Issue - meetings

41.1.     The Board considered a report providing an update on various governance workstreams completed and changes effecting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and East Sussex Pension Fund (ESPF or the Fund).

Regulatory change

41.2.     The Chair asked how the Department of Work and Pensions “Stronger Nudge” regulations could be explained to Members of the Fund.

41.3.     Michael Burton (MB) said that the Communications Working Group (CWG) would consider how best to inform members about the Regulations, however, this would most likely be at the time the Regulations are issued, as they are currently only out for consultation.

Changes to the Pension Board and Committee

41.4.     The Board welcomed Cllr Toby Illingworth as a new employer representative of the Board following the resignation of Cllr Chris Collier. He explained he is a Wealden District Council councillor and has a professional background in finance.

Abatement Policy

41.5.     Stephen Osborn (SO) asked whether the new abatement policy had been clearly communicated to employers.

41.6.     Sian Kunert (SK) said that it will appear in the new employer newsletter that is due to be issued after the Communications Working Group (CWG) meeting later today. It is also on the Fund website. In addition, the Pensions Administration Team (PAT) has been in contact with some of the members known to have been affected.

Communicating with Pension Board Representatives

41.7.     The Chair asked whether the Board was happy with the new Pension Board mailbox as a method of being contacted via email by employees, members of the public and other outside organisations.

41.8.     Lynda Walker (LW) said she is part of the CWG so is happy with the approach taken, as it is important that people can contact Board Members to ensure transparency. Doing it this way rather than publishing private emails ensures there are fewer issues. 

41.9.     The Chair asked who monitors the Pension Board inbox.

41.10.   MB confirmed it is monitored by several staff across the Pension Fund Team.

41.11.   The Chair advised that he had received an email from Divest East Sussex and had responded to it via the new email address, advising that the Board did not have responsibility for the investment strategy of the fund..

Privacy Statement and Data Retention

41.12.   The Chair asked why the summary privacy notice published on the Fund’s website was still three pages long (compared to six for the full version) and whether it could be shortened.

41.13.   MB said both were based on templates supplied by Local Government Association (LGA).

41.14.   The Board RESOLVED to note the report and its appendices