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Trustees should use the summer to get to grips with new Code of Practice requirements

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LCP are urging trustees to use the summer to get on top of the new governance requirements that will come into the force in the new Code of Practice in the Autumn. Alongside the PLSA, LCP has produced a guide to help trustees navigate the new requirements and what they mean, called Own Risk Assessments Made Simple Guide.

TPR’s new Code aims to improve governance and while it’s largely based on existing Codes of Practice, it does introduce new requirements for both DB and DC schemes. The most significant new requirement is for schemes with more than 100 members to undertake and document an own risk assessment (ORA), which is an examination of how well the effective system of governance is working and how any potential risks are being mitigated, which is what this new guidance focuses on.

TPR have stated that producing the ORA could be a “substantial process” and many trustees may feel that this is yet another expectation at a time when there is already an increased regulatory burden. The Own Risk Assessments Made Simple Guide highlights that the ORA should be seen as an opportunity for trustees to take a step back to think about how they operate and can help to strengthen and streamline decision-making and improve governance.

This guide follows on from LCP’s Guide to the ESOG  

The ORA guide points out several things:

  • A proportionate approach is key. While TPR has the same expectations for each type of scheme, the systems and controls should be proportionate to its size, scale, nature and complexity.
  • Trustees should consider governance risks holistically and consider a range of risks in relation to the management of activities, organisational structure, investment matters and communications and disclosure.
  • There are certain areas of good governance which are becoming increasingly important and require attention from trustees. These include climate change, stewardship and cyber risk.

Rachika Cooray, Partner and Head of Governance at LCP, commented: “Trustees may feel overwhelmed with the new requirements and might not feel confident on where to start. Our guides on the ESOG and ORA help to simplify the requirements of the new Code and we can help trustees to agree a plan to address the changes proportionately. There are practical steps that trustees can take now and we encourage trustees to use the summer to make progress with putting their ESOG into place so that there are in a good position to complete their first ORA next year.”

Understanding the Single Code of Practice: Guide to ESOG

Understanding the Single Code of Practice: Guide to ESOG

Take a look at our guide which simplifies the new Effective System of Governance requirements and highlights the policies, procedures and processes governing bodies will need to establish and document.

Explore the guide