The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has announced plans to work with more large pension sector employers to maximise how their staff develop, as part of its new Development Partnerships programme.

The programme, which is intended to help raise professional standards across the pensions industry has already had buy-in from a number of organisations, with Barnett Waddingham, Aptia and the Local Government Association the first to join.

As part of the Development Partnerships model, employers gain access to discounted qualifications, CPD, and bespoke training, while learners benefit from barrier-free access to career-long development.

This is intended to help organisations to invest in their people more effectively, replacing fragmented individual memberships with a streamlined, scalable structure that delivers better value and deeper engagement.

PMI chief customer officer, Varsha Gicas, said: "Our role is to educate pension professionals, empower tomorrow’s pension leaders and enable better saver outcomes. We know organisations today need scalable, cost-effective ways to invest in skills.  

“So I am delighted that Barnett Waddingham, Aptia and the LGA have been the first to join us as Development Partners to ensure their staff gain the skills they need to operate in a rapidly changing and more complex pensions landscape.

“This exciting initiative is about working with corporations more effectively to raise standards in a more efficient way. We’re helping employers explore how they can support their people while also listening carefully to what they need from their professional body.”

Adding to this, Barnett Waddingham pension administration principal, Nick Walker, Pension Administration Principal at Barnett Waddingham, said: "The PMI plays a vital role in raising standards across our profession, so we’re proud to be a founding Development Partner in this initiative.

"We look forward to working with the PMI and other partners to strengthen professional development right across the sector."

Aptia UK president, Malcolm Reynolds, also emphasised the importance of continued development, arguing that "education is the foundation of excellence in pensions administration".

"Our partnership with the PMI reflects our commitment to continuous learning and equipping professionals with recognised skills and standards," he stated.

“We are committed to driving higher standards across the pensions administration sector and will continue to collaborate with the PMI to deliver excellence and improve outcomes for all.”

This was echoed by Local Government Association senior LGPS training and development adviser, Lisa Clarkson, who said: “We’re proud to be one of the first organisations to join the PMI’s Development Partnerships programme.

"This collaboration reflects our commitment to equipping local government pension professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for LGPS scheme members.”

 

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