Thursday 25 September
9.15am – 9.30am
Chair’s welcome and introduction
Closing pensions gaps and inequalities through smarter policies and inclusive design
Closing pensions gaps and inequalities through smarter policies and inclusive design
Workshop
Pension inequalities driven by gender, background, life events, career breaks and systemic design, remain a major workforce challenge. Drawing on the cross-industry Pensions Equity Group guide for employers and Aegon’s expertise, join this workshop to explore how employers can use education, alternative pension scheme design and introduce inclusive practices to level the pensions playing field and drive long-term financial fairness.
Key discussion points:
- Using targeted pensions education strategies to uncover hidden pension gaps (beyond just gender) to support equity and empower informed decision-making
- Exploring alternative pension scheme designs and contribution structures to support more equitable outcomes
- What employers can do through positive policy changes, going beyond statutory minimums and inclusive benefits to help level long-term retirement outcomes
Embedding financial wellbeing within pension provision for a more flexible future
Embedding financial wellbeing within pension provision for a more flexible future
Workshop
For employees to gain the most value they can from their pension, they need to understand it. Financial education/wellbeing has evolved rapidly, with studies showing that tackling your underlying “behaviour to money” is key to building long-lasting financial resiliency. Featuring a practical demonstration from a financial coach on the “behaviours not budgets” approach to financial wellbeing, we’ll delve into how building habits leads to greater financial resiliency and explore how we can we take learnings from broader financial wellbeing support and embed this into our pensions offering to help ensure employees are better equipped to handle a more flexible retirement landscape.
Key discussion points:
- What does a more flexible, inclusive retirement journey look like and why employees will need broader corporate support going forward?
- Supporting employees to build healthy habits to promote a positive money mindset and financial confidence
- How to integrate pensions into a wider financial wellbeing strategy to support employees along their entire retirement journey
What could good look like: prepare for incoming legislative changes and still mitigate rising employer costs
What could good look like: prepare for incoming legislative changes and still mitigate rising employer costs
Workshop
Explore the general trajectory for pensions and how the seemingly disparate initiatives aim to work together to maximise outcomes for pensions. From the Pensions Schemes Bill and Targeted Support, through to the remit of the new Pensions Commission, how can employers, providers and consultants work together to control employer costs.
- Understand how the different government initiatives work together
- What is the remit for the Pensions Commission and how it will affect employers
- Is the only answer increasing pensions contributions or are there other options
- What can the provider market do to help mitigate costs for employers
- Ways to engage employees so they step up to take more responsibility themselves
Rethinking pensions and workplace savings for tomorrow’s workforce
Rethinking pensions and workplace savings for tomorrow’s workforce
Workshop
As younger employees face rising financial pressures and shifting priorities, traditional pensions are no longer fit for purpose. Join this workshop to explore innovative savings models and flexible contribution structures which better support the diverse needs of the workforce while still supporting long-term savings habits.
Key discussion points:
- The financial realities facing younger generations and ‘generation rent’, and what it means for pensions engagement
- What are the alternative savings structures for short-term needs with long-term security
- The role of habit-forming and behavioural nudges in building sustainable saving behaviours
- How employers can adapt contribution strategies to support different life stages and boost engagement across demographics
Closing the pension adequacy gap through smarter strategy and support
Closing the pension adequacy gap through smarter strategy and support
Workshop
Explore how employers can play a pivotal role in tackling the growing pensions adequacy challenge and why they should care. From considering responsibility and power of defaults through to education and support. Join this workshop to share insights and practical approaches to support employees in achieving a financially secure retirement, while also creating a more sustainable long-term people strategy.
Key discussion points include:
- Developing a retirement adequacy strategy that balances employer support with employee accountability
- Rethinking pensions as a lifetime income journey, rather than just a savings pot
- What ‘quick wins’ and ‘longer term fixes’ employers can do to boost retirement outcomes and drive better outcomes
Dealing with decumulation: challenges, opportunities and strategies for a new era of retirement
Dealing with decumulation: challenges, opportunities and strategies for a new era of retirement
Workshop
There is increasing pressure on employers to step up to support employees to make better decisions and achieve more positive outcomes for retirement. Driven by latest research and insights, this workshop explores the policy landscape, emerging employer strategies and what’s needed to ensure clarity, confidence and good retirement outcomes for all.
The session will cover:
- What employees need to know as they approach retirement, the challenges faced and knowledge gaps.
