The Association of Member Nominated Trustees & Directors

13 July 2010

Introduction
We are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Member Nominated Trustees and Directors by providing them with a platform on which they can build their skills and knowledge, voice their opinions, and be better recognised for the good and important work they do.
Why is such an Association Needed?
Given the inherently complex nature of UK pensions and the increasing burden being placed on Trustees, it is becoming apparent that far more should be done to support Member Nominated Trustees/Directors.
They have a unique part to play in bringing good governance to pensions and a unique set of challenges and constraints to work to. The need for greater support for MNT/Ds is evidenced by the number of stubborn vacancies that Trustee Boards sometimes struggle to fill, and the signs are that this trend will worsen before it gets better.
The short tenure of office means MNT/Ds are typically on a very steep learning curve, and by the time they feel competent and confident it is often time to relinquish their role!
As they are selected by their peers to represent their interests they often find themselves having to balance their duties as an MNT with their role as a member of staff, and this itself can become conflicted.
As a consequence of these factors, MNT/Ds sometimes struggle to make as full a contribution as they might, and may even feel isolated, and at worst, vulnerable.
Despite these difficulties, many do a sterling job, and deserve appropriate recognition. There is also a need to spread best practice amongst their MNT/D peers, and the Association will facilitate this.
What are the Aims of the Association?
1. To create a website that will act as a communications hub and resource portal for MNT/Ds
2. To provide free access to online technical information and guidance that has been especially selected or produced to be of particular value and relevance to MNTD/s
3. To provide MNT/D – specific training and guidance at Regional Meetings
4. To make MNT/Ds aware of the generic personal risks of being an MNT/D and to highlight strategies to mitigate those risks
5. To capture best practice amongst MNT/Ds and share it amongst the MNT/D community
6. To act as a useful resource to Sponsoring employer’s who will be able to use the online presence of The Association to promote vacancies to their members with a view to filling stubborn vacancies
7. To act as a conduit through which MNT/Ds can voice opinions and lobby for support on issues that specifically affect them, with, for example, The Pensions Regulator and other Trustee organisations
8. To provide a sociable and supportive environment in which MNT/Ds can connect with like-minded individuals and get ideas and second opinions on how to overcome challenges they face
9. To help protect MNT/Ds from the potential conflicts of interest and pressures they may face as they perform their duties
How can you get involved?
We are actively seeking Member Nominated Trustees and Directors to get involved with this new and worthwhile cause, and in particular we want to hear from potential founder committee members to attend a lunch on Friday 3rd September, in London. Please contact jwillard@pitmanstrustees.com