The Tower Hamlets Pension Board convened on Monday, July 20, 2026, to discuss key governance matters and oversee the Local Authority Pension Scheme (LGPS).

During the meeting, David Stephen Thompson was appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Pension Board for the 2026-27 municipal year. The Board also confirmed its terms of reference, membership, and meeting schedule for the upcoming year. The confirmed meeting dates for the 2026-27 municipal year are: 20 July, 21 September, 14 December 2026, and 15 March 2027. Meetings are set to continue at 10 a.m.

The overall objective of the Pension Board is to assist Tower Hamlets Council, the Administering Authority, in managing the LGPS. This involves ensuring compliance with regulations and legislation, and guaranteeing the effective and efficient governance and administration of the scheme.

Beyond the appointment of the Vice-Chair and confirmation of terms of reference, the Board delved into several significant governance matters. A key discussion point was the Pension Board Annual Report 2025-2026, which detailed the Board's role in providing oversight and challenge to the Council's management of the LGPS. The report highlighted four hybrid meetings held, regular updates on the Pension Fund, progress in data quality and administration backlogs, and the implementation of the Government's Fit for the Future proposals.

Further insights were provided through the Pensions Administration Report, covering the quarter ending March 2026. This report outlined improvements in workflow statistics, a reduction in backlogs, recruitment efforts, and progress on the data cleanse project. It also noted the introduction of new LGPS regulations and preparations for the MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboards launch.

The Scheme Engagement Report detailed activities related to employer and member engagement, including the Pension Fund Information Forum (PFIF) and the Pension Fund Employer Forum (PFEF). It was also confirmed that eligible elected members now have access to the LGPS.

A review of the revised Pension Fund Risk Register was conducted, reflecting the implementation of Fit for the Future reforms and key pensions administration systems. The report identified emerging strategic risks, categorised into six principal areas.

Members also discussed training events attended, including joint board committee training and an investment training session, as well as the Pension Board Work Plan for 2026-27, with a focus on governance and compliance.

The other members of the Pension Board for the 2026-27 municipal year include John Jones (Independent Chair), John Gray (Representing Active Admitted/Statutory Bodies Pension Fund Members), Annette McKenna (Representing Admitted Bodies Employers), Councillor Ahmodur Khan, Duwaine Brown (Head of Revenues and Benefits), Nneka Oroge (Active Fund Members Representative), and Claudia Johnson (Substitute).

More information on the meeting's proceedings can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.