Development Partnership

The Development Partnerships programme is designed to raise standards, build capability and support millions of savers by embedding professionalism across the pensions industry.

At its core is a clear belief: supportive employers help develop stronger pension professionals and deliver better outcomes for savers.

With expectations from government and The Pensions Regulator continuing to rise, organisations need a consistent, joined-up approach to education and training. Our programme offers a practical, scalable way to ensure your workforce has the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Through the Development Partnerships model, employers can access discounted qualifications, continuing professional development (CPD) and bespoke training. Learners benefit from accessible, career-long development with fewer barriers to progression.

By joining the programme, organisations can invest in their people more effectively, moving away from fragmented individual memberships to a streamlined, scalable structure that delivers greater value and stronger engagement.

Development Partners

Why partner with the PMI?

Why partner with the PMI?

Through a single, predictable annual investment, partner organisations gain access to:

  • Employer-sponsored PMI membership for employees
  • Discounted qualifications, continuing professional development (CPD) and training
  • Clear learning pathways from early career through to senior roles
  • Streamlined administration and reporting
  • Recognition as a learning-focused, professional employer
Who is the programme for?

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for pension administrators, consultancies, technology providers and public sector organisations that want a structured, organisation-wide approach to professional development.

Key benefits

Key benefits

Benefits for employers
  • Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and regulatory expectations 
  • Builds consistent capability across teams and geographies 
  • Improves engagement, retention, and career visibility for employees 
  • Replaces fragmented individual memberships with a scalable, cost-effective model 
Benefits for learners
  • Barrier-free access to professional development 
  • Clear progression routes through PMI membership grades 
  • Ongoing access to learning, CPD, and professional networks 
  • Confidence in recognised standards and career pathways 

Learn more about all the member benefits.  

How the Development Partnership works 

The PMI Development Partnerships Programme is designed to be simple to implement, scalable across large workforces, and aligned to regulatory expectations. 

Step 1: Partnership setup 

Your organisation appoints a senior responsible contact and agrees the scope of the partnership with PMI, including workforce size, learner groups, and priority development pathways. 

Step 2: Workforce onboarding 

Employees are onboarded through a streamlined employer-sponsored membership structure, removing individual barriers to participation and ensuring consistent access to learning and professional standards. 

Step 3: Learning & professional development 

Learners access discounted qualifications, CPD, and tailored learning pathways aligned to their role and career stage, supporting competence, confidence, and progression across the organisation. 

Step 4: Oversight, reporting, and continuous improvement 

The PMI provides structured reporting and engagement insights, enabling organisations to evidence investment in skills, demonstrate commitment to professional standards, and continuously strengthen capability over time. 

In 2025, we announced the launch of our Development Partnerships programme, working with more large pension sector employers to strengthen how their people develop.

By working in partnership with a growing number of employers, the programme helps protect UK savers and supports a step change in professional standards across the pensions industry.

“This exciting initiative is about working with corporations more effectively to raise standards in a more efficient way. We’re helping employers explore how they can support their people while also listening carefully to what they need from their professional body.”

Varsha Gicas

Chief Customer Officer, PMI

Equiniti Retirement Solutions 

“Over the last year we’ve been re-professionalising learning for our colleagues, with a clear focus on pensions, so colleagues feel supported, educated and proud of the profession they’re part of. This partnership opens the door to the PMI’s respected and recognised pathways for every single one of our administrators and technology experts. It will allow our people to see a career, not just a job, and will give clients confidence that we’re investing in the right skills to deliver consistently excellent service.  

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Duncan Watson, CEO, Equiniti Retirement Solutions 
Duncan Watson, CEO, Equiniti Retirement Solutions 

Aptia

Aptia partners with PMI to strengthen pensions expertise and ensure its workforce has access to recognised qualifications and CPD opportunities. 

"Education is the foundation of excellence in pensions administration, and we are committed to empowering pension professionals and collaborating with industry leaders to drive innovation and improve retirement experiences. Our partnership with the PMI reflects our commitment to continuous learning and equipping professionals with recognised skills and standards. We are committed to driving higher standards across the pensions administration sector and will continue to collaborate with the PMI to deliver excellence and improve outcomes for all."

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Malcolm Reynolds, UK President, Aptia
Malcolm Reynolds, UK President, Aptia

Barnett Waddingham

Barnett Waddingham champions professional development and high standards across its pensions teams, supporting career progression and delivering quality outcomes for savers

“The PMI plays a vital role in raising standards across our profession, so we’re proud to be a founding Development Partner in this initiative. At Barnett Waddingham we’ve always believed that long-term investment in people, skills and qualifications is essential to delivering the best outcomes for pension schemes and their members. We look forward to working with the PMI and other partners to strengthen professional development right across the sector."   

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Nick Walker, Pension Administration Principal at Barnett Waddingham 
Nick Walker, Pension Administration Principal at Barnett Waddingham 

Local Government Association 

The LGA works with the PMI to raise standards in public sector pensions, providing its teams with the tools and knowledge to navigate a complex and evolving landscape. 

“We’re proud to be one of the first organisations to join the PMI’s Development Partnerships programme. This collaboration reflects our commitment to equipping local government pension professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for LGPS scheme members.” 

Learn more
Lisa Clarkson, Senior LGPS Training and Development Adviser, Local Government Association
Lisa Clarkson, Senior LGPS Training and Development Adviser, Local Government Association

Become a PMI Development Partner

Join the PMI Development Partnerships Programme and help shape the future of pensions professionalism. If you’d like to enquire or learn more, please contact us.

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