Commenting, Stuart Breyer, CEO at mallowstreet said; ‘Black Belt is the brain child of our Co-Founder, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, and we are really excited to see this launched today. Our ethos at mallowstreet is to help solve the pensions and savings crisis by creating a centre of excellence for education and collaboration. At the heart of what we are looking to provide is a platform to assist in the ongoing education of trustees. We want to make sure trustees are equipped with the information they need to make informed decisions: as well as draw on the wisdom of the crowd and help increase their self-awareness and self knowledge to be better decision makers.
‘Education is increasingly important in the ever-changing pensions industry. With moving tectonic plates and an evolving political landscape it is essential that we continue to share information, opinion and expertise amongst our peers and encourage collaboration within the mallowstreet community. Technology allows us to do this. It eliminates the immediate constraints of geography and time.
‘With this in mind, and with our expertise in education and technology, we have created a new online tool for the trustee community, Black Belt. This new online learning and assessment tool is constructed around 17 fundamental knowledge areas to provide the individual trustee with a granular appraisal of their own capabilities and aptitudes when it comes to their role on the board.’
Breyer added; ‘The chief goal and responsibility of the trustee is to serve the best interests of their scheme members. As such, the breadth and depth of the Black Belt survey* has been conceived with the member in mind – what are the skills required to represent them at a sophisticated financial, social and ethical degree? And how should a trustee board be constructed to ensure that these requirements are consistently and conscientiously met?
‘Clearly not all trustees will obtain similar scores across the spectrum, but the ability to recognise one’s strengths and indeed weaknesses will provide the individual with an insight into where they are performing their role to a high standard, as well as the areas in which they would benefit from improvement.
‘It is our hope that by bringing together a diverse group of individuals, all trustees will be able to increase their knowledge and understanding – of the industry and themselves,thereby making better decisions, and creating a stronger pensions system. And to get their Black Belt in Pensions – without any bruises.’
For full details please visit www.mallowstreet.com/blackbelt
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