The National Association of Pension Funds' (NAPF) chief executive has been elected chair of the shadow local government pension scheme (LGPS) advisory board.

Joanne Segars, who will remain chief executive of the NAPF, starts the role at the board's first meeting today on 15 July and will hold the post until the full scheme advisory board for the LGPS is established in 2014.

The shadow board has been set up in advance of the full advisory board next year and will advise the Government on the running of the LGPS and will also assist schemes.

Segars said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as chair. This is a time of great change for local authority pensions, and the next few years will be critical for their future.

"Funds are being asked to put an even greater emphasis on finding efficiencies and maximising value for money. I look forward to working with the Board to encourage debate and help the LGPS meet its challenges."

The main aims of the board and its five sub-committees are to encourage best practice, increase transparency and coordinate technical and standards issues.

Minister for Local Government, Brandon Lewis, said: "I congratulate Segars on this appointment. She brings a wealth of knowledge and her experience in pensions will be of considerable value.

"With the challenges that exist among local government funds, I am confident she will help find affordable and long-term efficiencies for the LGPS."

First published 15.07.2013

monique_simpson@wilmington.co.uk