Nest has published a report detailing findings from its Member Assembly, with assembly recommendations falling into two ‘clear themes’.

The pension provider said the report was a first for the pensions industry, aiming to bring members’ views into discussions about the decisions shaping their financial futures.

Its Member Assembly was launched in February, bringing together a diverse group of the scheme’s members to discuss and make recommendations on key issues affecting their pensions.

The group considered questions around investment priorities, stewardship, and member involvement.

Nest said the assembly’s recommendations could be summarised into two clear themes: investing for long-term member and wider social benefit, and giving members a stronger voice in decisions about their pensions.

It found that members wanted Nest to pursue positive returns while also backing investments that had wider benefits for society and the economy.

This included investing more in the UK, supporting infrastructure and affordable housing, backing clean energy and nature-positive initiatives, and using ownership rights to push companies to improve on issues such as pay, human rights, and responsible business practice.

On the second key theme, members wanred a more meaningful role in shaping how the pension scheme listens and responds.

Examples included holding future member assemblies, reconvening the assembly to review progress, and exploring a Member Council linked to the Nest board.

Members also identified principles for good participation, including transparency, accountability, diversity, accessibility, and impact.

“This report marks an important moment for Nest and for our wider conversation with members about the future of pension saving,” commented Nest CEO, Ian Cornelius.

“What comes through clearly in this report is that members want their pension savings to work hard for their future, but they also want to understand more about how decisions are made and how their voices can be heard.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part for the time, thought and care they brought to this process, from the organisers, the expert advisers, and particularly the members themselves.

“These recommendations will make an important contribution to our thinking as we continue to focus on delivering in our members’ best interests.

“Our members’ feedback and enthusiasm for engagement will inspire us to further focus on building our members’ understanding of their pension and the choices available to them.”

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