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Public sector pensions

Our public sector pensions lawyers provide expert advice on public sector pension schemes, including outsourcing, scheme governance, and regulatory compliance for a range of clients.

Our specialist public sector pensions lawyers have extensive experience advising on public sector pension schemes (including the Scottish equivalents).

This includes the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme and NHS Pension Scheme. We are one of the few law firms appointed to both the Crown Commercial Service panel, and the National LGPS Framework for legal services.

We advise public sector organisations, private sector contractors, and not-for-profit organisations on a range of pension-related issues. This includes advice on outsourcing, government reorganisation, and the complex contractual arrangements for former public sector employees’ pensions.

Our team also specialises in drafting admission agreements, risk-sharing agreements, and restructuring pension liabilities.

In addition, we provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of LGPS investments, particularly in the context of investment pooling (including on the establishment and governance of LGPS pools, and advice on the investments made by the pool).

Our pragmatic and clear guidance ensures that our clients remain compliant with the latest regulations while managing risks effectively.

Services

Public sector pension advice relating to outsourcing

Legal guidance on outsourcing arrangements and the pension implications for former public sector employees.

Implementing ‘A Fair Deal for Pensions’ government policy

Expertise in implementing government pension policy to ensure fair outcomes for employees in outsourcing scenarios including overseas arrangements.

Advising on Best Value Authorities Staff Trustees (Pensions) Direction 2007

Support in ensuring compliance with the Best Value Authorities Staff Trustees (Pensions) Direction 2007.

Acting for administering authorities of LGPS funds in England and Wales

Comprehensive advice on liability management, benefits and governance issues for administering authorities.

Advising on LGPS investments, including pooling assets

Legal advice on investments made by LGPS funds, including LGPS asset pooling and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors.

Advising central government on public sector pension schemes during reorganisation

Guidance on public sector pension schemes in the context of central government restructuring.

Advising on public sector pensions in the context of local government change

Expertise in addressing pension-related issues during local government reorganisation.

Examples of our work

Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC)

Advised NILGOSC on restructuring pension liabilities within its c.£6 billion pension fund following changes to the council structure in Northern Ireland.

Department for Transport

Advised on the incorporation of the Highways Agency into Highways England (now National Highways), handling the transfer of 3,000 civil servants and negotiating admission to the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.

London Borough LGPS fund

Assisted the LGPS fund in procuring asset managers for its pension scheme, negotiating favourable terms for the long-term management of public sector pension assets and advising on ESG factors and fossil fuel divestment.

LGPS asset pooling

Advised on the establishment of the Wales Pension Partnership, and investments and fund establishment for LGPS Central and the Border to Coast Pension Partnership.

Department for Education

Provided pension advice on outsourcing children’s social care services following interventions at over ten local authorities, ensuring the smooth transition of staff to a newly formed entity.

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority

Advised on pension issues during the insolvency of a service provider, ensuring the TUPE transfer of staff and protecting pension rights in a challenging employment situation.

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What others say

“Extremely friendly and responsive team, giving good advice.”

Legal 500 UK 2024

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