The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has launched a new Level 5 Experienced Pensions Professional Certificate (EPPC) to recognise the expertise of experienced pensions administration professionals and raise standards across the industry.

Developed with input from Aptia, the qualification assesses candidates through a portfolio of real-world evidence rather than exams or coursework and is the PMI’s first new qualification since 2022. PMI chief learning officer, Vanessa Jackson, described administration as “the backbone of the pensions industry” and said that the EPPC would give experienced professionals formal recognition for their expertise. Aptia chief actuary, Phil Wadsworth, added that the qualification represented “a major step forward” in the professionalisation of pensions administration, while Pensions Administration Standards Association chair, David Fairs, welcomed initiatives that strengthen professional development and recognition across the sector. The PMI noted that the launch supports the government’s updated Pensions Roadmap and forms part of its wider work to raise administration standards, with work also underway on a Level 6 administration qualification planned for spring 2027.

PensionBee has launched an automatic withdrawals feature enabling eligible customers to schedule monthly pension withdrawals directly into their bank account.

The feature, available through PensionBee’s app and website, sits alongside its existing one-off withdrawal option and allows customers to set up, amend, pause or stop regular payments through their online BeeHive account without contacting PensionBee directly. PensionBee said the launch was designed to give customers greater flexibility and control over how they access their pension, while simplifying the process for those approaching or in retirement. Existing customers who make regular withdrawals will be moved to the new functionality, while those approaching retirement will be able to use it once eligible. PensionBee chief design officer, Matthew Cevi Loft, stated: “Alongside one-off withdrawals, they can now set up an automatic withdrawal that arrives in their bank account every month, with the freedom to change, pause or stop it at any time.” He added that the feature formed part of the provider’s wider focus on making retirement income decisions “simple and effortless”.

Hymans Robertson has opened registrations for its updated 2026 National Knowledge Assessment (NKA), which has been revised to reflect new mandated training requirements for committee members of English and Welsh Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds.

The assessment, which has previously run every two years since 2020, will now be offered annually, giving funds a more regular view of the knowledge and training needs of individual pension committee and local pension board members, as well as their collective progress. Hymans Robertson has also updated the assessment’s user interface, introduced instant individual results and made the timing more flexible to align with funds’ training plans, while fund officers will also be able to participate. Participation among committee members at participating funds reached 71 per cent in 2022 and 55 per cent in 2024. Hymans Robertson senior consultant, Alan Johnson, argued that moving to an annual assessment would provide greater consistency and allow training needs to be addressed as they arise, while benchmarking would help funds compare committee and board knowledge levels with peers and improve engagement.

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