pension schemes. It will cover key legal considerations, common areas of misunderstanding and the practical steps trustees and advisers should be aware of when supporting members and beneficiaries.

Rachika Cooray FPMI

PMI

Non-Executive Director

Lou Davey

PMI

Non-Executive Director

Strong trustee capability underpins good governance and better member outcomes. This session explores accreditation, diversity and continuous learning, and considers how schemes can raise standards while supporting trustees at different stages of their development.

Take a break to enjoy lunch and continue conversations from the morning.

Charlotte Clark

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Director of Cross Cutting Policy and Strategy

With increasing focus on joined-up regulation, this session looks at how the Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority are aligning their priorities. Speakers will discuss what regulatory convergence means in practice, how supervisory clarity is evolving, and the implications for delivering member-focused outcomes.

Innovation in pensions is not limited to decumulation. This session highlights emerging ideas and practical innovations across the pensions lifecycle, helping schemes understand how new approaches, tools and thinking can improve engagement, efficiency and member experience.

Effective stewardship goes beyond compliance and reporting. This session focuses on how schemes can translate stewardship principles into meaningful action, exploring practical examples of how engagement and voting can support long-term value and positive outcomes for members.

Refreshments and a chance to exchange insights with peers.

As more members approach retirement, schemes must support a wide range of needs and preferences. This session examines how decumulation solutions can be designed and delivered at scale, while remaining flexible, inclusive and focused on good member outcomes.

The closing panel brings together senior voices from across the industry to reflect on the themes of the conference. Panellists will explore what resilience means for the pensions ecosystem and how collaboration, governance and innovation can support sustainable outcomes for the long term.

Baroness Jeannie Drake CBE

The conference concludes with a keynote from Baroness Jeannie Drake, offering reflections on the progress made across the pensions landscape and the challenges that remain. Drawing on her extensive experience in pensions policy and advocacy, she will share insights on key priorities for the future, encouraging delegates to consider their role in driving better outcomes and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable system.