Border To Coast Pensions Partnership

Our progress has been built on the close collaboration across our partnership – and we’re delighted that this has been recognised by being nominated in three categories at this year’s LAPF Investments Awards!   Investment Innovation Award Best Approach to Responsible Investment Sustainable Investment Strategy (Climate)   We’re particularly happy that the LGPS-wide collaboration we supported, the film and campaign #LGPSJobs, has been shortlisted for both the LGPS Promotional Initiative of the Year and Outstanding Contribution of the Year! Great news for all involved – the LGPS scheme advisory board and the local government pensions team Local Government Association South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Wiltshire Pension Fund NextEnergy Capital Pictures for the People   Huge congratulations to all who've made the shortlists, and a special shout out to our Partner Funds South Yorkshire Pensions Authority and Surrey Pension Team. We look forward to raising a glass together at the awards ceremony in October!   #LAPFawards #LGPS #LGPSJobs  

In the latest of our Investment Insights, Border to Coast Portfolio Managers Hernan Enriquez and John Lothian, CFA look towards Japan’s recent corporate governance turnaround, and how Korea might soon be following suit, and ask if it marks a new beginning for the two countries in global markets.   “As active stewards of our Partner Funds’ capital we will leverage our position as long-term investors to persuade and even pressure management to improve corporate governance” the article adds.   Read the full piece on our website here.

What does the future hold for the LGPS? In May, the Minister for Local Government wrote to Local Government Pension Scheme Funds on this very issue. Our partnership responded to outline the progress we have made and how we are building a strong and resilient framework in which we can continue to support Partner Funds to deliver the pensions of LGPS members in a cost effective and sustainable manner.  Read our full response on our website: https://lnkd.in/evUpSrtR #LGPS #UKInc #responsibleinvestors

Incredibly proud to have retained our status as a signatory to the Financial Reporting Council Stewardship Code for yet another year. We are committed to strengthening our approach to responsible investment as an active steward of assets on Partner Funds’ behalf, and this status – which we first secured in 2021 – is testament to this. As one of 289 signatories representing more than £50trn in assets, our partnership continues to play a role in driving higher stewardship standards and we look forward to collaborating and engaging with industry to continue this work. #stewardship #LGPS #responsibleinvestment

Following the Chancellor’s announcement of a landmark review of pension investment in the UK, including the investment potential of the LGPS, our CEO Rachel Elwell attended an industry roundtable to discuss the detail of the review in Downing Street this morning.   “Our focus is on delivering a strong and sustainable LGPS to enable it to pay the pensions of the 6.6 million local government workers in an affordable and sustainable manner. Through the commitment and support of our Partner Funds, Border to Coast has developed innovative and cost-effective investments, while cutting Private Market fees by almost 30%,” Rachel said.   She added: “We welcome the opportunity to work with the Government on a co-ordinated review to consider how the LGPS can continue to deliver for hard-working members, generate even greater value to local taxpayers, and deliver productive investment in the UK.” Rt Hon Rachel Reeves HM Treasury Emma Reynolds Read more on the review here: https://lnkd.in/eeYU5vgK

Our partnership supports over 3,100 employers and 1.1million members. In addressing our 2024 Annual Conference, Border to Coast CEO Rachel Elwell comments, “What we do today will serve LGPS members and communities in a hundred years – we are stewards who, in acting today, will deliver a better tomorrow.” Rachel, and representatives from four of our Partner Funds Pam Duke (Cumbria), Jo Kempton (Lincolnshire), Andy Watkins (Bedfordshire) and Paul Cooper (Durham) discuss the challenges ahead for the LGPS – and how the power of our partnership can enable us to build a strong and sustainable future.

Day 2 of our 2024 conference for our Partner Funds in #Leeds and our focus is net zero and our role as active stewards of our Partner Funds assets. Jane Firth, our former head of RI, stewardship manager Colin Baines and Harry Ashman engagement specialist at Robeco, our voting and engagement partner, discuss bio-diversity and the approaches to engagement. 

Making a difference for the LGPS is our mission - and that was brought to life with an interview at our 2024 conference with Debbie Ledger, a librarian at Barnsley Council and a member of the LGPS for the past 40 years.   Her message to councillors and officers: "A heartfelt thank you for giving people like me the confidence and peace of mind through your work. I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for you - always keep that in mind."   Debbie is pictured below in a video on the benefits of the LGPS, which you can view on our website here: https://lnkd.in/giGGHbVi #LGPS #pensions 

Our 11 Partner Funds are at the heart of all we do – and today we’re delighted to welcome them to our annual Border to Coast conference in #Leeds. As well as officers and councillors, our conference delegates include representatives from our strategic partners who support us in our mission: to make a difference for the #LGPS. Over the next couple of days, we’re looking forward to discussions, debates, presentations and workshops. It’s a great opportunity to come together and consider opportunities and issues facing pooling and the LGPS, as well as the wider investment industry.

Congratulations to colleagues on their exam success! Adhith K., Holly Owens, Rebecca Harvey, and Toby Clarke have all recently passed CFA exams.   Having passed his CFA Level 1, Toby said: “I’d like to thank Border to Coast for the support during my studies. The third-party course materials and study leave certainly helped.”   As a learning organisation, our graduate programme supports colleagues with a complete learning and development package including on-the-job training and fully-funded opportunities to gain formal qualifications including CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and IMC (Investment Management Certificate).   Find out more about how we invest in our people here: https://lnkd.in/eqZkaYFr