PMI announces 40 new TAP trainees as innovative programme enters next phase 

The industry-wide Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP) has hit another key milestone with the appointment of 40 new trainees, signalling an exciting new chapter for the initiative as it continues to enhance the future pipeline of pension trustees. 

The cohort – announced today by the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) - represents a richly diverse group of individuals drawn from all ages and all walks of life, including those who have followed non‑university career paths.  

They bring with them a wide range of professional experiences, from portfolio careers and entrepreneurial ventures to roles outside financial services and pensions.  

This diversity of thought and background is central to TAP’s mission to open the industry to new voices and perspectives, helping raise standards and strengthen governance across trustee boards. 

TAP was originally developed as a pilot by Standard Life with the PMI to support individuals with little or no pensions experience. Following the success of the two-year pilot, the programme was formally expanded with the support of Standard Life Master Trust, Scottish Widows Master Trust, Aviva Master Trust and LifeSight – WTW’s master trust – all of whom continue as sponsors of the enhanced programme. 

Earlier this year, TAP gained ministerial recognition when Pensions Minister Torsten Bell praised the initiative during his keynote speech at PMI’s Annual Conference, saying: “The future diversity of trustees both in terms of the quality and volume is really important, so thank you for everything you are doing on that.” 

With government and regulators consulting on raising standards in trusteeship, governance and administration, TAP is increasingly seen as a vital sector‑wide initiative to help meet the growing demand for skilled, confident and representative trustees able to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. 

Gareth Tancred, CEO of the PMI, said:  

“Selecting the next 40 trainees is a powerful moment for TAP and for the future of trusteeship. This cohort brings an extraordinary mix of backgrounds, perspectives and motivations - from those starting out in their careers to seasoned professionals changing direction. It’s exactly this diversity that will strengthen decision making and improve outcomes for savers.  

"TAP is helping to open the doors of our industry wider than ever before, and I’m proud that the PMI and our sponsors are continuing to invest in the next generation of trustees.” 

Donna Walsh, Head of Master Trust and IGC Governance at Standard Life, said:  

“What started as a pilot has become a truly transformative initiative, demonstrating what can be achieved when the industry comes together to address a shared challenge. I am delighted that, with the support of an increasing number of sponsors and partners, we are opening the door to more than three times as many trainees as participated the pilot.” 

Jelena Croad, Head of LifeSight, said:  

“The strongest trustee boards are those that bring together people with different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. The TAP programme is a fantastic opportunity to broaden the pool of people who can contribute to that. I’m particularly pleased to see people from such a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to become pension scheme trustee.” 

Louise Williamson, Head of Aviva Master Trust, said: 

"Strong governance depends on challenge and a curiosity to look at issues from different perspectives. That's why initiatives like TAP matter. The programme offers a practical route into trusteeship by combining learning and board-level exposure, bringing talented people into the pensions industry from a wide range of backgrounds. We're delighted to support this cohort through mentoring and the sharing of practical governance experience, while welcoming the fresh ideas and insights they can bring to the industry."   

Sharon Bellingham, Head of Scottish Widows Master Trust, said:  

"Scottish Widows is proud to support a programme that is helping to make trusteeship more accessible, bringing fresh thinking and diverse perspectives into the industry. Better outcomes for pension savers are driven by strong, effective governance, and TAP is playing an important role in developing the next generation of trustees at a time when good governance has never been more important. We’re excited to be getting underway with this new cohort and to support their development as future trustees."  

Trainees determined to make a difference 

Trainees joining the programme are clear on what motivated them to take part. 

Mary Fafiolu, 30, an IT Sourcing Manager, has joined TAP to combine her passion for financial education with her belief that greater diversity of thought can strengthen pension scheme decision-making. She said: "As someone who is passionate about diversity and inclusion, I was drawn to TAP's mission to bring new voices into pension scheme governance. People from different generations, professions and backgrounds see challenges differently, and that diversity of thought is essential if pension schemes are to make the best decisions for members."   

For Thomas Joy, 32, a Senior Content Designer at Scottish Widows, TAP is a chance to build on a decade of experience helping people engage with pensions and to take the next step from advising trustees to helping make decisions that improve saver outcomes. 

He said: "I've spent my career helping people understand pensions and make informed decisions. TAP gives me the opportunity to move from advising trustees to becoming one, helping shape decisions that protect and improve outcomes for savers."  

"The most exciting thing about TAP is the opportunity to gain real-world trustee experience. I'm passionate about using technology, design and AI to help people engage with pensions, and I want to bring that perspective into the trustee boardroom." 

Sophia Miller, 33, an Operational Strategy Lead at Lloyds Banking Group and Chair of Age Cymru West Glamorgan, has joined TAP to help create better retirement outcomes for future generations while bringing a stronger focus on diversity, inclusion and accessibility to trusteeship. 

She said: "I've seen first-hand the challenges people face when they reach later life without adequate financial security. TAP gives me the opportunity to develop the skills and experience needed to help shape better outcomes for future generations of savers."  

"Diversity in trusteeship matters. Different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives lead to better decision-making, and I'm excited to be part of a programme that's helping create the next generation of trustees." 

Working hand in hand with industry, TAP provides expert led training from the PMI Group, mentoring from experienced trustees, and real‑world board exposure. The programme offers a structured pathway into trusteeship for non‑pension professionals, combining core learning, board shadowing, networking opportunities and ongoing support through PMI’s Trustee and Student Networks. 

All trainees on the TAP pilot completed their training in the Spring and have passed all their PMI qualification exams. The addition of 40 new trainees marks the beginning of TAP’s next phase of growth, with the PMI continuing to expand employer partnerships, deepen mentoring opportunities and strengthen progression routes into active trusteeship roles.