Issue - meetings

Consider report by Chief Financial Officer. (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Financial Officer comparing the actual 2017/18 attendance for Pension Fund Committee and Pension Board Members to the requirements detailed in the current Training Policy approved in June 2017.  In line with this Policy, the Pension Fund agreed to undertake an annual Knowledge and Skills Self-Assessment to identify key areas for the future year’s training plan and the report proposed key areas of training for 2018/19.     The Training Knowledge and Skills Assessments had identified key areas of training including: the role of the Custodian, LGPS Benefit structure, understanding of the regulatory environment, knowledge of financial markets and investment products.    Members were strongly encouraged to actively participate in all training events to demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the governance of the Pension Fund and to support effective decision making. In response to a question regarding completion of the Trustee Toolkit, Ms Robb advised that this was mandatory and required to be completed within six months of joining the Committee or Board.  With regard to any sanctions that could be imposed on members who did not attend training events or the required number of Committee meetings, Ms Robb explained that it was for the joint Committee and Board to decide what sanctions, if any, to impose.   Following discussion, the joint Committee and Board asked that the Chairman write to all Pension Fund Committee and Pension Board members reminding them of their responsibility to attend meetings and to undertake training as required.

DECISION

(a)        NOTED:

            (i)         The Training Policy in Appendix 1 to the report;

            (ii)        The outcome of the 2017/18 training programme and the attendance                          levels for training and meetings; and

            (iii)       The outcome of the Knowledge and Skills Self-Assessment for                                   2018/19.

(b)       AGREED:

            (i)         The training areas for 2018/19 set out in paragraph 6.2 of the report                           and that all members should prioritise attendance at training events                              whenever practicable; and

            (ii)        The Chair to write to all members of the Pension Fund Committee and                      Pension Board reminding them of their responsibility to attend                          meetings and undertake training as required.