The refreshed awards programme, launched as part of the PMI’s 50th anniversary activity, places professional standards, skills and innovation at the heart of sector excellence.  

With just days remaining to enter, the Institute is urging individuals and organisations across the pensions industry to ensure their work is recognised. 

As the PMI marks five decades of advancing professionalism, it is accelerating efforts to raise capability and strengthen governance across the UK pensions landscape. The redesigned Pinnacle Awards reflect this renewed focus, with new categories celebrating the people and organisations driving progress, improving outcomes and lifting standards sector-wide. 

This year’s awards introduce three new categories that recognise outstanding learning, teaching and organisational development, core pillars of a modern, well-governed pensions system. 

New for 2026: 

• Learner of the Year – Celebrating individuals demonstrating exceptional commitment to pensions education and continuous professional growth. 

• Pensions Tutor of the Year – Recognising educators shaping high-calibre pensions professionals and future sector leaders. 

• Impact on Learning and Professional Development – Honouring PMI Accredited Training Partners delivering innovative, high-quality programmes that develop the skills the industry needs. 

To ensure broader recognition of progress and inclusivity across different types of innovation, the PMI has also merged and modernised its existing innovation awards into one comprehensive category called Innovation in Products, Services and Technology. 

It spotlights impactful solutions – simple or sophisticated – that advance pensions provision, improve user experience or boost operational efficiency. 

Launching the final call for entries, Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive of the PMI, said: 

“With the entry deadline now just days away, this is a crucial moment for our industry to recognise the work being done to raise standards and improve outcomes. These are challenging times for pensions, with significant change and increasing expectations across the board. 

It is more important than ever that we celebrate the individuals and organisations who are driving progress, investing in skills and delivering for members. If you or your team are making a difference, I would strongly encourage you to come forward before entries close on 8 May.” 

Real-world value of recognition 

Winners from 2025 have spoken about the momentum that recognition has given their work.  

Donna Walsh, Head of Standard Life Master Trust, added: “Winning a PMI Pinnacle award for the Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP) helped shine a light across the industry on our pilot initiative supporting the next generation of trustees. TAP is now going from strength to strength. The awards are a powerful way to highlight the great work we do as an industry, and how ultimately, we make a difference to savers.”   

Final call for nominations 

Nominations are open now and will close on Friday 8 May. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Peninsula Hotel, London, on Thursday 12 November 2026. Enter here.  

The programme continues to celebrate excellence across climate action, customer experience, societal impact, professional standards, frontline work and emerging talent. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

• 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