Professional trustees deliver strong value and trust for pension schemes, survey finds

Barnett Waddingham’s annual Professional Trustee Survey found strong trust and satisfaction in trustees across the pensions market. 

97% of those surveyed said they would recommend appointing a professional trustee. 

95% said trustees provide good value for money.

The survey found trustees are trusted and valued for board knowledge, external market insight and boosting confidence in complex decision-making. 

Respondents said trustees help boards deliver better outcomes for members through stronger governance and more robust processes.

However, data showed that 70% of these said they had never considered appointing a professional trustee. 

74% of those cited confidence in their current board’s experience as the main reason. 

David Barnett (pictured), partner and head of corporate sole trustee at Barnett Waddingham, said: “Our research clearly shows the strong value that professional trustees bring: deeper expertise, richer market insight, and improved confidence in decision-making.