Trevor Castledine: The creation of our client advisory function is a significant step forward
LGPS Central has announced the launch of its client advisory function, marking what it says is a key step in the delivery of its Fit for the Future programme and reinforcing the pool’s commitment to client service and partnership.
The local government pension scheme (LGPS) pool's client and advisory team will be led by Trevor Castledine, who has been appointed as chief client and advisory officer, and will integrate client relationship management, strategic advice and client portfolio management in a bid to provide a more connected and responsive service to LGPS Central's partner funds.
The move follows the government's Fit for the Future reforms which require pools to provide principal advice to LGPS funds.
Key members of LGPS Central's client advisory function include Louis-Paul Hill, formerly of Aon; Russell Oades and Richard Lunt, both formerly of Hymans Robertson. Hill, Oades and Lunt have all been appointed as partner fund client directors.
They will work alongside an expanded client services team at LGPS Central, led by Cara Forest (formerly of Mercer), which will continue to play a vital role in day-to-day partner fund servicing. The pool said that Mark Jessop has been appointed internally from the investment operations function to be a part of the client portfolio management team.
LGPS Central said investment in the team will continue over the coming months, with the arrival of client advisory managers and a further client portfolio manager – noting that some job offers have already been made.
It said these hires would bolster LGPS Central's capabilities to deliver enhanced strategic asset allocation advice; take on fully delegated implementation of partner fund portfolios; and strengthen client engagement and reporting.
Castledine said: "The creation of our client advisory function is a significant step forward in strengthening how we serve our partner funds. It will enable us to deliver deeper insight, closer alignment and a strategic partnership approach with a focus on high quality, value-for-money services – all central to our Fit for the Future ambitions."
