SVSPS Employer Consultative Group
The Employer Consultative Group (ECG) was established in April 2011. It was set up in order to involve participating employers in the operation and future running of the Scheme after the SVSPS Pensions Committee disbanded.
The ECG has three main functions: Scheme Funding, Investment Strategy and communicating with employers.
Participating employers in the SVSPS were invited to nominate a candidate for election as one of the five elected members making up the first ECG. The number of nominations matched the number of vacancies so a ballot was not needed. For the first three year term, the ECG includes two members of the now-disbanded SVSPS Pensions Committee to provide continuity of knowledge and experience. The ECG has the power to co-opt up to two additional members to fill skills gaps. Co-opted members do not have voting rights.
The ECG currently includes the following members:
| Member |
Association |
| Charles Younger |
Co-opted - investment director, Rathbones |
| Derek Walpole (Chair) |
The Family Fund |
| George Jones |
Tros Gynnal |
| Gordon Edwards |
Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations |
| Isabelle Guillot D'Hauterives |
Harmeny School |
| Ken Campbell |
Co-opted - retired pensions actuary |
| Margo Paterson |
Scottish Youth Hostels Association |
| Richard Furze |
Friends of the Elderly |
| Tim Hencher |
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations |
Representatives from The Pensions Trust at ECG meetings vary according to the business to be discussed, and may include:
| Mike Scrowston |
Head of Finance |
| David Adkins |
Chief Investment Officer |
| Peter Smith |
Investment Associate |
| Billy Wheeler |
Customer Relations Manager |
| Pam Jenkinson |
Client Relationship Manager |
| Jacki Johnston |
Secretary to the ECG |
ECG meetings may also be attended by third parties such as the Scheme Actuary, investment advisers, etc.
Meetings of the ECG are held in Edinburgh or Leeds at least twice a year, depending upon the volume of the subject matter arising for consultation.
The ECG met in July and December 2011. The next meeting is planned for Spring 2012.
Terms of Reference for ECG TO FOLLOW
There are currently no vacancies on the ECG. Should you wish to be considered for election in the future please contact Billy Wheeler (billy.wheeler@thepensionstrust.org.uk)
Employer News
Scheme Valuation
Every three years the Scheme has a formal statutory valuation. The last valuation (effective date 30 September 2008) was completed in 2009. The valuation as at 30 September 2011 is now in progress, and will be completed by the end of this year. The Trustee is required to consult with the Employer Consultative Group about the assumptions the Scheme Actuary will use in the valuation calculations. As work on the valuation progresses, the Group may seek Employers’ input and views on matters which will affect the level of payments to the Scheme and the length of time over which these payments will be collected. Please respond to these requests for information to help the Group in its discussions with the Trustee. |