• The PMI leads major programme extension as successful two-year Standard Life pilot enters final phase

• Standard Life continues its support; Aviva, Scottish Widows and LifeSight master trusts sign up  

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) today announced the formal launch of an expanded Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP) - a bold sector-wide initiative designed to boost the pipeline of skilled pension professionals ready to deliver better saver outcomes.

The move comes as DWP consults on improving the standards of pension scheme trusteeship, governance and administration.

TAP was originally developed as a pilot by Standard Life with the PMI to support individuals with little or no pensions experience. It is now a comprehensive programme, opening pensions up to a wider, more diverse pool of talent.

The programme’s first cohort of participants came from a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, HR, finance resourcing, fashion and banking. They are about to finish their training and sit PMI qualification exams.

Working hand in hand with industry, TAP combines expert-led training from the PMI Group, experienced trustees, and real-world board exposure to create a structured pathway into trusteeship.

The PMI announced today that Standard Life Master Trust, Scottish Widows Master Trust, Aviva Master Trust and LifeSight - WTW’s master trust - have all become sponsors of the post-pilot phase.

TAP is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled, confident, and representative trustees who can navigate the increasingly complex governance and regulatory landscape.

Gareth Tancred, CEO of the PMI, said:

“TAP is more than a training programme - it’s a gateway to higher professional standards, launched at a time when government and regulators are rightly setting out tougher expectations. By equipping a new generation with the tools and confidence to serve as trustees, we’re helping shape a future pensions industry that is resilient, inclusive, and fit for purpose.

“I am thrilled Standard Life, LifeSight, Aviva and Scottish Widows are showing their support for this vital programme by becoming sponsors.”

David Walmsley, Director of Trusteeship, Administration and DB Supervision at The Pensions Regulator, said: “Trustees are the backbone of pension governance, and we are committed to driving up standards. Creating a confident pipeline of diverse, highly-skilled trustees - ready to navigate a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex environment - is essential to building a stronger future.”

Donna Walsh, Head of Master Trust at Standard Life said: “When we embarked on this pilot with 12 trainee trustees, little did we know how transformational the Programme would become. It has changed the lives and career paths for many of our trainees, opened up the prospect of new opportunities and provided insight for existing trustees and their boards. The first cohort of trainees is on track to be trustee ready by June 2026. The industry response has also been overwhelmingly positive, and this is why I’m confident that, under the stewardship of the PMI, the enhanced TAP will be equally successful in diversifying and developing the trustee boards of the future to better serve all scheme members.”

Jelena Croad, Head of LifeSight, said: “LifeSight’s proposition has always centred on high-quality governance delivered through an independent and diverse Trustee Board. We strongly believe that Trustee Boards made up of diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise make better decisions and generate better outcomes for members.

“We are hugely supportive of the PMI’s Trustee Accelerator Programme to encourage, identify and train the next generation of pensions trustees. This will help drive standards of governance across the industry, ensure Trustee Boards are more representative of the members they serve, and ultimately lead to better member outcomes.”

Louise Williamson, Head of Aviva Master Trust, said: “We’re pleased to support this initiative which aims to improve access and diversity in the pensions industry. The Aviva Master Trust Board looks forward to providing mentoring and offering its governance experience, complemented by PMI training, to help develop and support a growing pipeline of talent. It will also be a valuable opportunity to gain fresh perspectives from newcomers to the industry.”

Scottish Widows’ Master Trust Lead Sharon Bellingham commented: “We’re proud to support the Trustee Accelerator Programme and to work collaboratively across the industry to widen access to trusteeship and build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of future trustees. Greater diversity can only strengthen decision‑making and support good outcomes for savers.”

TAP offers a comprehensive route into trusteeship for non-pension professionals. It includes training, one-to-one mentoring, trustee board shadowing, and networking opportunities. Trainees benefit from nine virtual check-ins, six mentor-led sessions, and access to PMI’s Trustee and Student Networks. A dedicated TAP Special Interest Group supports ongoing engagement, and a sponsor-led conference in September highlights the evolving role of trusteeship in today’s pensions landscape.

Looking ahead, the PMI will continue to evolve TAP by expanding employer partnerships, enhancing the depth of mentoring and board-shadowing opportunities, and introducing a more structured progression framework that supports trainees beyond completion and into active trusteeship roles.

Case studies:

The power of the programme is summed up by trainees from the TAP pilot phase. Tom Dibble, 33, said TAP has opened up a career-changing opportunity. He said: “I’ve experienced first-hand how great this programme is. I’ve discovered a real passion for pensions. It’s brilliant that the PMI is scaling TAP up to diversify decision-making and make pensions more inclusive.” And Priya Kainth, 35, said: “TAP has opened my eyes completely to pensions. It’s given me another dimension, something new to think about in terms of my career. I’m really keen to be a trustee one day.”

Read more about TAP.

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Notes to editors

Full details of three TAP case studies can be found here: PMI News

To speak to our case studies, please contact pressoffice@pmi-pensions.org.uk

In more detail, TAP will consist of:

Core Training: PMI’s TAP curriculum, delivered digitally through the PMI, covers key aspects of pension trusteeship.

Mentoring Scheme: Each participant will be paired with an experienced trustee for guidance and career development, with monthly trustee-trainee catch-ups.

Shadowing & Networking: Shadowing positions for participants on trustee board meetings and networking prospects with other prospective trustees.

Supporter Sponsor Conference: A half or full-day event held in September focusing on the role of trusteeship, delivered by supporter sponsors.

Trainee Virtual Check-in Sessions: Nine virtual check-in sessions delivered by PMI, with guest speakers and topics guided by the trainees.

Trustee Mentor Virtual Check-in Sessions: Six virtual check-in sessions delivered by PMI, with topics guided by mentors.

Trustee SIG & Student Network Access: Trainees and trustee mentors will receive access to PMI’s Trustee Special Interest Group (SIG) and Student Network, as well as student membership for the duration of the programme.

TAP Special Interest Group SIG: Trainees and Trustee mentors will receive access to the exclusive TAP programme SIG for existing participants of the programme and alumni from the previous cohort.

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.

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Press contact:

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