- What’s coming next in government reform including the Advice Guidance Boundary Review and the guided retirement duty for pension scheme trustees.
- Whose responsibility is it? The business case and role of employers in helping employees navigate the decisions to be made in the lead up to and at retirement.
- Why are most (80%) of employers not providing any information or guidance to employees on preparing for retirement?
Quick wins and long-term fixes to reduce cost, mitigate risk and increase value
Quick wins and long-term fixes to reduce cost, mitigate risk and increase value
Workshop
Provider developments, advancing technology, and evolving legislation are reshaping the art of the possible. At the same time, expectations for both employers and employees are changing. This workshop will delve into emerging employer strategies that can create real value for accumulation and employee outcomes, as well as discuss how other organisations balance quick wins and long-term fixes.
-
Research insight: What are the characteristics of market-leading pension designs in 2025?
-
How can employers integrate pensions accumulation into a broader financial wellbeing framework
-
Understanding essential cost, risk and value features for optimising member outcomes
Latest trends and what’s coming in next for DC investment strategies
Latest trends and what’s coming in next for DC investment strategies
Workshop
As pensions policy evolves and DC investment comes under Government scrutiny, you need to stay ahead of the curve. Join this workshop to explore the future of DC investment - from default fund scrutiny to emerging asset classes and UK-focused investment expectations - and how to ask the right questions to ensure your scheme is going to work harder for your employees as a result of change.
-
What the Mansion House reforms and government ambitions for UK investment could mean for DC schemes
-
The growing role of illiquid assets and long-term term asset funds in DC portfolios – risks, rewards and practical implications and the impact on members
-
How employers can be more certain that changes will result in better outcomes for members
-
Aligning your DC investment strategy with member needs and expectations
Driving better behavioural outcomes through digitally-targeted support
Driving better behavioural outcomes through digitally-targeted support
Workshop
Exploring how employers can use behavioural science in order to interact with employees at the right time, and in a way that is effective for individual needs. Discover how digital tools can really help employees navigate complex pension decisions as well as close savings gaps and drive better retirement outcomes across all demographics of workers.
-
Understanding the science: The behaviours employers can tune into to encourage engagement in pensions and wider financial decisions
-
What employers need to be aware of across cohorts of employees and how they engage differently with technologies to close gaps and improve inclusivity
-
Using tech to align pensions support with wider financial decisions to bridge the advice gap without cost and complexity
-
Case study example: how digital solutions can improve retirement readiness
Harnessing the power of social media and digital trends to improve employee financial decisions and behaviours
Harnessing the power of social media and digital trends to improve employee financial decisions and behaviours
Workshop
Social media is growing up as a medium where employees consume financial information. There are still plenty scammers out there but The Governor of the Bank of England and even No. 10 Downing St are reaching out to Tik Tok influencers to get their message across. Join us in this workshop where we’ll look at some of the risks and opportunities as this world is brought in from the Wild West and embraced by organisations.
- Where different generations of employees now go for pensions support: the rising influence of social media platforms
- Navigating bad and fraudulent ‘advice’: how scammers and algorithms on social media exploit employee vulnerabilities
- Ways in which the pensions market is finding opportunities to leverage the positive power of social media and well-known influencers to drive real engagement with pensions and retirement planning
- How embracing digital trends and gamification helps communicate ‘boring’ pension messages with workforces
Using governance to drive value and performance in your pensions strategy
Using governance to drive value and performance in your pensions strategy
Workshop
Strong pension governance isn’t just compliance, it’s a strategic tool to unlock better outcomes for members and employers alike. This workshop will explore how governance can drive value, performance and fairness across workplace pensions, while deepening employee ownership and long-term engagement.
-
Using governance to ensure equity and consistency across multiple DC schemes and legacy arrangements
-
Tackling underperformance: how to identify it, address it and hold providers accountable
-
Embedding member engagement as a governance metric to measure impact and drive behaviour change
Maximising value and visibility from your workplace pension spend
Maximising value and visibility from your workplace pension spend
Workshop
As pensions costs rise and scrutiny intensifies, employers must ensure they’re getting the best possible outcomes from their workplace pension schemes. Join this workshop to explore how to measure the quality of your pension arrangements and enhance value to ensure your pension spend drives performance for your business and your people.
