The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has opened nominations for its flagship Pinnacle Awards 2026, unveiling a refreshed programme that puts professional standards, skills and innovation at the heart of sector excellence.

As the PMI marks its 50th anniversary, 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 refreshed awards, Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive of the PMI, said:

“The Pinnacle Awards celebrate the very best of our profession. Across the sector, exceptional people and organisations are raising standards, improving outcomes and shaping a stronger pensions future. These awards shine a light on that vital work. Whether winning or just being nominated, the awards have a positive impact on all who take part.”

Real‑world value of recognition

Winners from 2025 have spoken about the momentum that recognition has given their work. Sinon Grover, Director at Quietroom, which won for its work on tackling AI‑related risk, said: “This recognition has helped validate our work in this area and encourage trustees to talk to us about the dangers of scheme websites not being optimised for AI search.”

And 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. Other providers have now joined forces with the PMI and us to support the expanded TAP, moving this from a pilot to an industry‑wide programme.”

Nominations open now

Nominations run from Wednesday 4 March to Friday 24 April. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Peninsula Hotel, London, on Thursday 12 November 2026. To enter, visit [insert weblink].

The programme continues to celebrate excellence across climate action, customer experience, societal impact, professional standards, frontline work and emerging talent. Sector‑wide promotional activity will support engagement, including a hints and tips webinar on 24 March.

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