The Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA) has launched the first instalment of a new four-part trustee-administrator lifecycle series, aimed at strengthening engagement and governance across pensions administration.

Part one of the series, Why Trustee-Administrator Relationships Matter, set out the strategic context for the initiative and underscored that effective oversight of administration was a core trustee responsibility.

It emphasised that administration was where governance was delivered in practice and reiterated trustees’ legal duty to ensure the right benefits are paid to the right person at the right time.

The series was developed in response to increasing regulatory scrutiny, rising operational complexity, and sustained pressure on administration services.

PASA said it was intended to promote clearer engagement, stronger governance frameworks, and more collaborative working practices between trustees and administrators.

The remaining three parts will cover appointing a new administrator and preparing for market review; managing installation and transition; and building, measuring and maintaining an effective long-term partnership, including practical oversight tools and case studies.

PASA chair, David Fairs, stated that administration “sits at the heart of member outcomes and trustee accountability”.

“Strong engagement between trustees and administrators supports resilience, transparency and confidence across the pensions system,” he continued.

“This guidance helps position administration as a strategic priority and encourages practical steps to strengthen delivery and oversight.”

Meanwhile, PASA trustee and administrator engagement focus group chair, Paul Couchman, said trustee-administrator relationships must be built “deliberately through clarity, transparency and shared understanding”.

“This series supports earlier, better informed conversations and provides a structured approach across the full lifecycle of the relationship,” he added.

“In a demanding environment of major projects and limited resource, collaborative partnership is essential.”

PASA confirmed that it would also host an in-person industry discussion event following publication of the full series, bringing together trustees, administrators and advisers to explore the themes in greater depth.

---