Issue - meetings

56.1       The Committee considered a report providing an update on matters relating to Pensions Administration activities led by Paul Punter, Head of Pensions Administration who drew the Committee’s attention to the following points:

1)    The administration team met its 95% target for performance and the Helpdesk also performed well against KPIs.

2)    Two additional appendices were shared; one relates to benchmarking to KPIs compared against the Local Authorities in the region. Overall ESPF’s targets are shorter and more stretching and should offer reassurance to the Committee that excellent service is sought for members. Another appendices relates to recruitment which outlines that only two open vacancies remain.

3)    Project progress is detailed within the report. Pension increases for this year are significant due to the CPI increase of 10.1%

4)    Data was received late for BHCC members however at least 95% of active member annual benefit statements were issued.

5)    There is significant automation through the Heywoods software, all processes are being reviewed and where there are simple tasks with limited touchpoints the aim is to use robotics for those processes. The intention is not to cut jobs but to free up staff for more complex tasks and resolve queries from members, the help desk will not change but the intention is to add capacity through robotics if possible.

6)    Data quality is tracked as required by the regulator, there is a live tool on the system so analysis can be undertaken into any discrepancies, the data is currently at about 95% which was also checked by the Actuary as part of the triennial valuation.  There will be further changes required with the implementation of the national dashboard, where training will be provided to the Committee.

56.2       The Committee RESOLVED to note the report.