Surveys

Publication date: 09.10.2025

This report presents findings from a survey conducted by the Scheme Advisory Board (SAB) to understand the diversity of representation within the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The survey was distributed to all pension fund managers and received responses from 38 funds. The survey was open for responses from 14th August to 15th September 2025.

Key Findings

49 per cent of responding funds have a formal Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policy, with small funds more likely to have one than medium or large funds. Only 19 per cent of funds collect gender data on Pension Committee and Board members; 11 per cent publish it. Even fewer collect data on age (8 per cent) and ethnicity (6 per cent), with only 3 per cent publishing it. Despite low current collection rates, many funds expressed willingness to publish demographic data if required. Privacy and consent were the main concerns for those reluctant to publish. Some funds questioned the value of publishing demographic data, citing limited control over appointments and existing regulatory burdens. Chairs of committees and boards are significantly more likely to receive allowances, which vary widely across funds. Pension Boards show greater stability than Pension Committees, with longer average tenures and lower turnover.

Conclusions

There is a clear gap between willingness and action in demographic data reporting. Aggregated and anonymised reporting could address privacy concerns and encourage broader participation. Clarifying the purpose and benefits of publishing diversity data may help overcome resistance and promote transparency. Consider incorporating demographic reporting into statutory guidance to encourage consistent practice. Provide templates or best practice examples for anonymised data collection and reporting.

Publication date: 09.10.2025

This report presents findings from a survey conducted by the Scheme Advisory Board (SAB) to explore views on the potential development of an LGPS‑specific peer support offer. The survey aimed to understand current awareness of peer support, how it is perceived, and the level of interest in volunteering or participating in a pilot scheme. It was distributed to all pension fund managers and received responses from 38 funds. The survey was open for responses from 14th August to 15th September 2025.

Key Findings

Most respondents (80 per cent) were already familiar with peer support, with over a third actively involved in existing networks. Sharing knowledge and best practice was identified as the primary benefit (66 per cent), followed by strengthening consistency and learning from others’ experience. Interest in future participation was high: 26 per cent of respondents indicated they would be interested in volunteering as a peer, and a further 47 per cent said “possibly”. Medium and large funds showed the strongest interest, while small funds expressed more caution, likely due to capacity constraints. Familiarity played a significant role in shaping willingness to volunteer, with those already engaged in peer networks most open to involvement.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a strong foundation for developing a peer support offer, with widespread awareness and clear recognition of the governance benefits. However, many funds indicated that further clarity on expectations, time commitments and the structure of the offer would support more confident participation. A proportionate model, accompanied by clear guidance and examples of what peer support involvement entails, may help ensure accessibility across all fund sizes and encourage broader uptake.

Publication date: 22.02.2023

In 2022 the Government consulted on new requirements for all LGPS administering authorities to put in place governance and risk management arrangements, as well as setting and reporting against various metrics and targets on climate risk and opportunity. These new functions present new challenges and come at a time when there are many other competing pressures. Consequently, the Scheme Advisory Board commissioned a survey to gauge the preparedness of pension funds for this change. Read the summary report here.