-
How to evaluate whether your pension scheme is fit for purpose and how it compares to peers
-
What metrics and reporting tools can help track value, investment performance and member outcomes
-
Working with pension providers to strengthen accountability, visibility and transparency
-
Strategies to align the pension with broader insurance and benefits spend, to achieve your people objectives
Personalising the journey to retirement: using knowledge of behaviours to turn communication into connection
Personalising the journey to retirement: using knowledge of behaviours to turn communication into connection
Workshop
Join this workshop to explore how to leverage a deep understanding of behaviour's and harness data to transform personal financial management and retirement planning, into a relevant and motivating experience. Discover how data can help turn communication into real connection and drive better long-term outcomes.
-
The importance of storytelling, behavioural science and design to make engagement clearer, more compelling and actionable
-
Driving real action – ensuring the connection we build results in actions that will improve outcomes
-
Gaining and building employee trust to drive long term planning
Pension reform; a catalyst for future proofing your pension offering?
Pension reform; a catalyst for future proofing your pension offering?
Workshop
As pensions reform gains momentum, employers need to keep ahead of shifting policies and their downstream impact.
- Where are we now? The current pension reform landscape and what’s coming next
- Why review your arrangements (including business cases)
- Steps to selecting and governing the right pension provider for your employees
- The impact of these changes on future workforce planning
Spotlight 1: REBA Future of Pensions Research: what the results tell us about what employers need to do next
Spotlight 1: REBA Future of Pensions Research: what the results tell us about what employers need to do next
Spotlight talk
- Current state of play: employer attitudes to and future actions on adequacy
- Incoming legislation: the positive and negative impact employers are expecting
- Preparing for what comes next: the Pensions Commission, potential pension contribution increases and when changes might take effect
Speakers
Spotlight 2: Creating flexible pensions strategies that support the need for both financial stability now and adequacy later
Spotlight 2: Creating flexible pensions strategies that support the need for both financial stability now and adequacy later
Spotlight talk
- Understanding the tradeoffs between better outcomes in retirement and financial security today, and how to identify what’s appropriate for your workforce
- The role of hybrid approaches to supporting better financial outcomes for employees
- The roll of payroll-linked savings and financial wellbeing insights to ensure the right financial support at the right time
Speakers
Spotlight 3: Update from the DWP: Reshaping the pensions landscape
Spotlight 3: Update from the DWP: Reshaping the pensions landscape
Spotlight talk
- The Government’s Pensions Reform Roadmap: and what it means for employers over the next three to five years
- Key focus areas: value for money, investments and simplifying retirement choices for savers
- Reporting, comparison and accountability: the focus on data-led decision-making
- The Pensions Schemes Bill: key legislatives changes that are coming down the line
Speakers
Spotlight Q&A
12.35pm – 1pm
Networking table exercise
Closing pensions gaps and inequalities through smarter policies and inclusive design
Closing pensions gaps and inequalities through smarter policies and inclusive design
Workshop
Pension inequalities driven by gender, background, life events, career breaks and systemic design, remain a major workforce challenge. Drawing on the cross-industry Pensions Equity Group guide for employers and Aegon’s expertise, join this workshop to explore how employers can use education, alternative pension scheme design and introduce inclusive practices to level the pensions playing field and drive long-term financial fairness.
Key discussion points:
- Using targeted pensions education strategies to uncover hidden pension gaps (beyond just gender) to support equity and empower informed decision-making
- Exploring alternative pension scheme designs and contribution structures to support more equitable outcomes
- What employers can do through positive policy changes, going beyond statutory minimums and inclusive benefits to help level long-term retirement outcomes
Embedding financial wellbeing within pension provision for a more flexible future
Embedding financial wellbeing within pension provision for a more flexible future
Workshop
For employees to gain the most value they can from their pension, they need to understand it. Financial education/wellbeing has evolved rapidly, with studies showing that tackling your underlying “behaviour to money” is key to building long-lasting financial resiliency. Featuring a practical demonstration from a financial coach on the “behaviours not budgets” approach to financial wellbeing, we’ll delve into how building habits leads to greater financial resiliency and explore how we can we take learnings from broader financial wellbeing support and embed this into our pensions offering to help ensure employees are better equipped to handle a more flexible retirement landscape.
Key discussion points:
- What does a more flexible, inclusive retirement journey look like and why employees will need broader corporate support going forward?
- Supporting employees to build healthy habits to promote a positive money mindset and financial confidence
- How to integrate pensions into a wider financial wellbeing strategy to support employees along their entire retirement journey
What could good look like: prepare for incoming legislative changes and still mitigate rising employer costs
What could good look like: prepare for incoming legislative changes and still mitigate rising employer costs
Workshop
Explore the general trajectory for pensions and how the seemingly disparate initiatives aim to work together to maximise outcomes for pensions. From the Pensions Schemes Bill and Targeted Support, through to the remit of the new Pensions Commission, how can employers, providers and consultants work together to control employer costs.
