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The role of trustees during assessment

The role and responsibilities of panel trustees include:

Scheme trustees

We work with scheme trustees and their advisors when a sponsoring employer is in financial distress or facing a major change or ‘event’ – such as a restructuring arrangement or potential insolvency – which might trigger the entry of an eligible scheme into PPF assessment. 

Practical tips to help trustees manage risk

Running a pension scheme can be complex and challenging. This is particularly true where the employer is in difficulty. It's important that as a trustee, you understand the sorts of challenges you’ll face when there’s an increased risk of your employer going bust.  So we've published a new guide, Contingency planning for employer insolvency, to help you.

Appointing an independent trustee

Learn about the role of trustees during an assessment period and how a panel adviser can help you through it.

The insolvency practitioner's role in the assessment process

The assessment period starts with a qualifying insolvency event. You must file notice of the insolvency – an S120 notice – within 14 days of your appointment or of becoming aware of the existence of the pension scheme. Without that, it’s not possible to make a start on the work that needs to be completed during the assessment period. By law, we exercise the trustees’ rights against the employer during the assessment period. So we need to know about the insolvency as soon as possible.

How to make a complaint

What to do if you want to make a complaint or request a review of a decision we’ve made.

What happens if your employer becomes insolvent

Find out more about what happens if your employer becomes insolvent and the PPF assessment period.

What are contingent assets?

There are three types of contingent asset arrangements which - providing certain requirements are met - can reduce the amount of risk-based levy your scheme will pay.� Types of contingent assets Type A: Guarantees from a parent or group companyType B: Cash, UK real estate and securitiesType C: Letters of credit and bank guarantees

What is the risk-based levy?

It�s calculated on the likelihood of your scheme being unable to pay out pensions due to insufficient funding, insolvency and the potential size of the claim that would be passed on to us. The amount of risk-based levy (RBL) you pay will be based on your annual s179 valuation information, following adjustment. It takes account of scheme funding, insolvency and investment risks.� If your scheme doesn't have a deficit then you won't have to pay the RBL.

What are deficit reduction contributions?

Deficit reduction contributions are payments to the scheme that are additional to the regular ongoing funding contributions.� These payments may reduce your scheme-based levy, providing you have certified them correctly. Learn how to certify deficit reductions