Member Nominated Trustees (URPS)

Could You Be Our Next Pension Trustee?

We’re looking for members of the University of Reading Pension Scheme to step forward and become Member Nominated Trustees (MNTs). 

This is a great opportunity to get involved in something that really matters — helping to oversee how your pension scheme is run. You don’t need any previous experience with pensions or being a trustee. You just need a willingness to learn, get involved, and represent your fellow scheme members.

One of our current MNTs, Yanos Soubieski, has stepped down as he has left the University. Our other MNT, Bassel Aboulhassan, is coming to the end of his term in September 2025. That means we’re now inviting nominations for two trustee positions.

As a trustee, you’ll join a small group made up of:
• Two employer-nominated trustees
• One independent chair
• One other member-nominated trustee

Together, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the pension scheme and making sure it’s well managed for everyone’s benefit.

What’s involved?

• Reading papers in advance of meetings
• Attending trustee meetings (held during normal working hours)
• Completing some online learning (at your own pace)
• Taking part in regular training (with support from the Pensions Team and your fellow trustees)

You’ll get full support - there’s no need to be an expert - so if you’re interested in learning something new and contributing to an important part of our workplace, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please download the application form below or ask the Pensions Team (pensions@reading.ac.uk) to send you a copy.  The completed form must be returned to the Pensions Team by 5pm on 1 August 2025.

Copies of the ‘Role of the Trustee’ and ‘MNT Rules’ can also be found below.

URPS MNT Application Form 2025

URPS Role of the Trustee 2025

URPS MNT Rules 2025

The Current Member Nominated Trustees

URPS is set up under trust in order to safeguard members’ benefits and to participate in the tax advantages available to registered pension schemes. Because of its trust status, a Board of Trustees is appointed to be responsible for the overall management and administration of the Scheme. 

MNTs are appointed for a fixed term period of 3 years from the date of commencement. When that term of office comes to an end, the Trustee can choose whether to stand for re-election.

What is a Trustee?

The Trustees administer the Scheme in accordance with legal documents which contain the framework of the Scheme, including the Trustees' powers and duties and set out the rights and interests of the beneficiaries. The Trustees must act impartially at all times for all beneficiaries and not a particular class of beneficiary.

Much of the day-to-day duties are carried out or delegated to specialists appointed by the Trustees. These include the scheme administrator, our investment managers, legal adviser and investment consultant. These are all supported by the University’s Pensions Team.

Whilst you do not have to be a pensions expert, the law does require Trustees to have an understanding of the law relating to pensions and trusts, the funding of pension schemes and investment of scheme assets. There are civil and criminal penalties which may apply to Trustees who fail to exercise their statutory duties.

As a Trustee, you have to act in accordance with legislation. For example, The Pensions Regulator has put in place requirements, known as the Trustee Knowledge and Understanding requirements and an MNT will have to be familiar with and comply with these. 

Further information about the role of a Trustee can be found on the Pensions Regulator's webpages.

Should you have any queries regarding MNTs, please contact the Secretary to the Trustees at h.burnell@reading.ac.uk.