Harrow Pension Fund - Independent Person

Overview

The London Borough of Harrow Pension Fund is seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Independent Person to provide independent expertise, scrutiny and professional challenge to the Pension Fund Committee. This prestigious appointment offers an opportunity to contribute to the governance and stewardship of a significant Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund with assets of approximately £1.15 billion. Working alongside elected members, trade union representatives, senior officers and professional advisers, you will play a critical role in supporting robust decision-making, effective governance and long-term financial sustainability.

As an Independent Person, you will provide impartial advice and insight across a broad range of pension fund matters, including investment strategy, funding, actuarial valuations, pension administration, risk management and regulatory compliance. You will support the Pension Fund Committee in evaluating complex reports, challenging assumptions and assessing the long-term implications of decisions affecting scheme members and participating employers. The role requires the ability to analyse highly technical information, provide independent judgement and constructively challenge recommendations while maintaining a collaborative and professional approach. You will also contribute to member development, governance reviews and the continual strengthening of the Fund's governance framework.

This appointment is ideally suited to a senior pensions professional who is passionate about strong governance, fiduciary responsibility and public service. You will bring significant experience and credibility within the pensions sector together with the confidence to operate at a strategic level. In return, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the long-term success of the Harrow Pension Fund, supporting the responsible management of pension assets and helping ensure positive outcomes for scheme members, employers and stakeholders

Appointment Details

Term: Three-year appointment, at the Fund’s discretion, to extend for a further two years. The contract may be terminated by the Fund at any time with three months' notice.

Remuneration: £1,750 per day.

Time Commitment and Availability: Est. 15 to 20 days of work per annum. Committee meetings will be required to be attended in person in Harrow.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant senior-level experience within pension fund governance, investment management, actuarial services, pension administration, regulatory oversight or trusteeship environments.
• Extensive knowledge of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including governance structures, regulatory requirements, fiduciary responsibilities and best practice.
• A proven track record of providing independent advice, strategic oversight and effective challenge within board, committee, trustee or governance settings.
• Strong expertise in investment strategy, strategic asset allocation, funding arrangements, liability management and long-term pension fund sustainability.
• The ability to critically assess complex actuarial, financial, investment and governance information and provide balanced, evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent judgement, credibility and professional integrity, with the confidence to influence decision-making while maintaining independence and objectivity.
• Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders including elected members, trustees, pension committees, executive leaders, investment advisers and regulatory bodies.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to translate highly technical pension and investment matters into clear and practical advice for non-specialist audiences.
• Strong understanding of risk management, governance assurance, regulatory compliance and responsible stewardship within large defined benefit pension schemes.
• A relevant professional qualification and recognised standing within the pensions, investment, actuarial, governance, legal or finance profession, with a commitment to maintaining current knowledge of developments across the pensions sector

Related Documents

For more information, please refer to the Candidate Pack/Selection Criteria