New Code of Practice for Professional Corporate Sole Trustees of Pension Schemes
Code of Practice for Professional Corporate Sole Trustees of Pension Schemes
A new Code of Practice for Professional Corporate Sole Trustees (PCSTs) of Pension Schemes was approved by the Council of the Association of Professional Pension Trustees (APPT). The new code has now been effect for 2 months since coming into effect on 1 January 2021.
The Code of Practice sets out guidance as to the processes and procedures which firms acting as a PCST should implement and maintain to meet these obligations falling on APPT members in relation to PCST appointments.
When should a Professional Corporate Sole Trustees not accept an appointment?
Members of the APPT should note in particular that the Standards specify that the following should not accept appointment as a PCST:
- Sole traders
- Those whose firms are not sufficiently resourced to mitigate the additional risks and responsibilities
What does the Code of Practice cover?
The new Code of Practice covers the following:-
- The Appointment
- Evolving from Joint trustee to PCST
- Removal of Resignation of PCST
- Independence from the sponsoring employer
- Negotiations with the Employer
- Appointment of advisers
- Decision making
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Appointment of Advisers and Service Providers
- Review of Advisers and Service Providers
- Conflicts of interest
- Fees
What is the Status of the Code?
This is a voluntary code and has no statutory force.
This Code of Practice is not intended to apply to Master Trusts or “captive” corporate trustees established for the sole purpose of running one or more pension schemes associated with a single employer or group of employers.
Where is the new Code?
The new Code of Practice can be found here.
What standards does a Professional Corporate Sole Trustees of Pension Schemes need to follow?
It is a requirement of the Standards that PCST firms provide assurance reporting on internal controls in accordance with “ICAEW Relevant Trustee Supplement AAF 02/07 (TECH 04/13AAF)”
What about Professional Corporate Sole Trustees that provide administration, accounting and payroll services?
PCST firms performing administration, accounting or payroll services should also provide assurance reporting in accordance with ICAEW AAF 01/06 or AAF 01/20 as applicable in respect of these services.
How does a Professional Corporate Sole Trustees deal with issues identified during the review?
Where assurance reporting identifies an issue of concern, the PCST firm should ensure any such issues are notified to the sponsor and addressed as a matter of urgency
For further information please contact Gareth Burton on 020 7112 8300 or email gareth.burton@assureuk.co.uk.