Independence and conflicts of interest

Candidates must be able to demonstrate independence from Tameside MBC and GMPF, ensuring they comply with all requirements on conflicts of interest including GMPF’s Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Applicants must not be employed by, contracted to, or have a material financial interest in any organisation providing paid services to GMPF in relation to pensions, actuarial, investment, governance, legal, audit, administration or related professional services.

Applicants must disclose any current appointments, advisory roles, consultancy engagements or other interests, and any appointments or engagements held within the preceding two valuation cycles, that could reasonably be perceived as affecting their independence.

Key expectations of the role

In summary, the independent person will:
• provide advice during meetings
• provide comments on key strategies when requested
• contribute to annual governance reviews
• support committee effectiveness and member development.

Main duties & key responsibilities

• Prepare for and attend meetings of the GMPF Management Panel in a non-voting capacity, contributing independent insight, constructive challenge, and informed commentary to support effective decision-making.

• Provide an objective assessment of reports, recommendations and advice presented by the Fund’s officers, professional advisers, actuary, investment managers, and its Pool company (Northern LGPS).

• Provide independent scrutiny and challenge regarding GMPF's role as shareholder and client of Northern LGPS and the effectiveness of pool implementation arrangements.

• Maintain a constructive and professional working relationship with the LGPS Senior Officer and the Chair of the Management Panel.

• Provide advice and professional support to the Senior LGPS Officer on matters relating to governance, investment, administration and strategic development where requested.

• Be able to operate effectively within a politically led environment whilst maintaining independence and neutrality.

• Contribute to the development, review and monitoring of all statutory and non-statutory strategies for which the Management Panel is responsible.

• Help monitor and assess performance against targets set in GMPF’s strategies, including administrative performance and the Pool’s implementation of the investment strategy, and help monitor whether the collective Pool oversight process is meeting the requirements of the Administering Authority.

• Provide an independent perspective to help ensure GMPF’s strategies are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose.

• Support the Management Panel in considering the findings of Independent Governance Reviews and evaluating proposed improvement actions.

• Uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour, impartiality, and professionalism.

• Maintain independence of thought and avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that all contributions are made in the best interests of scheme members and employers.

• Attend all appropriate training sessions arranged by the Fund.