- Understand how the different government initiatives work together
- What is the remit for the Pensions Commission and how it will affect employers
- Is the only answer increasing pensions contributions or are there other options
- What can the provider market do to help mitigate costs for employers
- Ways to engage employees so they step up to take more responsibility themselves
Rethinking pensions and workplace savings for tomorrow’s workforce
Rethinking pensions and workplace savings for tomorrow’s workforce
Workshop
As younger employees face rising financial pressures and shifting priorities, traditional pensions are no longer fit for purpose. Join this workshop to explore innovative savings models and flexible contribution structures which better support the diverse needs of the workforce while still supporting long-term savings habits.
Key discussion points:
- The financial realities facing younger generations and ‘generation rent’, and what it means for pensions engagement
- What are the alternative savings structures for short-term needs with long-term security
- The role of habit-forming and behavioural nudges in building sustainable saving behaviours
- How employers can adapt contribution strategies to support different life stages and boost engagement across demographics
Closing the pension adequacy gap through smarter strategy and support
Closing the pension adequacy gap through smarter strategy and support
Workshop
Explore how employers can play a pivotal role in tackling the growing pensions adequacy challenge and why they should care. From considering responsibility and power of defaults through to education and support. Join this workshop to share insights and practical approaches to support employees in achieving a financially secure retirement, while also creating a more sustainable long-term people strategy.
Key discussion points include:
- Developing a retirement adequacy strategy that balances employer support with employee accountability
- Rethinking pensions as a lifetime income journey, rather than just a savings pot
- What ‘quick wins’ and ‘longer term fixes’ employers can do to boost retirement outcomes and drive better outcomes
Dealing with decumulation: challenges, opportunities and strategies for a new era of retirement
Dealing with decumulation: challenges, opportunities and strategies for a new era of retirement
Workshop
There is increasing pressure on employers to step up to support employees to make better decisions and achieve more positive outcomes for retirement. Driven by latest research and insights, this workshop explores the policy landscape, emerging employer strategies and what’s needed to ensure clarity, confidence and good retirement outcomes for all.
The session will cover:
- What employees need to know as they approach retirement, the challenges faced and knowledge gaps.
- What’s coming next in government reform including the Advice Guidance Boundary Review and the guided retirement duty for pension scheme trustees.
- Whose responsibility is it? The business case and role of employers in helping employees navigate the decisions to be made in the lead up to and at retirement.
- Why are most (80%) of employers not providing any information or guidance to employees on preparing for retirement?
Quick wins and long-term fixes to reduce cost, mitigate risk and increase value
Quick wins and long-term fixes to reduce cost, mitigate risk and increase value
Workshop
Provider developments, advancing technology, and evolving legislation are reshaping the art of the possible. At the same time, expectations for both employers and employees are changing. This workshop will delve into emerging employer strategies that can create real value for accumulation and employee outcomes, as well as discuss how other organisations balance quick wins and long-term fixes.
-
Research insight: What are the characteristics of market-leading pension designs in 2025?
-
How can employers integrate pensions accumulation into a broader financial wellbeing framework
-
Understanding essential cost, risk and value features for optimising member outcomes
Latest trends and what’s coming in next for DC investment strategies
Latest trends and what’s coming in next for DC investment strategies
Workshop
As pensions policy evolves and DC investment comes under Government scrutiny, you need to stay ahead of the curve. Join this workshop to explore the future of DC investment - from default fund scrutiny to emerging asset classes and UK-focused investment expectations - and how to ask the right questions to ensure your scheme is going to work harder for your employees as a result of change.
-
What the Mansion House reforms and government ambitions for UK investment could mean for DC schemes
-
The growing role of illiquid assets and long-term term asset funds in DC portfolios – risks, rewards and practical implications and the impact on members
-
How employers can be more certain that changes will result in better outcomes for members
-
Aligning your DC investment strategy with member needs and expectations
Driving better behavioural outcomes through digitally-targeted support
Driving better behavioural outcomes through digitally-targeted support
Workshop
Exploring how employers can use behavioural science in order to interact with employees at the right time, and in a way that is effective for individual needs. Discover how digital tools can really help employees navigate complex pension decisions as well as close savings gaps and drive better retirement outcomes across all demographics of workers.
