The Association of Member-Nominated Trustees (AMNT) has widened its membership for the first time since its formation in 2010 to include employer-nominated trustees, directors, scheme secretaries, clerks to trustees, and other pension scheme representatives.

Under the revised constitution, current member-nominated trustees (MNTs) will become full members, while former MNTs will be able to retain their membership.

The association has also expanded its associate membership category. Employer-nominated trustees, directors, scheme secretaries, clerks to trustees and other representatives of recognised private or public sector occupational pension schemes, or equivalent bodies, will now be eligible to join as associate members.

The AMNT argued the changes would not dilute its purpose but are intended to reflect evolving scheme structures and governance across the pensions sector, as more risk is transferred to members and the number of MNT roles declines.

The association said MNTs remain best placed to protect scheme members' interests, but it wanted to extend services to others involved in member representation who have fewer resources available to them.

Commenting, AMNT vice-chair, Lewis Brown, said: “This is the most far-reaching change we have made to our constitution since AMNT was formed.

“MNTs remain, and will always remain, at the heart of what we do. But it is more important than ever that those who share responsibility for protecting members' interests can stand alongside us.

“Bringing associate members into AMNT strengthens our collective voice at exactly the moment members need it most.”

Membership of the association and attendance at its events will remain free. The association said this was supported by its sponsors and noted that many MNTs are unpaid.

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