The Pensions Regulator

The Pensions Regulator hosts launch roadshow

Ref: PN05-04
30 March 2005

During June 2005, the Pensions Regulator will host a series of 'launch' events to highlight the regulatory changes that will be introduced by the Pensions Act 2004.

The roadshow will visit Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Belfast. This will be an ideal opportunity for professionals in the pensions industry to hear, first hand, about the new remit and powers of the regulator. The roadshow is open to trustees, actuaries, administrators, and any other advisors or professionals involved with the running of an occupational pension scheme.

The events will cover a variety of topics, including:

• an introduction and overview of the Pensions Regulator;
• codes of practice; and
• the regulator's relationship with the Pension Protection Fund.

Places for these key events are limited, and booking will be strictly on a 'first come, first served' basis. To avoid disappointment, please book early.

To register an interest in these events please email pensions@oxygenmarketing.co.uk. You will need to include your contact details, company name, position and which region you are interested in. Alternatively, full details of the events, including venues and booking procedures, will be available at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/mediaCentre/events/ in early April.

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Editor's notes

1. Dates for the regional roadshows are as follows, however specific venues are still to be confirmed:
   • 14 June Edinburgh
   • 16 June Leeds
   • 21 June Birmingham
   • 23 June London
   • 28 June Cardiff
   • 30 June Belfast
   The events will be held between 9:30am and 4pm and lunch will be provided.
2. Bookings for the roadshow are being handled on behalf of the Pensions Regulator by Oxygen Marketing. Booking enquiries can telephone 020 7731 2288.
3. On 6 April 2005, the Pensions Regulator will be established as the new regulator of work-based pensions in the UK, with wider and more flexible powers under the Pensions Act 2004. It will replace Opra which will cease to exist.
4. The new powers of the Pensions Regulator will include the ability to:
   • collect more detailed scheme information;
   • impose a statutory obligation so that ‘whistleblowers’ will report suspected breaches of the legislation to the regulator;
   • issue improvement notices and third party notices, allowing the regulator to ensure problems are put right;
   • freeze a scheme that is at risk, while the regulator investigates; and
   • prohibit trustees who are judged not fit and proper to carry out their duties.