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Pensions reforms will mean a bigger role for HR directors

HR directors will have a pivotal role to play when the pensions reforms come into effect in 2012, according to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

It also says that HR directors are “at the heart of company pensions decision-making” and sit as trustees on a quarter of occupational pension schemes. Only finance directors are more prevalent, with 30% of them sitting on both the employer’s board and the pension scheme board.

 “HR directors already go to considerable lengths to ensure that employees understand the pension benefits available, with 60% offering a website, for example,” says NAPF chief executive, Joanne Segars. “We predict the role of HR directors in the world of workplace pensions will become even more important when Personal Accounts are introduced in 2012.”

Results also reveal that the average contribution made by employers into Defined Contribution schemes is 7%. Nearly one in 10 contributes 10% or more.