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Speakers' PowerPoint presentations in PDF format, where permission to circulate has been given, are available below.

Thursday 6 December

09:00 - 09:30	Registration and refreshments served
Plenary 1 09:30 - 09:40	introduction and welcome Richard Butcher, Chair, PLSA
Plenary 2 09:40 - 10:10	PATIENT CAPITAL IN IMPATIENT TIMES The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury launches our trustee guide on patient capital and illiquid investment within his presentation on the role of pensions with regard to long-term investment in innovative firms and the economy. We will also discuss the latest regulatory and policy changes necessary to support investment of this type. Robert Jenrick MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Chaired by: Caroline Escott, Policy Lead: Investment & Stewardship, PLSA
Plenary 3 10:10 - 10:40	VIEW FROM THE REGULATOR - EXPECTATIONs OF TRUSTEES The recent DB white paper gave TPR additional powers to enact its new ‘clearer, quicker, tougher’ approach to scheme regulation, as well as the ability to punish risky behaviour by sponsors. How can trustees work together with the regulator to ensure the health of their scheme? Fiona Frobisher, Head of Policy, The Pensions Regulator Chaired by: Richard Butcher, Chair, PLSA
10:40 - 11:10	Refreshment break
Plenary 4 11:10 - 12:00	ENDANGERED SCHEME SIMULATION Your sponsor’s in the news with a bad earnings report. They assure you everything is okay, but the gap between your scheme’s assets and liabilities is widening while the share price declines. This interactive session will help trustees identify the next steps to take in this situation. Fiona Frobisher, Head of Policy, The Pensions Regulator Jane Higgins, Partner, Allen & Overy Jessica Kerslake, Counsel, Allen & Overy Francesca Parnell, Senior Associate, Allen & Overy Chaired by: Richard Butcher, Chair, PLSA
Stream Session 1 12:05 - 12:50	investment STREAM Sponsored by EXAMINING THE FINANCIAL MATERIALITY OF ESG FACTORS With the forthcoming strengthening of trustee investment duties around environmental social and governance risks and opportunities, what are financially material ESG factors? How should trustees be thinking about them? What are the best ways for schemes to implement stewardship policies? Stuart O'Brien, Partner, Finance & Investment, Sackers Masja Zandbergen, Head of ESG Integration, Robeco Chaired by: Caroline Escott, Policy Lead, Investment and Stewardship, PLSA Effective Trusteeship STREAM Sponsored by the db pension odyssey Defined benefit pension plans are entering an era of run-off and are now a legacy financing issue. We present a high-level case study to highlight alternative run-off options and various strategies that can be employed to ensure schemes reach their stated destination efficiently and effectively. Chris Ramsey, Associate and Senior Consulting Actuary, Barnett Waddingham Chaired by: James Walsh, Policy Lead: Engagement and EU, PLSA CONSOLIDATION STREAM Sponsored by UNDERSTANDING DB CONSOLIDATION OPTIONS Many in our industry believe that the DB market, particularly for small schemes, would function better if the inter-related factors of scale, poor governance and high costs were tackled. But with many different flavours of consolidation available, how can trustees evaluate which is right for their scheme? Susan McIlvogue, Head of Trustee DB Consulting, Hymans Robertson Adam Saron, Chief Executive Officer, Clara Pensions Chaired by: Joe Dabrowski, Head of DB, LGPS and Standards, PLSA
12:50 - 13:50	Lunch served
Plenary 5 13:50 - 14:30	TRUSTEE RESPONSES TO THE DB WHITE PAPER The DWP’s DB white paper spells out new areas of responsibility for trustees, coupled with potentially significant new powers. What difference would these changes make, and are they likely to achieve the objectives the government wants? We will consider the different angles, including the legal, trustee and sponsor perspectives. Alison Bostock, Client Director, PTL Däna Burstow, Consultant, Allen & Overy Steven Dicker, Chief Actuary, PwC Chaired by: Richard Butcher, Chair, PLSA
Stream Session 2 14:35 - 15:20	INVESTMENT STREAM Sponsored by CLARIFYING AND STRENGTHENING TRUSTEES' INVESTMENT DUTIES New regulations from the DWP require trustee boards to state their policies on materially financial considerations, including climate change and other ESG issues within their Statement of Investment Principles. What should trustees understand about these new requirements? Is this a practical solution for encouraging schemes to consider long-term financial risks? David Farrar, Senior Policy Manager, DWP Jennifer O'Neill, Responsible Investment Specialist, Aon Chaired by: Caroline Escott, Policy Lead: Investment & Stewardship, PLSA EFFECTIVE TRUSTEESHIP STREAM Sponsored by GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BOARD’S SUPPLIERS Trustees engage many types of providers, including consultants, investment managers, actuaries, administrators and solicitors. With most boards meeting just four times per year, how can scheme boards accurately measure the performance and value for money of their suppliers? How do you know when it’s time for a change? Alan Gander, Member-Nominated Trustee, Lendlease Jo Myerson, Trustee Director, Ross Trustees Barbara Saunders, Managing Director, River and Mercantile Solutions Chaired by: David Weeks, Co-Chair, Association of Member Nominated Trustees CONSOLIDATION STREAM Sponsored by NEXT STEPS FOR CONSOLIDATION Your scheme has decided to consolidate. It’s time to understand the processes and questions that come into play after choosing a solution and transferring the obligation effectively to the selected provider, including data preparation, transitioning investments and administration, dealing with incumbent advisers and member communications. Adolfo Aponte, Director, Lincoln Pensions Adrian Cooper, Head of Direct Distribution, TPT Retirement Solutions Chaired by: Angus Peters, Associate Editor, Pensions Expert
15:20 - 15:50	Refreshment break
Plenary 6 15:50 - 16:30	ANTICIPATING THE IMPACT OF MERGERS AND ACQUISTIONS ON SCHEMES M&A activity increased in 2018, with the strong deal market likely to continue into 2019. Trustees must evaluate the potential impact of a sale or acquisition on their scheme and on covenant, often without adequate time or information. What do trustees need to know before giving their consent to a deal? Donald Fleming, Partner, RSM; Chair, Employer Covenant Working Group Martin Kellaway, Executive Director, OPDU; Trustee Chair, Chartered Institute of Management Pension Scheme Stephen Postill, Senior Benefits Consultant, Willis Towers Watson Chaired by Emma Douglas, Policy Board Chair, PLSA
Plenary 7 16:30 - 17:00	assessing the uk's political environment As the government continues to try to make a deal with Brussels, the political future of the UK becomes more and more murky. The author of 'All out war: The full story of how Brexit sank Britain's political class' and regular commentator on the BBC provides insight into our current politcial situation. Tim Shipman, Political Editor, The Sunday Times Chaired by: Emma Douglas, Policy Board Chair, PLSA
Plenary 8 17:00 - 17:05	closing remarks Richard Butcher, Chair, PLSA