The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has outlined its agenda for the year ahead, setting five key strategic goals.

Opening the PLSA ESG Conference 2022, PLSA chief executive, Julian Mund, drew attention to the fact that the PLSA was drawing close to its 100-anniversary, which will be 2023.

The first of the association’s goals was improving pension policy, with Mund stating that its “ultimate aim” was to bring total auto-enrolment pension contributions to a minimum of 12 per cent from the early 2030s.

The PLSA will also aim to engage with its members effectively, invest in its people and systems, maintain its financial sustainability, and to bring the industry together.

“Our work for PLSA members starts with our policy and advocacy – the work we do on your behalf to change the pensions world for the better and avoid the wrong kind of regulation that might change it for the worst,” Mund continued.

“It’s absolutely central to what the PLSA does and why we exist. And we’ll continue to lobby for the right policy and regulatory framework, producing thought leadership reports and PLSA policy initiatives to set out our vision.

“Earlier this year we set out our policy goals, and at the top of the list is championing a policy framework that means most people will have an adequate income in retirement.”

In his opening speech, Mund emphasised that the ESG conference was a great opportunity to bring the sector together to discuss ESG matters.

“Over the last few years we’ve seen such a surge in desire to invest responsibly,” he said.

“We’ve also seen a surge in regulation and reporting. That’s why ESG has been the number one priority for many of our members for over a year. The PLSA is working over the long-term for the long-term future of our pensions, people and planet.

“We’ve seen the successful implementation of a large number of the policy recommendations from our Changing Climate report, which we published in late 2020.

“We’ve also been working with the IA on a project to encourage good stewardship throughout the investment chain. And our voting guidelines, with their increased emphasis on ESG issues, as well as our research on social factors, continue to be influential.”

Concluding his session, Mund stated that the PLSA will continue to work with the industry and decision-makers to address current and future ESG issues, alongside improving outcomes for schemes in other areas.

“Whatever your responsible investment aim, the PLSA is here and working on your behalf to help you achieve it,” he said.

“We’re improving pensions policy in this and many other areas across DC, DB and the LGPS.

“We’re bringing our industry together to help you combine your expertise to help everyone achieve a better income in retirement.”

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