Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.

Taking place on 16-18 June at a brand new, award-winning venue, Wyboston Lakes Resort, Bedfordshire, it’s the essential event for anyone involved in the local government pension scheme (LGPS). If you’ve not yet booked your place, here are some of the many things to look forward to.

Whatever your role, there is something for everyone in the packed programme, from governance and the triennial valuation to digital administration and pooling.

I believe it remains the best LGPS event with a broad agenda focusing on the key issues for the sector.

- Attendee at PLSA Local Authority Conference 2024

Stay ahead of major policy changes

It’s well known that the Government has big plans for the LGPS, with pooling, local investment and governance all major topics, and ones that the Government is aiming to achieve quickly.

To help you prepare for the future, the Scheme Advisory Board will be sharing their annual report and discussing what’s on the horizon for the LGPS, while representatives from across the LGPS will be discussing the future of pooling and consolidation following on from last year’s Mansion House speech.

One of the reforms to come out of it is an expectation for scheme governance to be strengthened. We’ll be discussing the changes stemming from the implementation of the Good Governance recommendations and will see what can be learnt from the private sector.

Scheme administration

New technology is constantly opening new ways for members to access the information they need and for schemes to provide a better, more streamlined service. Make sure not to miss our session on taking a digital-first approach, where experts from across the industry will share their views on how to make the most of new tools and approaches.

Talk surplus

What to do with surplus is one of the hottest topics in DB pensions right now. Valuations show that surpluses are becoming the norm in the LGPS, and while that alleviates one set of problems, it also brings new challenges.

We’ll be exploring how surpluses can have an impact on investment strategy, how to manage potential employer exits and how to communicate about surpluses to savers.

Get the most out of your investments

Returns remain a key part of scheme management – perhaps more than ever with the Government prioritising growth. Schemes looking to invest more in the UK economy might find themselves considering smaller companies, so we’ll cover some of the benefits that they can offer, such as pricing power, potential for continued buyback of shares and the chances of mergers and acquisitions – as well as how this can stimulate the UK economy.

Domestic investment is popular with members, and recent research shows that pension savers are also concerned about climate change, environmental issues and social inequality. But does it still make sense to pursue a responsible investing strategy in an uncertain geopolitical and economic climate?

We’ll tackle this question in sessions on responsible investing, where we’ll examine how biodiversity targets and net zero policies can help schemes’ investments, while industry experts (including a King’s Counsel) will consider whether fiduciary duty should cover more than just returns in a world changing through climate as well as conflict.

I found it a very interesting and informative conference and I learnt a lot from the meetings I attended. I also learnt a lot from colleagues in different parts of the country.

- Attendee at PLSA Local Authority Conference 2024 

Practical solutions and takeaways from sector leaders

Throughout the conference, you’ll be hearing from experts from across the pensions sector, including senior figures in the LGPS and regulators. They will share actionable, practical solutions and takeaways that you can implement in your schemes to address the challenges you face and support your members.

Networking opportunities

One of the best parts of attending this conference is the opportunity to meet people facing the same issues as you.

A huge proportion of last year’s attendees said that the networking opportunities were one of the most valuable reasons for attending, giving them the chance to discuss common problems and learn from each other’s experiences.

With regular refreshment breaks and a host of activities, there will be plenty of chances to meet colleagues from across the LGPS and the wider pensions industry.

Take the chance to reflect and revitalise

With the many challenges that pension schemes are facing, it’s understandable to feel a bit stressed. If you’re feeling the pressure, then the PLSA Local Authority Conference 2025 will not only be the perfect place to gain insights into how to tackle those challenges, but also to take some time to re-energise yourself.

Around the conference sessions, we’re offering an extensive range of activities to help you unwind, including chair yoga, breathwork, nature walks and more.

This is just a taster of what you can expect at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.

It’s a time of big changes for the LGPS, and we’ll be exploring those changes throughout the conference with you. We hope to see you there!

Find out more and register your place today.

This article was sponsored by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).