Few pensions’ roles offer the opportunity to help shape decisions that affect millions of people across the UK.
As Head of Public Service Pensions at the Government Actuary's Department (GAD), I've spent the last few years working with an exceptional team that supports government departments and public service pension schemes on some of their most significant challenges. From major actuarial valuations to complex policy issues and long-term strategic planning, our work helps inform decisions that have real consequences for scheme members, employers and taxpayers.
As I prepare to retire from GAD, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on just how unique this role has been.
Working at the heart of major public service pension decisionsThe last 18 months have been particularly demanding and rewarding.
The team has played a leading role in delivering work associated with the 2024 actuarial valuations, while continuing to support departments on a wide range of pension issues, including significant legal cases, large-scale factor reviews and the ongoing programme of regular actuarial advice that clients rely on every day.
The breadth of the portfolio is remarkable. We work across multiple government departments and public bodies, each with their own priorities, challenges and timescales. At any one time, the team is balancing the delivery of major projects alongside ongoing advisory work, all while maintaining the high professional standards that clients rightly expect.
The pace can be demanding, but that is also what makes the role so engaging. There are very few opportunities to work on issues of this scale and significance while leading a team with such depth of expertise.
Leading a team that makes a differenceOne of the greatest privileges of this role has been leading the Public Service Pensions team.
What continually impresses me is the team's commitment to delivering clear, robust and practical advice, even when faced with competing priorities and challenging deadlines. The professionalism, collaboration and enthusiasm that colleagues bring to their work is a major reason why GAD is so highly regarded by clients.
The impact of that work should not be underestimated. The advice produced by the team supports decision making that affects millions of public service pension scheme members across the UK.
Knowing that your work contributes to better decisions on issues with such broad societal impact is both a significant responsibility and a genuine source of motivation.
The team's professionalism and enthusiasm is a major reason GAD is highly regarded by clients. (Credit: Unsplash) Shaping the future, not just delivering todayWhile client delivery will always be central to the role, one of the aspects I have enjoyed most has been helping to shape the future direction of the team.
Over the past year we have taken a critical look at how we operate, reviewing our structure, recruiting new talent, improving our ways of working and developing a longer-term operating model for the team.
That work has helped us better understand the capabilities and capacity we need for the future, while creating greater clarity around roles and responsibilities. It has also strengthened our ability to plan ahead, adapt to changing demands and continue providing high-quality support to clients.
Leadership in GAD is not simply about overseeing delivery. It is about creating the conditions that allow talented people to thrive, innovate and continuously improve how we work.
A role with influence across government and GADThe Head of Public Service Pensions role provides a rare combination of responsibilities.
You work closely with senior leaders across government to understand their priorities and challenges. You help shape the advice that supports critical decisions. You lead and develop a highly skilled team. And you contribute to the wider strategic leadership of GAD as an organisation.
For me, that combination has been what makes the role so interesting.
The opportunity to influence major public service pension projects, shape the development of a strong and ambitious team, and contribute to the future direction of the department has made this one of the most rewarding roles of my career.
The Head of PSP is a role with challenge, variety, influence and purpose. (Credit: Shutterstock) An exciting opportunity for the next leaderAs I prepare to step down, GAD is recruiting my successor.
This is an opportunity to lead a respected team working on some of the most high-profile and consequential pensions issues in government. It is a role for someone who enjoys combining technical excellence with strategic leadership, who can build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and who wants to make a tangible difference through their work.
If you are looking for a role with challenge, variety, influence and purpose, I can honestly say there are few opportunities quite like it.
DisclaimerThe views expressed are the author’s own and the opinions in this blog post are not intended to provide specific advice. For our full disclaimer, please see the About this blog page.
seen at 14:51, 21 August in Actuaries in government.