Trustees of defined benefit pension schemes need to understand the ability and willingness of the sponsoring employer to fund the pension scheme. Only then can they:

• determine an appropriate investment strategy.
• determine an appropriate funding strategy.

By understanding and monitoring the employer covenant, trustees and their pensions professional advisers are better able to make decisions on:

• what margins for prudence need to be made in their funding assumptions.
• whether to take a long-term view in their investment policy.
• what recovery period is appropriate for a deficit to be repaid.

In today’s uncertain economic,  client trustees need an independent review of an employer’s covenant to comply with guidance issued by the Pensions Regulator and to limit personal risk. The depth and extent of a review can vary, depending on the circumstances. The approaches can vary from:

• regular presentations from the employer at trustee meetings.
• a desk-top review based on publicly available information.
• a detailed investigation based on discussions with the employer and analysis of business forecasts.

We recognise and understand that, at times, a scheme can be a challenge as well as a benefit. Employers can benefit enormously from a well structured, appropriately funded scheme. However, that same scheme can produce challenges for the employer and trustees in the areas of risk, funding and transaction structuring. These areas need to be planned and managed as an integral part of the business. Typically, we are instructed by employers and trustees in the early stages of a proposed transaction. As experienced professional advisers, we are able to review the circumstances and suggest ways in which the transaction can be progressed to a successful conclusion. We make full use of the services and support offered by the Pensions Regulator to offer structured solutions and as licensed insolvency practitioners we are able to fully demonstrate and explain the potential problems if transactions do not proceed.