Decision details

A report was presented regarding the annual review of communication between the Fund, its employers and scheme members.

In considering the report the Board acknowledged that the Fund adopted a variety of approaches to communication including a website, telephone, email, mail, face to face and events. The increase in the number of telephone calls to the dedicated helpdesk was noted and it was suggested that an increase in queries from employers was to be expected in an Actuarial valuation year.

With regard to data collection it was reported that 90% of employers (encompassing 99% of the active scheme membership) regularly provided data and further detail was requested in relation to the remaining 10% and also in connection with activity to update inaccurate information in relation to deferred members.

In summary the Board noted that the annual review of the communications policy had not identified any issues which required attention.

Resolved:

1.  That the report is noted.

2.  That the Head of Fund be requested to provide updates in relation to

a)  the background to the increase in the number of telephone calls to the dedicated telephone helpdesk for scheme members and employers.

b)  the composition of the remaining 10% of employers who do not regularly provide data collection.

c)  the ongoing identification of those deferred members whose addresses have been identified as inaccurate.

3.  That a requirement to monitor the number of 'missing' deferred members on a biennial basis be added to the Work Plan.