Two new "quick guides" have been published by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) to help public service pension schemes to govern and administer themselves effectively.

By April 2015, pension boards are expected to be in place for public service pension schemes to ensure schemes comply with governance and administration requirements.

As part of TPR's expanded role in overseeing the governance and administration of public sector schemes, the regulator has published a Quick Guide to Pension Boards and a Quick Guide for Pension Board Members.

Andrew Warwick-Thompson, TPR executive director for defined contribution (DC) and public service pension schemes, said that the proper running of public service schemes, which is used by 22,000 employers and has 12 million members, is "vitally important".

He added that good governance and administration was "essential" to ensure that retirement savers receive the right benefits at the right time and that these principles would help schemes to be efficient and cost-effective.

Warwick-Thompson said: "It is therefore crucial that newly appointed board members get to grips with their duties and understand how a board should function, which is why we're publishing these guides now.

"We want to enable a smooth set-up and running of the boards. Our guides should be useful introductory tools for them in their role in helping to ensure that all public service schemes are well run."

First published 10.07.2014

monique_simpson@wilmington.co.uk