08 October 2009
Following an external review in late 2008 The Pensions Advisory
Service (TPAS) has embarked on a modernisation programme.
The review looked at the operational implications for a future
increase in demand for TPAS services, and found that TPAS is likely
to be able to deal with such an increase. The report also noted
that as TPAS had been classified as a public body in 2006 it would
be timely to test its corporate governance structures against best
practice. A review was conducted on this basis and proposals for
modernising governance, designed to increase efficiency and
consistent with arrangements in place in the other pensions public
bodies, are now being implemented.
The main changes to the way TPAS will operate are:
- The current board of 12 will be reduced to 9 from mid
2010;
- The Chairman will be appointed by the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions, following open competition;
- All board appointments, including the Chief Executive will be
made by the board following open competition and approved by the
Secretary of State;
- A flatter management structure is to be introduced in
2010.
The above changes have been endorsed by the TPAS Board and
unanimously supported by the Members of TPAS.
"This is an exciting time for TPAS" says TPAS Chairman Margaret
Snowdon. "The changes are part of TPAS's growth
strategy. TPAS has helped so many people in its long history
and we look forward to doing even more in the years ahead. Our
current Chief Executive Malcolm McLean who has been instrumental in
drawing up these proposals will be stepping down at some point in
2010. We have been very fortunate to have someone of Malcolm's
calibre at the helm for the past 12 years. The bar has therefore
been set very high for his successor."
Notes for Editors
1. TPAS is an independent body grant aided by DWP and is
classified as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body.
2. TPAS has been the only organisation providing high quality
free and independent information and guidance to the public on all
aspects of pensions for more than 26 years, through a small
professional staff and network of volunteer professional advisers.
Currently we help around 900,000 people annually through our
website, helpline, workplace presentations and dispute resolution
service.
3. The Members of TPAS are those advisers who by dint of having
been a TPAS volunteer for five years are invited to become
Members.
4. Margaret Snowdon has been involved with TPAS for more than 15
years, firstly as a TPAS volunteer adviser and Regional Organiser,
as well as for the past three years as Chairman.
