The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has ramped up its efforts to protect UK savers by joining forces with a growing number of employers in a bold new push to raise professional standards across the pensions industry.  

The PMI today announced the launch of its Development Partnerships programme, working with more large pension sector employers to maximise how their staff develop. 

At the heart of this programme is a simple but powerful belief: supportive employers build stronger pension professionals and better saver outcomes.  

The Development Partnerships model enables organisations to invest in their people more effectively, replacing fragmented individual memberships with a streamlined, scalable structure that delivers better value and deeper engagement. 

Today the PMI announced the launch of the programme, with Barnett Waddingham, Aptia and the Local Government Association (LGA) signing up as the first Development Partners.  

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

“Our role is to educate pension professionals, empower tomorrow’s pension leaders and enable better saver outcomes. We know organisations today need scalable, cost-effective ways to invest in skills.  

“So I am delighted that Barnett Waddingham, Aptia and the LGA have been the first to join us as Development Partners to ensure their staff gain the skills they need to operate in a rapidly changing and more complex pensions landscape. 

“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.” 

The PMI has a long history of successful collaboration with strategic partners, to support development and elevate standards across the industry.  

Through its Development Partnerships model, employers gain access to discounted qualifications, CPD, and bespoke training, while learners benefit from barrier-free access to career-long development. 

Nick Walker, Pension Administration Principal at Barnett Waddingham, said: “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." 

Malcolm Reynolds, Aptia's UK President, said:  

“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.” 

Lisa Clarkson, Senior LGPS Training and Development Adviser at the Local Government Association, said:  

“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.” 

 Ends 

Notes to editors  

The PMI’s Development Partnership programme 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 

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