-
Understanding the science: The behaviours employers can tune into to encourage engagement in pensions and wider financial decisions
-
What employers need to be aware of across cohorts of employees and how they engage differently with technologies to close gaps and improve inclusivity
-
Using tech to align pensions support with wider financial decisions to bridge the advice gap without cost and complexity
-
Case study example: how digital solutions can improve retirement readiness
Harnessing the power of social media and digital trends to improve employee financial decisions and behaviours
Harnessing the power of social media and digital trends to improve employee financial decisions and behaviours
Workshop
Social media is growing up as a medium where employees consume financial information. There are still plenty scammers out there but The Governor of the Bank of England and even No. 10 Downing St are reaching out to Tik Tok influencers to get their message across. Join us in this workshop where we’ll look at some of the risks and opportunities as this world is brought in from the Wild West and embraced by organisations.
- Where different generations of employees now go for pensions support: the rising influence of social media platforms
- Navigating bad and fraudulent ‘advice’: how scammers and algorithms on social media exploit employee vulnerabilities
- Ways in which the pensions market is finding opportunities to leverage the positive power of social media and well-known influencers to drive real engagement with pensions and retirement planning
- How embracing digital trends and gamification helps communicate ‘boring’ pension messages with workforces
Using governance to drive value and performance in your pensions strategy
Using governance to drive value and performance in your pensions strategy
Workshop
Strong pension governance isn’t just compliance, it’s a strategic tool to unlock better outcomes for members and employers alike. This workshop will explore how governance can drive value, performance and fairness across workplace pensions, while deepening employee ownership and long-term engagement.
-
Using governance to ensure equity and consistency across multiple DC schemes and legacy arrangements
-
Tackling underperformance: how to identify it, address it and hold providers accountable
-
Embedding member engagement as a governance metric to measure impact and drive behaviour change
Maximising value and visibility from your workplace pension spend
Maximising value and visibility from your workplace pension spend
Workshop
As pensions costs rise and scrutiny intensifies, employers must ensure they’re getting the best possible outcomes from their workplace pension schemes. Join this workshop to explore how to measure the quality of your pension arrangements and enhance value to ensure your pension spend drives performance for your business and your people.
-
How to evaluate whether your pension scheme is fit for purpose and how it compares to peers
-
What metrics and reporting tools can help track value, investment performance and member outcomes
-
Working with pension providers to strengthen accountability, visibility and transparency
-
Strategies to align the pension with broader insurance and benefits spend, to achieve your people objectives
Personalising the journey to retirement: using knowledge of behaviours to turn communication into connection
Personalising the journey to retirement: using knowledge of behaviours to turn communication into connection
Workshop
Join this workshop to explore how to leverage a deep understanding of behaviour's and harness data to transform personal financial management and retirement planning, into a relevant and motivating experience. Discover how data can help turn communication into real connection and drive better long-term outcomes.
-
The importance of storytelling, behavioural science and design to make engagement clearer, more compelling and actionable
-
Driving real action – ensuring the connection we build results in actions that will improve outcomes
-
Gaining and building employee trust to drive long term planning
Pension reform; a catalyst for future proofing your pension offering?
Pension reform; a catalyst for future proofing your pension offering?
Workshop
As pensions reform gains momentum, employers need to keep ahead of shifting policies and their downstream impact.
- Where are we now? The current pension reform landscape and what’s coming next
- Why review your arrangements (including business cases)
- Steps to selecting and governing the right pension provider for your employees
- The impact of these changes on future workforce planning
Case study: Building your future DC strategy on employee insights
Case study: Building your future DC strategy on employee insights
Spotlight talk
-
Using data on what employees think about finances to define the aims and challenges of a future-facing DC strategy
-
Road to pensions adequacy: engaging employees to use the pensions and financial wellbeing tools that are right for them
-
Linking pensions and financial benefits with wider reward and wellbeing activities to aid better outcome
Speakers
Case study: Royal Mail’s CDC journey: Delivering better value for employees and implications for future DC pension schemes
Case study: Royal Mail’s CDC journey: Delivering better value for employees and implications for future DC pension schemes
Spotlight talk
As the first UK employer to implement a Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension scheme, Royal Mail will explore how the CDC model offers a more predictable and potentially higher-value retirement outcome for employees, providing some valuable insights in the context of emerging conversations around multi-employer CDC schemes and future decumulation strategies and what this could mean for the broader DC pensions landscape.Speakers
