About the Scheme

I previously worked at the University of Manchester as a Photographer in the John Rylands Library and later set up the photography unit in the History of Art Department. I equipped the studio and darkroom with a photographic unit taking photographs and making slides of paintings, sculptures and manuscript. I also worked as a photographer at the Whitworth Art Gallery doing photographs of sculptures and paintings for exhibition catalogues, and also did my own exhibition of mediaeval buildings in the north-west of England, as well as early manuscripts of the 13th century.

Whilst working at the University I did a part-time Bachelor of Arts Degree and went on to teach PGCE students photography, as well as developing a media course where I taught audio visual presentations.

I moved to London in early 2000 continuing to do some editing and setting up my own audio visual transfer company.

I am a Pensioner Nominated Trustee and endeavour to keep the best interests of pensioners represented on the Trustee Board.

I have been a Trustee since January 2024 and sit on the Audit & Finance Sub-Committee.

I’m a Communications and Engagement Manager at The University of Manchester and an active member of the pension scheme. I joined the Trustee Board because I’m passionate about helping members better understand their pension benefits and how the Scheme supports their financial future.

During my time on the Board, I want to improve member engagement by making pension communications clearer and more accessible while deepening my knowledge of investment strategies and Scheme governance.

Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at music festivals, attending gigs, and tackling DIY projects.

I have been a Member Nominated Trustee since March 2023. I also sit on the Administration, Benefits and Communications Sub-Committee, as well as the Governance Sub-Committee.

I have worked at the University for 20 years and have been a member of UMSS for all of that time. My roles at the University have included managing teams in finance, research support, special projects and in planning teams.

For the last six years I have worked on supporting students across the University and my current role is Head of Teaching, Learning & Student Experience in the Faculty of Humanities. Becoming a Member Nominated Trustee of UMSS was something I wanted to do for quite a few years whilst working at the University. I am now in my second term having completed three years as a Trustee. As Trustees, we make a positive contribution to how UMSS is run and I am comfortable advising at Trustee Board level following previous experiences on committees with senior University colleagues. There is always something new to learn on pensions legislation and we work as a team to ensure everything is fully understood and the Scheme meets its obligations.

I am also a member of the Investment Strategy Committee and ensure that my contributions to decision making are in the very best interests of the members of UMSS.

I have been a Member Nominated Trustee since May 2021 and sit on the Investment Sub-Committee.

I joined UMSS as a member back in 2008 and I have been a deferred member since 2019. I am currently a Senior Contracts Manager and Solicitor in the University’s Contracts Team.

I have a strong interest in pensions because they play a vital role in securing financial stability for individuals in retirement, and I’m passionate about ensuring they are managed responsibly. Serving on the Trustee Board offers an opportunity to contribute my skills and insights to uphold the integrity of the fund, safeguard member interests, and promote long-term sustainability. I’m committed to making informed decisions that balance member benefits with the Scheme’s financial health.

I am a keen traveller and before joining The University of Manchester as a member of staff, I volunteered for a charity in South Africa for a year and spent a subsequent year backpacking around the world.

I have been a Member Nominated Trustee since July 2024. I also sit on the Administration, Benefits and Communications Sub-Committee, as well as the Governance Sub-Committee.

I am an Associate Chartered Management Accountant and I have worked at the University of Manchester since 2011, occupying various different finance roles during this time. I have been Director of Finance for the Faculty of Science and Engineering since 2021 and thoroughly enjoy my wide-ranging finance partnering role within the Faculty Leadership Team.

I gained my undergraduate degree at Alliance Manchester Business School, holding a BA (Hons) in International Business, Finance and Economics and I am currently studying towards a postgraduate qualification in Senior Leadership.

When the opportunity to join UMSS as a Trustee arose I was really keen to get involved to further broaden my experience of pensions and investments which is an area I haven’t previously had significant exposure to. I really enjoy thinking through issues from a Trustee perspective and working with a wide range of financial experts and advisors in this role.

In my own time I do try to keep fit in between entertaining my two primary aged children who keep me fairly busy at the weekends!

