The publication provides good practice guidance on how to assess and monitor an employer’s covenant, the employer’s legal obligation and financial ability to support their scheme. In response to feedback, we have taken a practical approach, breaking the guidance down into a series of user-friendly examples, checklists and scenarios - available alongside the full, detailed guidance document.
To view the guidance and resources go to assessing and monitoring the employer covenant in the document below
One of the code’s main principles is the need for an integrated approach to risk management. Understanding the strength of the employer covenant underpins effective risk management.
Lesley Titcomb, Chief Executive, said:
“Our code highlights how trustees need a strong understanding of a scheme’s covenant in order to take an integrated approach to risk management, and use the full flexibility of the funding regime.
“I urge trustees to use this important guide to assess and monitor their employer covenant in a way that is proportionate to the circumstances of the scheme and the need for an employer to grow. We encourage trustees and employers to work openly and collaboratively together.”
These documents can be used by trustees as a handbook to guide them step by step through assessing their employer covenant.
Although primarily aimed at scheme trustees, it will also be of interest to the sponsoring employers and their advisers.
The guidance published today will help trustees decide:
• who should assess the covenant
• what a proportionate approach should look like
• how the covenant should be assessed in the context of the scheme
• how to monitor the covenant on an ongoing basis and prepare contingency plans to react appropriately
• what to consider to improve the security of the scheme
The guidance also outlines specific considerations for schemes in the not-for-profit sector and non-associated multi-employer schemes.
The regulator will be promoting the guidance among DB scheme trustees and their professional advisers via its ongoing communications campaign work including direct emails, social media posts and stakeholder engagement.
Later this year, the regulator intends to produce further guidance to help trustees navigate the DB code, including guides on integrated risk management and investment strategy.
Assessing and monitoring the employer covenant, please click on the document below
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