Westmorland and Furness Council
Independent Person for Pension Fund
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Independent, Non-Voting Member of the Pension Committee and Investment Sub Group
Cumbria Pension Fund is seeking to appoint an experienced and independent professional to join its governance framework as an Independent Person.
This important role has been established as part of the 2026 pension reforms and associated LGPS statutory guidance. The Independent Person will play a key role in strengthening governance, providing independent oversight, constructive challenge and assurance to support the Pension Committee in delivering effective stewardship of the Fund.
About Cumbria Pension Fund
Cumbria Pension Fund is a significant public service pension fund in the North West of England. Administered by Westmorland and Furness Council, the Fund provides pension benefits to approximately 67,000 members and works with 108 participating employers across Cumbria. The Fund manages assets of around £3.7 billion, investing in a diverse portfolio designed to deliver long-term, sustainable returns and secure members' pension benefits.
The Fund is committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability to ensure sustainable long-term outcomes for members and employers. As governance requirements across the LGPS continue to evolve, the appointment of an Independent Person is a key part of this commitment and offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of a high-performing and ambitious pension fund.
The Role
As Independent Person, you will attend Pension Committee meetings and Investment Sub Group meetings in a non-voting capacity, providing objective scrutiny, professional insight and constructive challenge across all aspects of the Fund's activities.
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You will contribute to oversight of:
- Investment strategy and investment pooling arrangements.
- Funding strategy and actuarial matters.
- Pension administration and member service delivery.
- Governance and regulatory compliance.
- Risk management and internal controls.
- Strategic policy development and implementation.
- Governance improvement programmes.
Working closely with the Chair of the Pension Committee, the LGPS Senior Officer and the Chair of the Local Pension Board, you will help ensure that decisions are robust, evidence-based, transparent and focused on the long-term interests of scheme members and employers.
About You
We are looking for an individual with significant experience in pension fund governance, trusteeship, investment oversight, pension administration or related governance fields.
This experience may have been gained within:
- The Local Government Pension Scheme.
- A public service pension scheme.
- A private sector occupational pension scheme.
- Financial services, investment, governance, audit or regulatory environments.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- The confidence to provide independent, proportionate and constructive challenge.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- The ability to scrutinise complex financial, actuarial and governance information.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- High standards of integrity, impartiality and professionalism.
Professional qualifications in pensions, investment, governance, audit or trusteeship are desirable but equivalent experience demonstrating significant expertise will also be considered.
Independence
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The Independent Person is expected to approach matters with an open and independent mind, challenge assumptions where appropriate and contribute positively to informed decision-making. The role is undertaken on a non-political basis and is focused solely on supporting good governance and better outcomes for the Fund and its stakeholders.
Applicants must not have any personal, professional or financial interests that could compromise, or be perceived to compromise, their independence. In particular, applicants must not be employed by, or have a contractual or financial relationship with organisations providing paid services to or having a significant ongoing relationship with the Cumbria Pension Fund.
Remuneration
Remuneration of £27,000 per annum will be paid, together with reimbursement of reasonable travel, and other expenses. Any significant additional work commissioned by the Fund beyond the core responsibilities of the role will be paid separately at an agreed rate.
The core role is expected to entail c80 hours per year and involve attendance at four Pension Committee and four Investment Sub Group meetings each year, together with preparation time and occasional additional meetings. Committee meetings are held in person in Kendal.
Be Part of the Future of LGPS Governance
This is an opportunity to help shape the future governance of a significant Local Government Pension Scheme fund, bringing independent expertise and challenge to support high-quality decision-making, accountability and sustainable outcomes for scheme members and employers.
Apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to Kate at Kate.McLaughlin-Flynn@cumbria.gov.uk
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