The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has concluded its investigation into a recent cyber incident.

While services have since been restored, TPO announced in June that it had disabled some systems as a precautionary measure while it worked to investigate a cyber incident, with members instead told to get in touch via the ombudsman's phone lines or email options. During its investigation, TPO worked with relevant agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre, and cyber experts to put in place appropriate containment, monitoring and security solutions. It also confirmed that it has notified under 17,500 individuals whom it considered required notification in line with our regulatory obligations.

Standard Life has launched the Trustee Accelerator Programme in an effort to find the “next generation” of trustees.

The two-year programme, designed to support increased diversity in the trustee community, is open to all, including those with no previous pension experience, and will provide participants with greater insight into the world of pensions. The programme, which will start from April 2024, was designed with flexibility in mind, putting people in control of their learning, so they can study around a job, caring responsibilities, and any other commitments. People who take part in the programme will be assessed through a mock trustee meeting and final exams before receiving the qualifications needed to become trustee ready. This includes qualifications from the Pensions Management Institute, such as the Award in Pension Trusteeship, Certificate in Pension Trusteeship, and Trustee Ready Certificate from the PMI.

EQ Retirement Solutions has signed up to the Origo Transfer Service for pension transfers.

EQ Retirement Solutions is now live on the Origo Transfer Service for automated, digital transfers of pensions. It will be used as part of their business process outsourcing (BPO) services for life and pension clients supporting bulk purchase annuities (BPA) and defined benefit pension administration services. EQ Retirement Solutions joins other major administrators and pensions providers, including Mercer, Now Pensions, Capita, People’s Pension, Legal & General, Nest and Smart Pension in using the service for transferring cash between pensions or to annuity providers.

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