XPS Group has been appointed to provide full administration services to the Church of Scotland Pension Schemes.
This is the first time the schemes has moved to an outsourced administration model. XPS will provide end-to-end administration services, including pension payroll and accounting for three underlying schemes which cover around 4,200 members. These schemes cover ministers, overseas missionaries, staff and development staff.
The decision follows a comprehensive trustee review, which identified the potential for greater efficiency and cost savings through outsourcing, benefits that are expected to support members’ outcomes as the schemes progress towards wind-up.
The mandate builds on an established relationship between XPS and the Church of Scotland, with XPS having provided actuarial and investment advisory services on the Schemes’ £290m of assets since 2021.
This appointment reflects growing demand from schemes seeking specialist administration support as they manage increasing operational complexity and long-term member needs.
XPS partner and relationship manager Alasdair Gill says: “We are delighted to broaden our relationship with the Church and its scheme trustees through this appointment. This was a complex and lengthy transition, made possible by the strong working relationship between XPS and the trustees and officers. We look forward to supporting members with a high-quality, resilient administration service as the schemes progress towards wind-up.”
