The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has announced that it will offer a Pension Committee internship to a trainee from Standard Life’s Trustee Accelerator Programme (TAP).

The internship will be advertised as an 18-month shadowing opportunity of its Pensions Committee, available to trainees enrolled in TAP.

After TAP’s launch in April this year, the USS joined other organisations that have created opportunities for the programme.

One of TAP’s key objectives was to increase diversity and inclusion among pension scheme board trustees by providing learning, board shadowing, and the qualifications needed to become trustee-ready.

Commenting on the internship opportunity, TAP founder and head of the master trust at Standard Life, Donna Walsh, said: “The traction and interest that TAP is generating is a powerful reminder of the willingness across the pension industry to diversify and develop future trustee capability. I’m delighted that USS has embraced TAP and given one of our trustee trainees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience shadowing its Pensions Committee.

“We are now a quarter of the way through the programme, with most of the learning through online modules and webinars, supported by trustee mentors and pension buddies.

"It’s thanks to organisations like USS that we can offer our trainees board and committee shadowing; a crucial part of the programme,” she added.

USS board chair, Dame Kate Barker, said the initiative reflected the “core purpose” of the higher education sector they serve.

“We believe greater diversity ­– of background, of experience, and thought – amongst tomorrow’s trustees can only improve decision-making and outcomes.”

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