Client feedback


We always receive an extremely high level of professionalism from PSGS, allowing us to make informed and appropriate decisions. Their advice is always timely and well received, allowing us to focus on what are the important key issues. They are always accessible and I would not hesitate to recommend their services!
Danny Nussbaum,
HR Director, Volvo Group UK Limited
I found the trustee training really beneficial, highly recommended. I am not a trustee, I represent the employer and I think it will be valuable for me in future, having a better understanding of the trustees' perspective.
Dave Strain,
Royal Yachting Association
We have realised the benefit of having and independent trustee. Claire sees what general practice is like, so is able to guide us.
Anthony Bowen,
Colart Fine Art & Graphics
Keen to assist and helpful.
As a pensions novice, I felt that the trustee training course gave me a good grounding.
Will Court
Competent, friendly and very helpful.
image for Appointing a sole trustee | Sole trusteeship

Sole trusteeship

It is increasingly hard to find committed and qualified trustees, so more and more pension schemes are appointing a sole professional trustee. This can be a cost-effective solution with sponsoring employers benefiting from regular, open (but challenging) dialogue.

Why appoint a sole trustee?

Our sole trustee schemes are defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC) or hybrid and many face common complexities and challenges, for example:

  • Agreeing a recovery plan that balances the interests of member security with sustainability of the pension scheme sponsor.
  • Implementing an investment strategy that reduces volatility but takes into account the sponsor’s risk appetite.
  • Experience of poor service standards or risk averse advice leading to high costs and/or ineffective solutions.
  • Past administration and documentation failings leading to incorrect benefit calculations, over/under payments that need to be dealt with and decisions to be made over potential litigation.
  • Ensuring value for members (VFM) in relation to DC benefits including an appropriate suite of investment choices and default fund to provide members with a good outcome.
  • Improving member communications so they can better understand and appreciate their options and benefits.
  • Complex historic benefit structures.
  • Ongoing litigation against a legal adviser, consultant and scheme actuary.
  • Escalating advisory fees that need to be better managed.
  • Handling complaints via the IDRP, from TPAS and the Pension Ombudsman.

Taking away the governance, day-to-day operations and cost of a full pension trustee board and replacing it with a skilled, dedicated professional sole trustee can make it a lot easier and efficient for everyone. An experienced sole trustee establishes the right focus and governance, provides wide market knowledge to draw on and ensures an effective working relationship with the pension scheme sponsor.

Example sole trustee appointment

Read the full case study

The value of a team

We have a knowledge sharing, team based approach that ensures at least two named individuals will have a detailed knowledge of your pension scheme. It means someone will always available to respond to queries, manage the advisers and progress trustee business - you are never dependent on one person.

To discuss whether a sole trustee appointment is the right route for your pension scheme, please contact us or download our service flyer.

Speak direct to our specialist in this area

Picture of James Double independent trustee at PSIT

James Double

Head of Trusteeship

Or call us on:

0118 207 2900

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Call: 0118 207 2900

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