Harrow Pension Fund - Independent Person

Job Description

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.

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

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

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn