Trustee Workbench (Edinburgh) 2026

The Chair will set the context for the morning, outlining the purpose of the workshop, how the sessions link together, and the key challenges currently facing trustees across both DB and DC schemes. Attendees will be encouraged to participate actively and share experiences.

This session provides a broad, practical update on the regulatory landscape facing trustees, moving beyond the Funding Code to consider the key initiatives shaping DB and DC governance. It will explore how trustees can keep pace with evolving expectations while maintaining proportionate, effective oversight.

The discussion will cover current priorities across regulation, trusteeship standards, governance effectiveness and scheme decision-making. Attendees will gain a clear view of what is changing, what matters most for trustee boards, and how to translate regulatory developments into practical actions.

This session looks at the broader investment landscape for pension schemes, including evolving market conditions, changing investment approaches and the governance questions trustees should be asking. It will consider how schemes are balancing cost, risk, liquidity and return objectives across different endgame strategies.

The session will also explore what effective investment governance looks like in practice, including how trustees oversee advisers, monitor performance, challenge strategy and make informed decisions in a fast-moving environment.

Pension scheme governance continues to evolve as boards respond to expanding responsibilities, increasing complexity and a shifting risk landscape. This session will explore what effective governance looks like in practice and consider how boards can adapt their approach to remain focused, resilient, and equipped for the future. Drawing on practical insights and examples, the session will highlight areas for reflection and opportunities to strengthen decision-making, oversight, and risk management to support boards with their strategic objectives of the future.
 

Retirement is changing, but how well prepared are members for the decisions they face? Drawing on Standard Life’s Retirement Voice research, this session will explore what members across the UK are telling us about their financial confidence, pension engagement, retirement planning and decision-making.

The session will consider what these insights mean for trustees and the areas they should be focusing on to help members achieve better retirement outcomes. It will explore practical considerations around member engagement and communications, supporting different member needs and helping members navigate the transition into retirement.

This panel session will focus on key themes from the day's sessions and invite participants to consider what actions they will take from today into their next Trustee meeting.

Optional lunch for attendees to continue their discussions and networking if they would like.