The Pensions Fund Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 05 October 2026 to review a range of reports concerning the fund's governance, administration, and future planning. Discussions were scheduled to cover internal audit findings, data retention policies, equality and diversity initiatives, and the fund's training strategy.

Internal Audit Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the findings of Internal Audit for the 2025/26 financial year, alongside an overview of ongoing and planned audit work for 2026/27 and 2027/28. This report, prepared by Mairead Claydon, Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management for Cambridgeshire County Council, aimed to provide assurance over the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within the fund. The report highlighted that the risk management framework was considered sound, with recommendations for further clarity and consistency in areas such as risk appetite statements and defined escalation mechanisms. The proposed audit plan for 2026/27 included reviews of Cash Management/Treasury Management, Project Management, Transformation & Business Planning, Benefits Administration, and Business Continuity Planning. The cost of the proposed audit plan for 2026/27 was £23,040.

Governance and Compliance Report

Michelle Oakensen, Governance and Regulations Manager, was scheduled to present a standing report on issues and developments relevant to the management and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. This report was expected to cover updates on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales, including responses to the Fit for the Future consultation and guidance on local government reorganisation. It was also set to include updates from the Scheme Advisory Board, the Pensions Ombudsman, and The Pensions Regulator, with a particular focus on expectations regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The report also detailed immaterial amendments made to policies and strategies, including the Overpayments Policy and the Cash Management Strategy.

Personal Data Retention Policy

Madalina Bratec, Governance Specialist, was scheduled to seek approval for the updated Northamptonshire Pension Fund Personal Data Retention Policy. This policy outlines the measures adopted by the fund to comply with data protection legislation, specifically the principles of data minimisation and storage limitation. It details the types of personal data held and the appropriate retention periods, ensuring compliance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. The proposed updates included adding the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to the list of guidance taken into account and adding a new section on key roles and responsibilities relating to the policy.

EDI Report

Mark Whitby, Head of Pensions, was scheduled to update the committee on progress against the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan. The report indicated that several actions had been completed, primarily relating to accessibility improvements and activities embedded within the fund's existing governance, administration, and communication arrangements. Remaining actions focused on developing fund-specific EDI documentation, including establishing a definition of EDI for the fund, agreeing on EDI principles, and considering the adoption of an EDI Policy. The report noted that some actions were no longer deemed necessary following the publication of the Fit for the Future legislation and statutory guidance, as these did not introduce specific EDI requirements. The committee was asked to consider the advantages and disadvantages of proceeding with the development of fund-specific EDI documentation.

Training Strategy

Madalina Bratec, Governance Specialist, was scheduled to present a proposed updated Training Strategy for approval. The revisions were largely driven by the LGPS (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026 and the Fit for the Future Statutory Guidance, which significantly strengthened expectations around the knowledge, skills, and training of those responsible for LGPS governance. Key revisions included adding a new fund objective: To ensure that there is the appropriate level of internal challenge and informed scrutiny on decisions and performance of the Fund. The scope of the policy was also updated to confirm coverage for the Senior LGPS Officer, the Independent Person, and committee/board substitutes. The strategy also detailed updated CIPFA Knowledge and Skills Framework requirements and confirmed the National Knowledge Assessment would be completed annually. The cost for the National Knowledge Assessment exercise was £2,625.

Administration Report

Mark Whitby, Head of Pensions, was scheduled to provide an update on the administration performance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period 1 April to 31 July 2026. The report detailed performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with 57% rated Green, 23% Amber, and 20% Red. It highlighted that 100% of employer contributions were received on time. The report also covered updates on the fund's Business Plan activities, noting that all were on track except for four amber-rated items: unprocessed undecided leavers, the launch of Engage (enhanced member self-service), rectifying survivor benefits, and rectifying death benefits. The report also detailed admissions and cessations of employer bodies, including the admission of MidCo Care Limited and Sports & Leisure Management Limited, and the cessation of ABM Catering Limited, Aspens Services Limited, TC Facilities Management Limited, and Trilogy Active Limited. Updates to the fund's Risk Register were also presented, including two new risks and a new mitigation.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee Forward Agenda Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the forward agenda plan for both the Pension Fund Committee and the Investment Sub Committee. This document outlines planned agenda items for upcoming meetings, including reports on Internal Audit, Governance and Compliance, Personal Data Retention Policy, EDI, Training Strategy, Final Annual Report, Administration Report, Independent Person, AVC Review, Funding and Risk Monitoring Update, and Pooling Update for the Pension Fund Committee. For the Investment Sub Committee, planned items included Stewardship and Engagement Updates, Current Investment Topics, Quarterly Performance Reports, Asset Transitions, BCPP Capabilities, ACT/Climate Scenario Analysis, and Property Transition Updates.

Private Minutes of the Last Meeting

The committee was scheduled to review the private minutes of the previous meeting.

Independent Person

Ben Barlow was listed as the lead officer for the discussion and potential approval of the Independent Person role. This item was marked as exempt.

AVC Review

Michelle Oakensen was listed as the lead officer for the review of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs). This item was marked as exempt.

Funding and Risk Monitoring Update

Cory Blose was listed as the lead officer for the update on Funding and Risk Monitoring. This item was marked as exempt.

Pooling Update

Ben Barlow was listed as the lead officer for the Pooling Update, which was noted as a standing item and marked as exempt.