FUTURE
CONFERENCES
Programme
09.30
Registration & Tea/Coffee
10.00
Session 1: Setting Up for Success - The New Pool-Fund Partnership
From April, the relationship between pools and funds changes fundamentally. This session explores how to build alignment from day one without losing sight of individual fund priorities. We'll explore:
-
How pools will provide asset allocation frameworks while respecting fund autonomy
-
Understanding each other's constraints, responsibilities, and pressures: governance standards, decision-making strategies and communication frameworks
-
Where will potential tensions emerge, and strategies to navigate them constructively
-
Setting realistic expectations: what pools can deliver and what funds should expect
-
Managing the transition of illiquid assets
11.15
Tea/Coffee
11.45
Session 2: Collaboration in Action - Asset Classes with the Most Potential
Where should LGPS funds and pools be focusing their attention? This session examines the asset classes showing the strongest potential for growth and returns in the current environment. We'll discuss:
-
Which asset classes are attracting increased LGPS allocation and why
-
Emerging opportunities: infrastructure, private debt, forestry, renewable energy, and real assets
-
Risk-adjusted returns: where's the value in today's market environment?
-
How pool investment teams are building expertise in high-growth areas
-
Scale advantages: where pooling creates better access and terms
-
Which opportunities are realistic for early implementation vs. longer-term development?
13.30
Lunch
14.15
Session 3: Managing Competing Pressures - ESG, Local Investment, and Government Expectations
Pools face the challenge of balancing investment performance with ESG integration, l local investment demands and growing Government scrutiny.
We'll tackle:
ESG Strategy Integration:
-
How pools manage varying ESG requirements across their fund membership
-
Building ESG frameworks that satisfy both funds and government expectations
-
Integrating ESG without sacrificing returns—the evidence and the approach
​
Local Investment Realities:
-
Government pressure vs. fiduciary duty: how pools navigate this tension
-
Supporting fund’s local investment ambitions while maintaining performance standards
-
Practical collaboration: what works when funds want local impact and pools need scale
-
Setting boundaries: when and how can pools manage expectations?
Managing Government Expectations:
-
Understanding what government actually expects from pools post-April
-
Communicating pool performance and progress to multiple stakeholders
-
Balancing political pressure with investment discipline
-
How can funds support pools in managing external pressures?
-
Where does independent advice fit in this more complex environment?
​
15.45
Close of Conference & Drinks Reception
Confirmed speakers:
Paddy Dowdall
Assistant Executive Director - - Local Investments and Property
Greater Manchester Pension Fund
Please note: Timings and session topics are subject to change. We will keep you updated with any changes to the schedule as soon as possible.
Cost
The conference is by invitation only for pension funds and other institutional investors and we welcome new attendees from these investors. Therefore if you are not already receiving an invitation please contact us. A limited number of Complimentary invitations are available to genuine pension fund representatives (executives and trustees) and other approved institutional investors. However, to ensure we have room for as many funds as possible, we have to limit free places to 3 attendees per approved organisation thereafter a reduced rate fee is payable per delegate. Furthermore, SPS always reserves the right of admission (free or paid) and our decision is final.
Venue
Farmers and Fletchers in the City
3 Cloth St,
London
EC1A 7LD
Tel: 020 7600 2064
Farmers and Fletchers is 1 minute from Barbican tube station, 5 minutes from St.Paul’s tube station
and very convenient for the new Farringdon Crossrail link.
Media Partners
