The Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA) has announced one new board member and retained three directors after this year's election.

The board, which has a total of 14 members, now includes Michele Hirons-Wood, head of pensions at UK Power Networks, along with existing directors Margaret Snowdon OBE, Kim Gubler of Kim Gubler Consulting, and Peter Dyer from Hymans Robertson.

Margaret Snowdon has been re-elected as chair for the next three years. She said:

"The election process this year has been extremely pleasing with even more candidates coming forward for election - a clear indication of the increasing support and recognition PASA is receiving from the industry.

"We are also very pleased to further enhance our in-house scheme expertise on the Board, with the appointment of Michele Hirons-Wood."

PASA is an independent body dedicated to driving up standards in pensions administration, formed in 2011.

It elects at least one third of its board of volunteer directors each year to maintain continuity and allow for new ideas.

This year's is the fourth election and the board reflects PASA's membership with a mixture of TPAs, in-house schemes, and independent members.

"Our board members continue to play an instrumental role in helping PASA achieve our objectives of being the leading body representing good standards in pensions administration and driving the debate on the key administration issues," said Margaret Snowdon.

Ms Snowdon added that there would be plenty to keep the board busy in the year ahead, with new pension freedoms announced in this year's budget, the implementation of Guidance Guarantee, and the end of contracting out all presenting, which increased challenges for administrators.

"That's not to mention any more changes that might come following the parliamentary elections," she said.

"Our focus will be on engaging further with our members and the wider pensions community to help them navigate this changing landscape."

The 14 Board members of PASA from December 2014 are: Margaret Snowdon, OBE (Chair), Mark
Adamson, Geraldine Brassett, Fergus Clarke, Sara Cook, Peter Dyer, Gary Evans, Kim Gubler,
Michele-Hirons-Wood, Michael Mann, John Simmonds, Debra Soper, Richard Thomas and Deborah
White.

First published 11.12.2014

Lindsay.sharman@wilmington.co.uk