Pensions group begins communications survey

“With changes in company pensions policies, tax regulations and generally increased press coverage, pensions rightly get much more attention now than in the past,” said Angela Dean, chairman of the group. 

Reuters Pension Fund and Supplementary Pension Scheme trustees and administrators have made efforts in recent years to improve communications to scheme members – active, deferred and retired, she said. However the Pension Review Group has become increasingly aware of the need to keep pace with best practice, the importance of timeliness and balance in relation to formal/official communications and also to inform members of topical and interesting subjects in a way that is lively and engaging. The PRG wishes to support the trustees and administrators by putting forward ideas to enhance and strengthen communications in the future.

“To do this, we need the help of pension funds members. We need to know what those who are members think about the communications they already receive, and also to gain a view on what, if any, improvements could be made,” she said.

Closing date for completion of the survey is 1 July. A summary of feedback provided in the questionnaire along with an update on PRG conclusions and any recommendations will be put to the trustees for consideration. Comments will not be attributed and responses will remain confidential.

“RPF and SPS members are of course able to give feedback to trustees and administrators on any communications issue, at any time, and this initiative doesn’t replace that right,” Dean added. ■