The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has announced the appointment of Antony Townsend as chair of its Determinations Panel, which is responsible for making formal decisions relating to cases where TPR seeks to use certain powers.

Townsend, who stepped down as Financial Regulators Complaints commissioner in October 2020, joined the Determinations Panel in September 2018, and will become chair of the panel effective 7 April 2021.

He will succeed Andrew Long, who has held the post for eight years after being appointed in 2012.

Currently, Townsend is Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care acting chair, Strategic Advisory Board of the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service chair, and a South Warwickshire Citizens Advice trustee.

His appointment was announced alongside the news of four new member appointments to the panel; Shrinivas Honap, Anne Fletcher, Megan Forbes and Stephen Mount, all of whom will join on 1 January 2021.

In total, there will be 10 members of the Determinations Panel as of April next year, with current panel member, Pauline Wallace, reappointed for a second four-year term.

TPR also confirmed that in addition to the departure of Long as chair, current member Catharine Seddon will also be stepping down in spring 2021, after the completion of her second four-year term.

Commenting on the announcement, TPR chairman, Mark Boyle, said: “I am delighted that Antony has been appointed to chair the Determinations Panel, and in doing so will bring a real depth of regulatory skills, knowledge and experience to this important role.

“I am also very pleased that Shrinivas, Anne, Megan and Stephen will be joining as we strive to ensure the panel has the skills and diversity to match TPR’s ambitious long-term strategy to build on its clear, quick and tough approach.”

Townsend added: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of chair of the Determinations Panel. The current exceptional economic climate poses challenges for members of pension schemes, for the schemes themselves, and for the employers which support them.

“It is more important than ever that TPR continues to use its extensive powers wisely and fairly, and it is the role of the Determinations Panel to ensure that it does so. I look forward to contributing to that work.”

Share Story: