In addition to managing your pension in line with the scheme rules and regulations laid down by the government, we have also appointed an independent governance committee whose task it is to act in the interest of all scheme members.
These people act like trustees to ensure that you receive value for money from the scheme. So they look at things like charges, administration, communication and the funds we manage. They can challenge how we run our pension schemes and if any scheme is not providing value for money, they can recommend remedial action.
The independent committee meets at least four times a year and is made up of the following members:
Christopher Murray (Chair) - Director, Smith & Williamson Financial Services Limited
Professional qualifications:
- Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute
- Diploma of the Personal Finance Society
Mr Murray has extensive experience of advising companies on pension schemes and working with trustees, as well as acting in a trustee capacity on behalf of Smith & Williamson Trust Corporation Limited. He is also a partner of Smith & Williamson LLP.
Naomi L’Estrange - Director, 20-20 Trustee Services Limited
Professional qualifications:
- Solicitor (current practising certificate)
- Qualified Executive Coach
- Certificate in Advanced Business Management from Ashridge
Ms L'Estrange has 20 years' experience as a pension lawyer and a director of the Pension Protection Fund. She advised the Institute of Actuaries and many individual pension schemes and was seconded to Government to advise on Pensions Act 2004. As the PPF's Director of Strategy and Policy, Ms L'Estrange has worked with various Government departments and the EU on matters of pension policy. She is a professional trustee to a number of pension schemes of all types.
Sarah Farrant - Director, Sarah Farrant Consulting
Professional qualifications:
- Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries
Ms Farrant has been a qualified actuary for over 25 years. She has been Scheme Actuary to many schemes, including a number of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies and has enjoyed senior roles with national employee benefit consultancies and a ‘Big Four’ firm of Chartered Accountants.
Mark Garnett - Director, Advisory Investment Services Limited
Professional qualifications:
- Associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
- Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute
Mr Garnett provides investment management and advice for pension schemes and is former Partner of Smith & Williamson Investment Management LLP. He advises employers and boards of trustees, and regularly presents on the economy and investment markets.
Adam Tookey - Head of Product Management, Link Fund Solutions
Mr Tookey is responsible for the development and on-going product management of all funds operated by Link Fund Solutions Limited, including those offered through the pension plan. He has more than 20 years asset management experience, working for a number of global firms.
The Independent Governance Committee welcomes views from members so for more information or to get in contact with the committee chairman, email christopher.murray@smithandwilliamson.com. Additionally, available for view are the committee's Terms of Reference, Conflicts of Interest Policy and Annual Report.
