PMI and Authently team up to improve leadership skills for pension professionals

The PMI has launched two new training programmes with Authently Consulting - specialists in enabling groups, including trustee boards and administrators, improve performance through leadership, culture and operational development. 

The PMI courses are designed to raise governance standards and equip trustees and administrators with the behavioural and leadership skills needed to thrive in an increasingly demanding environment. 

The new programmes - Helping Pension Professionals Thrive and Excelling in Trustee Culture & Leadership for Future Readiness - directly address this industry‑wide need. They are built around highly interactive learning experiences, combining technical insight with behavioural development and practical application.  

Participants will work closely with business psychologists, who will help trustees understand their own decision‑making styles, strengthen board dynamics and build the interpersonal skills essential for effective governance. Both courses are now open for registration. 

Varsha Gicas, Chief Customer Officer at the PMI, said: 

“The pensions world is evolving at pace. Trustees and Administrators must now navigate complex regulation, data challenges, cyber risk and shifting member expectations - all while fostering a culture of strong governance and effective leadership.  

“Our partnership with Authently brings a modern, practical approach to trustee development, ensuring professionals have the skills and confidence to meet these challenges head‑on.” 

Pat Sharman, Managing Director at Authently Consulting, said: 

“In a world where demands across the pensions industry are changing, our core aim is simple: to help pensions professionals truly thrive in their roles.  

“If we look at trustees, for example, the environment they operate in is becoming more demanding every year, and they need support that goes beyond technical knowledge. These programmes focus on the human side of governance - how people think, behave and work together under pressure. By integrating business psychology with practical learning, we’re giving trustees the tools to perform at their best and create healthier, more effective boards.”  

In addition to the new courses, the PMI has also launched a refreshed Introduction to Pensions training programme for 2026 in response to increasing regulatory pressure on trustees and administrators, and growing concerns over governance standards across the UK pensions sector. 

The courses have been revised in line with recent regulatory guidance and reflect the issues most frequently flagged by schemes and advisers, including operational resilience, data risk and the growing scrutiny of trustee capability. 

The courses are:  

Administrators | 21 May and 4 June (London, EC2) https://www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/events/administrators-training-programme-helping-pension-professionals-thrive-may/ 

Trustees | 22 September (London EC2) https://www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/events/training-excelling-in-trustee-culture-leadership-for-future-readiness/ 

Introduction to Pensions (Basic) | 27-28 April (online) https://www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/events/introduction-to-pensions-basic-spring-2026/ 

Introduction to Pensions (Advanced) | 29-30 April (online) https://www.pensions-pmi.org.uk/events/introduction-to-pensions-advanced-spring-2026/ 

Ends 

Note to editors: 

Key features of the Authently programmes include: 

•  Interactive, psychologist‑led workshops to build behavioural competence
•  Scenario‑based learning grounded in real‑world trustee challenges
•  A strong focus on governance, culture and leadership effectiveness 
•  Practical tools for improving board decision‑making and oversight
•  Clear alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practice
•  Flexible delivery to support busy trustee schedules
•  A modern, human‑centred learning experience shaped by Authently’s expertise 

These programmes reinforce PMI’s commitment to raising professional standards, supporting trustees and strengthening the long‑term health of the UK pensions system. 

• The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) is the UK’s leading professional body for those working in pensions and retirement savings. With over 8,500 members, the PMI represents the broadest range of pensions professionals and trustees in the country. 

• Its members are responsible for managing and advising some of the world’s largest pension schemes, making key decisions on substantial financial matters. With more than £1 trillion invested in UK pensions, PMI members play a vital role in shaping the nation’s financial future. With five decades of experience, PMI remains at the forefront of pensions education and thought leadership. 

 Press contact: 

For media enquiries, please contact Matt Adams, Head of Media and PR at pressoffice@pensions-pmi.org.uk