Programme

09:15-09:20

Introduction

The importance of improving pensions communication (One minute multimedia presentation [10 facts about communication] followed by brief introduction)
Jonathan Stapleton, Editor, Professional Pensions

Changing the communications mindset

09:20-09:40

Learning to recognise your employees as a customer

Companies all too often produce excellent communications for external clients but then settle on second best when communicating to employees. This session looks at why it is important to treat employees as customers and why communications must be of the highest quality in order to get the message across effectively. Includes a case study from HMV/Waterstones.
Nigel Ferrier, Executive Chairman, Ferrier Pearce

09:40-10:00

Design - knowing your audience

Communication is often provided on a one-size-fits-all basis – despite the huge diversity of the pensions communication audience. Communication should lead to action, but will only do so if fit for purpose. This session looks at how putting your members at the centre of communication design, targeting your communications accordingly and ensuring no-one is left out regardless of background or ability.
Jonathan Clark, Head of Communications, rpmi

Getting your message across more successfully

10:20-10:40

Online – making pensions more understandable

The internet is becoming an increasingly important tool for communicating to members yet many schemes fail to utilise its full potential. This session looks at how online offerings can empower members more as they offer immediate interaction in a secure environment. Also how e-offerings should be designed for maximum impact and what schemes should avoid. Includes a case study from Working Links.
Charlie Carrick, Director, JLT Online Benefits

10:40-11:00

How to communicate statutory information in a more interesting way

Defined contribution schemes are required by law to send out annual statutory money purchase illustrations (SMPI). While these have to include certain information, they are often poorly presented. This session looks at how changes to the way these SMPIs are presented can boost member understanding.
Clive Grimley, Partner, Barnett Waddingham LLP

11:00-11:20

Using communication to boost member take-up

The full basic state pension is just £95.25 a week. Even with state earnings related additions, the total is often far less than most people need to survive in retirement. Despite this, there are still huge numbers of people planning to rely on the state for income in retirement. This session looks at how to boost employee awareness of income in retirement and increase action with the scheme.
Greg Thorley, National Employee Communications Manager, Standard Life

11:20-11:35

Q&A

Assessing the effectiveness of communication programmes

12:00-12:20

Setting a communications plan
What considerations should be taken while planning communication strategies? This session
looks at how to set objectives and measure the outcome. Includes a case study from the NHS.
Helen McArthur, Head of Communication and Engagement, Hymans Robertson LLP

12:20-12:40

Corporate platforms and communications
Corporate platforms are becoming an increasingly popular tool to offer employees flexibility
about savings choices. This session looks at how communications can help connect
employees with a wider range of saving options. Includes a case study from ROK.
Neil Hawkins, National Employee Communications Manager, Friends Provident

12:40-13:00

Allocating budget to communications and measuring return on investment

The approach that schemes have to allocating budget for communications varies widely. And what is the ‘right’ amount to allocate? This session looks at how the approach to allocating budget impacts on the effectiveness of your communications programme and how you can successfully demonstrate a return on investment.
Louise Harris, Head of Communications, Capita Hartshead

13:00-13:15

Q&A

Supporting the communication process

14:15-14:35

Communicating NEST to its target market – how to get low earners saving for retirement
The introduction of NEST is set to place huge communication burdens on employers, schemes and trustees. This session looks at how these changes can be communicated in the best way to scheme members.
Roy Porter, Head of Intermediary Distribution, PADA

14:35-14:55

Lifestyle changes – support for members approaching retirement

Retirement from full-time paid work often poses massive challenges for scheme members. This session looks at how employers can communicate practical information to prepare individuals for this life change using interactive websites, workbooks and seminars.
Stuart Royston, Chief Executive, The Life Academy

14:55-15:15

Effective communication – how we should do it well (and why we don’t!)

• When there is insufficient/too much technical detail and jargon
• When the sender has lost sight of his audience
• How to make your point(s) effectively
• When humour can work – and when it’s inappropriate
• Examples of good (and bad) communication in writing and in speech
• Coping with modern technology – and does each generation, Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y really need to be handled differently?
Tim Middleton, Technical Consultant, PMI
David Mote, Communications Director, Ferrier Pearce

15:15-15:30

Q&A

15:55-16:15

Helping employees assess pension quality through good communication.
Understanding pensions is often a step too far for many employees and getting to grips with their workplace offerings can be a real challenge. Is it a good scheme? How does it compare with others? These are typical questions facing the individual.

Good communications encourage high levels of participation and demonstrate an employer’s commitment to encourage its staff to save for retirement. This session focuses on the need and quality of communications as a fundamental driver of that objective.
Keith Hollender, Director, Pension Quality Mark Ltd

16:15-16:35

Communications: what can be learnt from other industries?
Different industries approach communications in varying ways. This session will look at how digital communication is used effectively and successfully in another industry to engage and maintain its audiences.
John Barnes, Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Development, Incisive Media

16:45-17:05

Communications summary – the top tips

Panellists present our top tips for improving communication and facilitating member engagement.

17:05-17:10

Chairs closing remarks