What’s your current role – and what does it involve?
As an account director at The Ink Group, I advise clients on their employee benefits and workplace pensions strategies. Unlike many corporate advisers I can also bring an HR perspective into the discussion, having worked for several years in both internal and outsourced HR roles.
I regularly deliver pension scheme governance reports to longstanding clients, helping employers understand whether their workplace scheme is providing employees with value for money. I support clients in navigating change in pensions legislation alongside project work such as DC scheme reviews, salary exchange impact analysis and implementation, and contribution modelling.
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
I enjoy working closely with clients to help make a difference in the retirement outcomes of their employees. Through my work, I feel I can support positive change initiatives, that enhance education and drive engagement.
One of things I like least about my job, is the fact that it shows just how many young people are disengaged with their pension, or opting out entirely, either due to a lack of awareness or ongoing financial pressures.
What made you apply for a role in the pensions industry?
After a number of years working in all things HR (recruitment, in-house HR, HR consulting, and payroll) I was ready to find my specialism. Workplace pensions and employee benefits felt like the perfect choice as it allowed me to continue learning, within a specialist area of employment support.
Luckily for me, an opportunity arose within The Ink Group to transition to my current role of account director, allowing me to dive headfirst into a new, albeit very relatable, world.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired and living abroad? Realistically I’ll need some more time for that dream… It’s always an interesting question, because if you’d asked me that 10 years ago, I certainly wouldn’t have said where I am today! Ultimately, I want to keep growing professionally and personally, so that I can continue building a successful career and being present in my home life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You can’t know everything and you’d be foolish to think you can. We all strive to be subject matter experts in our fields, but it is essential to admit what you don’t know and acknowledge that you can always continue learning.
How can the pensions industry attract and engage more young people?
Pensions education needs to start at a much earlier age. I think back to my first job in retail, and I was clueless about the impact of opting out of my pension. Conversations I have with clients, their employees, and friends of a similar age, demonstrate to me that we are not teaching important, real world financial skills to young adults.
The more young adults we can educate on the importance of their pensions, and the impact of making small changes at an earlier age, the more advocates there will be for the industry and pensions becoming a career path of choice. Young people look to their peers on social media platforms for their inspiration and guidance, so this also has to be a huge focus area.
What was your dream job when you were at school?
A dancer… or a footballer, I could never quite choose but used to love finishing ballet class and putting on my football boots to go to a training session run by my Dad, so to make a job out of either would’ve been amazing!
If you would like to see one of the talented younger members of your team, featured in this column, please get in touch. Contact us at caeditorial@definitearticlemedia.com
