The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has joined Standard Life’s Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP), offering trustee trainee Dean Dennis, managing director of global services at Verizon Business, an 18-month pensions committee shadowing opportunity.
In keeping with previous backers like NEST, USS hopes to assist TAP’s objective of increasing diversity among trustees on pension boards by giving participants the necessary training, board shadowing, and credentials for trustee positions.
Standard Life founder of the Trustee Accelerator Programme and head of Master Trust Donna Walsh says: “The traction and interest that TAP is generating is a powerful reminder of the willingness across the pension industry to diversify and develop future trustee capability. I’m delighted that USS has embraced TAP and given one of our trustee trainees the opportunity to gain hands on experience shadowing its Pensions Committee.
“We are now a quarter of the way through the Programme, with most of the learning through online modules and webinars, supported by Trustee mentors and pension buddies. It’s thanks to organisations like USS that we can offer our trainees board and committee shadowing; a crucial part of the Programme.”
USS Board chair Dame Kate Barker says: “We are pleased to support this initiative, which not only reflects our commitment to promoting diversity in all its forms but also the core purpose of the Higher Education sector we serve. We believe greater diversity – of background, of experience, and of thought – amongst tomorrow’s trustees can only improve decision-making and outcomes.”
