Pension Scheme Governance & Regulatory Compliance: Secure & Compliant Pensions

Introduction:

Pension Scheme Governance & Regulatory Compliance equips professionals with the knowledge to navigate complex legal frameworks and implement governance best practices for pension schemes. This course focuses on ensuring compliance, managing fiduciary responsibilities, and optimizing scheme performance. Participants will learn to interpret regulations, develop robust governance structures, and mitigate risks. This course bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and effective scheme management, enabling professionals to safeguard pension assets and ensure member security.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in pension scheme management and oversight, including:

• Pension Fund Trustees
• Scheme Administrators
• Compliance Officers
• Legal Professionals
• HR Professionals (Benefits)
• Investment Managers
• Consultants
• Regulators
• Government Officials
• Internal Auditors

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Pension Scheme Governance & Regulatory Compliance course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing pension schemes.
• Implement best practices for pension scheme governance and oversight.
• Understand the fiduciary responsibilities of trustees and administrators.
• Implement strategies for ensuring regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Understand the role of internal controls and audits in pension scheme management.
• Implement techniques for developing and maintaining scheme documentation and records.
• Understand the principles of transparency and disclosure in pension scheme governance.
• Implement strategies for managing conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas.
• Understand the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in pension scheme governance.
• Implement techniques for conducting due diligence and risk assessments.
• Understand the impact of evolving regulations and market trends on pension schemes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different governance structures and compliance strategies.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement robust pension scheme governance frameworks.
• Improve pension scheme performance and ensure member security through effective governance.
• Contribute to the development of sound regulatory practices and standards.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in pension scheme governance and compliance.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective pension scheme governance professional.
• Understand the role of technology and data management in pension scheme compliance.
• Learn how to use compliance monitoring and reporting tools effectively.
• Understand the role of dispute resolution and complaints handling in pension schemes.
• Develop skills in communicating governance and compliance requirements to stakeholders.
• Learn how to integrate governance and compliance into strategic pension scheme planning and decision-making.
• Understand the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in pension scheme governance.
• Develop the ability to analyze and interpret legal documents and regulatory guidance.
• Understand the role of international standards and best practices in pension scheme governance.
• Learn how to develop comprehensive governance and compliance plans for pension schemes.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Pension Scheme Governance and Regulatory Compliance

• Overview of pension schemes and their governance structures.
• Understanding the importance of regulatory compliance in pension schemes.
• Introduction to key concepts (fiduciary duty, risk management, transparency).
• Setting the stage for secure and compliant pensions.

Module 2: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Pension Schemes

• Analyzing relevant national and international laws and regulations.
• Understanding the role of regulatory bodies and their enforcement powers.
• Examining key legal requirements related to pension scheme administration.
• Understanding the impact of evolving legislation on pension schemes.
• Learning to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape.

Module 3: Principles of Effective Pension Scheme Governance

• Understanding the principles of good governance in pension schemes.
• Analyzing different governance structures and their effectiveness.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of trustees and administrators.
• Implementing best practices for board effectiveness and decision-making.
• Learning to establish robust governance frameworks.

Module 4: Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities

• Understanding the concept of fiduciary duty and its application to pension schemes.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical obligations of trustees and administrators.
• Understanding the principles of due diligence and prudent person rule.
• Implementing strategies for managing conflicts of interest.
• Learning to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities.

Module 5: Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Implementing strategies for ensuring regulatory compliance in pension schemes.
• Understanding different types of risks (operational, financial, legal).
• Analyzing risk assessment and mitigation techniques.
• Implementing strategies for developing and maintaining compliance programs.
• Learning to manage risks and ensure compliance.

Module 6: Internal Controls and Audits

• Understanding the role of internal controls in pension scheme management.
• Analyzing different types of audits (financial, operational, compliance).
• Implementing techniques for conducting internal audits and reviews.
• Understanding the importance of audit trails and documentation.
• Learning to implement effective internal controls.

Module 7: Scheme Documentation and Record Keeping

• Implementing techniques for developing and maintaining scheme documentation.
• Understanding the legal requirements for record keeping and data retention.
• Analyzing the role of data management and information security.
• Implementing strategies for ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Learning to manage scheme documentation effectively.

Module 8: Transparency and Disclosure

• Understanding the principles of transparency and disclosure in pension scheme governance.
• Analyzing the legal requirements for reporting and disclosure to members.
• Implementing strategies for communicating information effectively.
• Understanding the role of annual reports and member statements.
• Learning to ensure transparency and disclosure.

Module 9: Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Dilemmas

• Implementing strategies for managing conflicts of interest in pension schemes.
• Analyzing ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes.
• Understanding the role of codes of conduct and ethical guidelines.
• Implementing techniques for resolving conflicts and disputes.
• Learning to address ethical challenges.

Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Implementing strategies for engaging with stakeholders (members, employers, regulators).
• Understanding the principles of effective communication and consultation.
• Analyzing the role of member education and financial literacy.
• Implementing techniques for managing member complaints and inquiries.
• Learning to engage and communicate effectively.

Module 11: Due Diligence and Risk Assessments

• Implementing techniques for conducting due diligence on service providers and investments.
• Understanding the principles of risk assessments and scenario analysis.
• Analyzing the role of independent reviews and expert opinions.
• Implementing strategies for mitigating risks in investment decisions.
• Learning to conduct due diligence and risk assessments.

Module 12: Impact of Evolving Regulations and Market Trends

• Understanding the impact of evolving regulations and market trends on pension schemes.
• Analyzing the role of regulatory updates and industry best practices.
• Implementing strategies for adapting to changing market conditions.
• Understanding the principles of scenario planning and stress testing.
• Learning to adapt to changes.

Module 13: Technology and Data Management in Compliance

• Understanding the role of technology in pension scheme compliance.
• Analyzing the use of compliance monitoring and reporting tools.
• Implementing strategies for data management and security.
• Understanding the principles of data analytics and reporting.
• Learning to utilize technology effectively.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in Pension Scheme Governance

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful pension scheme governance.
• Learning from best practices across different pension funds and regions.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.
• Sharing knowledge and experience.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Pension Scheme Governance

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in pension scheme governance (digitalization, sustainability, global standards).
• Developing action plans for advancing governance and compliance within pension schemes.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on pension scheme governance information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.