Members are reminded that training to understand their responsibilities and the issues they will be dealing with is a very high priority.

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “O”) informs Members of training courses, conferences and seminars which may be of assistance. Details of the WYPF annual meetings are also included in the report.

Members are asked that consideration is given to attendance at the events in Section 1 of Document “O” and to note the requirement to complete the Pension Regulators toolkit training.

(Caroline Blackburn – 01274 434523)

Resolved –

Members were asked that consideration was given to attendance at the events in Section 1 of Document “O” and to note the requirement to complete the Pension Regulators toolkit training.

Action: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Members were reminded that training to understand their responsibilities and the issues they will be dealing with was a very high priority and that they had a legal requirement to keep their pensions knowledge up to date.  Pension Board Members were also requested to note the requirement to complete the Pension Regulators toolkit training.  

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “O”) informed Members of training courses, conferences and seminars which may be of assistance. Details of the WYPF annual meetings were also included in the report.

The Local Government Fundamentals training was particularly recommended for new Members and to those wishing to refresh their knowledge. This was a bespoke three-day training course aimed at elected members and others who attend pension committees/panels and local pension boards.  Attending all three days would assist delegates in meeting the relevant requirement for knowledge, skills and understanding either required in statute or encouraged by relevant guidance. In response to concerns about the availability of Members it was confirmed that the sessions could be attended in person or virtually and Members could attend all, or a mixture, of the three days arranged.

It was explained that with the fund’s valuation approaching a valuation training session would be arranged for both the Pension Board and Joint Advisory Group in January 2022 and efforts would be made to hold that session virtually.  

The report detailed the Pension Regulators toolkit training which should be completed by all.  Once completed a copy of the completion certificate should be given to the Head of Employer Services and Compliance.

The Trustee toolkit was a free, online learning programme aimed at trustees of occupational pension schemes.  It included a series of online learning modules and downloadable resources developed to help you meet the minimum required level of knowledge and understanding introduced in the Pensions Act 2004.  Links to the toolkit and other online training from Aberdeen Standard Investments Learning Gateway were provided.

The Pensions Regulator would be reviewing codes of conduct and Members would be sent a link to access training on that topic.

Details of the Members and Employer annual meetings were provided and Members were encouraged to attend the virtual sessions.

Following discussions about divestment of investments a Member reported how useful previous training on ethical investment training was and how it had helped them to understand their obligations.  It was suggested that the training be repeated. 

Members were advised that all training and development costs would be met by the Fund and they were requested to contact Caroline Blackburn to book on any of the sessions or for any further information required.

Resolved –

Members were asked that consideration was given to attendance at the events in Section 1 of Document “O” and to note the requirement to complete the Pension Regulators toolkit training.

Action: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund