All Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) articles – Page 9
-
NewsSouthampton uni's DB closure proposal poorly timed, experts say
The University of Southampton is consulting on the closure of its defined benefit scheme for non-academic staff, a move experts have said is not well timed given current scrutiny of senior pay packages at universities.
-
NewsFunding levels up as FTSE 100 companies cut back DB
The UK’s blue chip companies have cut back their defined benefit servicing costs by around 15 per cent over 2017, analysis by JLT Employee Benefits has found, while funding levels continue their painstaking recovery.
-
News
No end to liability build-up for charity schemes
Some of the worst-funded not-for-profit scheme sponsors are unable to cease future accrual or limit future membership as defined benefit affordability continues to pose a threat to the sector.
-
NewsContribution hike prompts pension protest at Bangor University
Public sector union Unison has protested against Bangor University’s plans to raise pension contributions, but despite the demurral, changes will be going ahead this month.
-
FeaturesEdinburgh University proposes raft of changes to plug scheme deficit
The University of Edinburgh has proposed a number of changes to its defined benefit pension fund to make the scheme more affordable and sustainable, as its deficit has risen by a quarter.
-
Opinion
The battle for DB: Ideas to turn around its fortunes
From the blog: Foggy heads met misty eyes on the morning after the gala dinner at last week’s NAPF/PLSA conference, as four high-profile industry figureheads laid out their ideas to save defined benefit in the DB Debate.
-
News
Anxious academics and drawdown letdowns – tomorrow’s DC battles
Analysis: Digital advice, the introduction of the academic sector’s first defined contribution scheme and greater choice in drawdown solutions are just three of the things set out by industry professionals as priorities for 2016.
-
News
How institutional managers are using animal welfare index
Proponents of a benchmark monitoring global food companies on animal welfare are pushing for wider adoption of by institutional investors as a tool to evaluate management boards and control risk.
-
News
USS weighs in on active v passive debate
The Universities Superannuation Scheme has extolled the virtues of internal active equity management but criticised external managers for not consistently adding value.
-
Features
USS revamps covenant assessment model in face of funding challenge
The Universities Superannuation Scheme has opted for a more thorough covenant assessment due to changes in higher education funding and an expected increase in its deficit from this year’s triennial valuation.
-
News
Charities await guidance to reduce liability squeeze
Not-for-profit employers that belong to multi-employer schemes are waiting for further guidance on dealing with debt risk that could trigger insolvency.
-
NewsSaul outlines policy for strengthening through mergers
The Superannuation Arrangements for the University of London has detailed its merger policy as part of work to help achieve economies of scale across support staff pension schemes.
-
NewsThe Pensions Trust defends responsible investment policy
The Pensions Trust is writing to employers in its Social Housing Pension Scheme to defend its responsible investment policy, after it was challenged in August by a employer member on its allocation to a high-interest money lender.
-
Opinion
Edinburgh: AE has raised employee awareness
Auto-enrolment has been less painful than expected for the pensions team at the University of Edinburgh.
-
Opinion
How real assets fit into your inflation battle
‘Uncharted territory’ is the common presage increasingly heard across the industry whenever inflation and pensions are uttered in the same breath.
-
Opinion
Editorial: View from the top
If you are looking to improve the running of your pension fund, hiring the chief executive of the Pensions Regulator is a pretty good place to start.
-
Features
USS helps members beat AVCs tax charge
The universities scheme made a late amendment to its added years benefit to help members avoid an unforeseen annual allowance charge.
-
Features
Large schemes tighten governance with trustee payments
George Coats discovers a growing trend among large schemes to remunerate non-professional trustees, as they seek to improve governance standards following an increase in complexity of the role.
-
Features
How West Midlands reveals AVC exit charges to members
West Midlands Pension Fund is one of a number of schemes that have taken steps to communicate early-exit additional voluntary contribution charges, to avoid a backlash from members.
-
News
USS reform shares cost and risk with members
The Universities Superannuation Scheme has reformed its benefits, meaning active members will have to work longer and pay more to secure their retirement income.