The new alliance will see the not-for-profit organisation embed the PMI’s structured, industry-recognised learning pathways across its organisation, supporting more than 1,000 colleagues at all levels to develop the skills and qualifications needed in an increasingly complex pensions landscape. 

For the provider of People’s Pension to more than seven million members and over 100,000 employers, the initiative is seen as a critical investment in delivering high-quality outcomes for UK savers. 

As part of the programme, the company will introduce qualification standards, extend professional development opportunities across its operations function, and explore becoming a PMI training partner to deliver learning in-house. 

Varsha Gicas, Chief Customer Officer at the Pensions Management Institute, said: 

“People’s Partnership becoming the first master trust to join our Development Partner programme is a landmark moment. It sends a clear signal about the importance of investing in people to raise standards across the industry. 

“As schemes grow in scale and complexity, the need for skilled, qualified pensions professionals has never been greater. By embedding structured learning and professional development across its organisation, it is demonstrating real leadership and a strong commitment to delivering better outcomes for its seven million savers.” 

Angela Staral, Chief Operations Officer for People’s Partnership, said: “We believe that investing in our people is fundamental to delivering the best possible outcomes for our members. Teaming up with the PMI is a natural next step in our journey to further strengthening professional standards across our fast-growing organisation. 

“This exciting joint venture enables us to build on strong existing foundations by embedding recognised learning pathways, enhancing skills, and supporting colleagues to achieve professional qualifications. In doing so, we are not only developing our organisational capability but also reinforcing the confidence that our seven million members can place in the quality, rigour, passion and professionalism of the service we provide.” 

The announcement comes at a time of increasing focus on skills, governance and member outcomes across the pensions industry, with regulators and the Government continuing to highlight the importance of capability and professionalism. 

By aligning workforce development with these evolving expectations, People’s Partnership aims to ensure it is well positioned to support members throughout their entire savings journey, from early engagement through to retirement. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors    

The Development Partnership initiative helps organisations build and sustain capability, consistency and professionalism across their pensions workforce. This is seen as vital in the light of growing expectations from government and The Pensions Regulator for higher standards designed to protect millions of UK savers.  It provides several benefits:     

For Employers:   

• Predictable annual investment   

• Greater proportion of eligible staff actively engaged   

• Discounts across qualifications and training   

• Streamlined administration and reporting   

• Recognition as a learning-focused employer  

For Learners:   

• Early career membership through employer sponsorship   

• Clear upgrade pathways from Student to Professional levels   

• Ongoing access to qualifications, CPD, and networking   

• No financial barriers to participation    

Learn more about the Development Partnership programme.     

• 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