The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has launched its enhanced Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP), which aims to expand the pipeline of skilled pension professionals.

TAP was initially developed as a pilot by Standard Life alongside the PMI to help individuals with little or no pensions experience, but has since expanded to provide a comprehensive programme to a wider pool of talent.

It is designed to offer a pathway into trusteeship for non-pension professional and includes training, one-to-one mentoring, trustee board shadowing, and networking opportunities.

The first cohort of programme participants came from a wide range of industries, and are about to finish their training and sit PMI qualification exams.

TAP looks to combine training from the PMI Group and trustees with real-world board exposure to create a structured route to trusteeship.

Standard Life Master Trust, Scottish Widows Master Trust, Aviva Master Trust, and WTW’s master trust LifeSight have all become sponsors of the post-pilot phase.

The enhanced TAP comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consults on improving the standards of pension scheme trusteeship, governance, and administration.

“TAP is more than a training programme - it’s a gateway to higher professional standards, launched at a time when government and regulators are rightly setting out tougher expectations,” commented PMI CEO, Gareth Tancred.

“By equipping a new generation with the tools and confidence to serve as trustees, we’re helping shape a future pensions industry that is resilient, inclusive, and fit for purpose.

“I am thrilled Standard Life, LifeSight, Aviva and Scottish Widows are showing their support for this vital programme by becoming sponsors.”

The Pensions Regulator director of trusteeship, administration and defined benefit supervision, David Walmsley, added: “Trustees are the backbone of pension governance, and we are committed to driving up standards.

“Creating a confident pipeline of diverse, highly skilled trustees - ready to navigate a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex environment - is essential to building a stronger future.”

The PMI said it would continue to develop TAP by expanding employer partnerships, mentoring and board-shadowing opportunities, and introducing a more structured progression framework.

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