The judging process is completely independent, with a carefully selected group of industry experts chosen to assess, and then select, each category winner. Each category is based on a specific criteria, which entrants are advised to follow carefully when making their submission.
Best pension scheme (under £1bn)
The focus of this award is on a pension scheme with assets under £1billion and its effective approach to investment management. The judges will assess each scheme on its merits, taking account of its size, type and status. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: the effective planning and execution of the investment strategy, appropriate cost control, strong governance, the effective use of advisers, managers and other third parties, as well as any potential innovation within the scheme’s investment approach.
Best pension scheme (over £1bn)
The focus of this award is on a pension scheme with assets over £1billion and its effective approach to investment management. The judges will assess each scheme on its merits, taking account of its size, type and status. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: the effective planning and execution of the investment strategy, appropriate cost control, strong governance, the effective use of advisers, managers and other third parties, as well as any potential innovation within the scheme’s investment approach.
Best DC pension scheme
The focus of this award is on a Defined Contribution pension scheme and its effective approach to investment management. The judges will assess each scheme on its merits, taking account of its size, type and status. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: the effective planning and execution of the investment strategy, appropriate cost control, strong governance, the effective use of advisers, managers and other third parties and potential innovation within the scheme’s investment approach.
Best charity/foundation/endowment
The focus of this award is on investment management. This category includes registered charities, philanthropic funds, educational endowments, family foundations, and long-term investment assets held by not-for-profit organisations. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: objects of the organisation and its mission, the investment philosophy and how this determines investment strategy, the effectiveness of portfolio management, planning, risk management, monitoring, cost control, governance, roles of investment committee members, advisers, managers, and third parties and indicators of success and of innovation.
Best responsible investment
The focus of this award is on responsible investment (RI) in investment management by an asset owner. RI can include ethical, social/impact and sustainable investment. The jury recognises that RI is an evolving approach and will therefore welcome submissions relating to the growing role of RI within an organisation and/or new and novel RI approaches. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: the articulation of the motivations and investment beliefs behind the RI strategy, effective planning and execution of RI, strong governance, effective use of advisers, managers and other third parties, the use of innovation, as well as clear and concise reporting against the RI objectives.
Best risk management
The focus of this award is on the philosophy, qualitative process and implementation of risk management within a pension scheme. The jury will assess the risk management processes of each participating scheme, as defined by the risk management philosophy, risk identification, measurement and reporting and the actual risk management carried out. Schemes can offer examples of how their risk management practices have worked, as well as risk management innovations undertaken.
Best local authority pension scheme
The focus of this award is on a local authority pension scheme and its effective approach to investment management. The jury will judge each scheme taking account of its size, profile and circumstances. Examples relevant in support of an entry include: effective planning and execution of the investment strategy, clear objectives and risk tolerances, appropriate costs control, strong governance, effective use of advisers, managers and other third parties, as well as innovation.