I have been a University Nominated Trustee since April 2024 and chair the Audit & Finance Sub-Committee. I also sit on the Investment Sub-Committee.

I was an Economics student at Manchester before graduating in 2009 and have worked in multiple roles across the University since then in student support, admissions, widening participation and more recently student recruitment.

I first joined UMSS as a Trustee when I was elected as a Member Nominated Trustee before becoming a University Nominated Trustee in 2016 whilst continuing to be a member of the Scheme myself. I’m proud to be part of the Trustee Board of UMSS which works closely with colleagues in the Pensions Office, and along with our team of advisers ensure that UMSS is run properly and that members’ benefits are secure.

I have been a Trustee since July 2013 (first as a Member Nominated and latterly as a University Nominated) and chair the Administration, Benefits and Communications Sub-Committee. I also sit on the Governance Sub-Committee and Audit & Finance Sub-Committee.

I started at the University in 2013 and I currently work as Finance Operations Manager within the Directorate of Finance. I volunteered to join the Trustee Board in order to contribute to the effective management of the Scheme. I think pensions are a hugely important part of all of our lives, as well as society as a whole, and I want to do my part to help UMSS be as successful as possible. As owners of financial assets, pension schemes have the power to make a positive impact on the world. I think it’s important for UMSS to use its influence to help move the economy in a sustainable direction, and I’m keen to do this as a member of the Investment Sub-Committee. I value the role I play in representing the interests of UMSS members in this important area.

I have been a Trustee since October 2016 (first as a Member Nominated and latterly as a University Nominated). I also sit on the Investment Sub-Committee.

I have over 15 years of specialist experience in pensions. I started my pensions career as a lawyer, supporting trustees and employers on a wide range of occupational pension schemes. The education sector is a particular area of focus; it’s my passion. As a lawyer, I advised Universities UK and a portfolio of universities on managing their pension arrangements, focusing on strategy and governance. I spent most of my legal career at Eversheds Sutherland where, alongside my role as a lawyer, I undertook a trustee role within the firm’s own trustee company, Bridge Trustees Limited. Since joining Vidett, I focus solely on professional trustee services including trustee appointments on pre-92 university schemes. I pave the way for employers and trustees to gain mutual understanding, negotiate effectively and work collaboratively to find the best solution for their scheme.

I was appointed as an independent Trustee and Chair of the Trustee Board in July 2024, and also chair the Investment Sub-Committee.

I have been Executive Director for the Student Experience at The University of Manchester since 2017. My team support students through their journey from recruitment to graduation, including the extensive provision of student wellbeing and more specialist support. They also run a large residential and sport portfolio and operate four overseas centres. I am also the co-chair of the Greater Manchester Student Mental Health Service Board. My previous roles with the University have been Director of Faculty Operations for the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and before that, I was Director of Faculty Operations for the Faculty of Life Sciences.

I have a first degree in Anatomical Sciences from Dundee and a PhD in Neurobiology from St Andrews.

I have been a University Nominated Trustee since April 2011 and chair the Governance Sub-Committee. I also sit on the Administration, Benefits and Communications Sub-Committee.

I have worked at The University of Manchester since September 2021 and act as Secretary to the Trustee supporting the Trustee Board on running the Scheme. Whilst I am not formally a Trustee, I take an active role in the smooth running of the Scheme, co-ordinating with the Trustees, University, advisers and members to progress Scheme business. This includes setting agendas and writing minutes, but also in being responsible for ensuring the Scheme is well governed and advising the Trustee on the latest developments in the pensions sector, whether that is best practice or new legislations and regulations which need to be abided by. I am keen to bring a fresh perspective to how the Scheme is run and take a particular interest in governance and responsible investment matters.

I also act as Head of Pensions for the University and sit on several higher education groups to keep abreast of all things pensions related. I am a Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute and also still act as a Member Nominated Trustee on a Scheme for a previous employer. I live in Sheffield and aside from looking after my two daughters, am a keen runner, follower of most sports and board game player.