General Training Courses

The Pensions Regulator has published detailed lists of what trustees must know and understand, divided into 13 separate "units" for defined benefit schemes (9 for defined contribution schemes). Much of this is new as it has been brought in by recent legislation such as the Pensions Act 2004. The technical details will challenge even those who have acted as a trustee for many years.

LCP runs regular courses (open to trustees of all schemes) that are designed to cover all aspects of the Trustee Knowledge and Understanding requirements of the Pensions Act 2004. Alternatively, we can – and do – arrange courses aimed at specific groups of trustees.

Our general courses* cover all the material necessary for trustees to demonstrate compliance with the new knowledge and understanding regulations in two stand-alone, but complementary, one-day sessions.

All our trustee training courses take place at our London offices -
30 Old Burlington Street, London, W1S 3NN.

Day One - Duties & Responsibilities

This covers trustees' duties and responsibilities, and gives an overview of trusteeship. The day comprehensively covers units 1 and 2 of the Regulator's scope guidance for defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. This includes the legal framework of pension schemes, using discretionary powers in practice, member protection and the changes brought in by recent pensions legislation.

Our Duties & Responsibilities course is available as follows:

Day Two - Funding & Investment

This covers funding and investment, and puts the principles into a practical context. The day comprehensively covers units 3 to 9 of the Regulator's scope guidance for defined benefit schemes (units 3 to 6 for defined contribution schemes). This includes how a scheme is funded, its assets and liabilities, contributions and actuarial advice, setting an investment strategy and monitoring investment managers.

Our trustee training courses are not only clear and informative, but they are also lively and interactive. Each day is made up of a series of short talks, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion, and we also hold a number of workshops looking at practical examples that give everyone the chance to participate. The emphasis is very much on clear explanation and communication, and we always bring in real-life examples and anecdotes from our many years of advising pension schemes. Below is a list of our forthcoming general training courses. For more information on course content, fees and how to apply, please click on your preferred course.

Our Funding & Investment course is available as follows:

“Excellent course for new trustees and for updating knowledge.”
Graham Saul, Director, The Water Companies (Pension Fund), Trustee Co Ltd

“Well presented. Concise information. Very useful.”
Steven Spano, Chief Financial Officer, Assicurazioni Generali (UK)

“I found the course both informative and enjoyable. I particularly liked the workshop sessions, which made us think hard about the issues and which reinforced the formal presentations.”
Paula Gibbons, Pensions Manager, Halcrow

*Our general training courses are Pensions Management Institute (PMI) accredited for CPD.