Dalriada welcomes LGPS governance guidance as Independent Person role gains momentum

Dalriada welcomes the Government’s statutory guidance on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Fund governance. It as a timely step for administering authorities as expectations increase around knowledge, accountability, independent oversight and effective resourcing.

Published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on 29 June 2026, the guidance supports the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2026 and covers areas including training, senior officer accountability, independent advice and governance review.

The guidance reinforces the direction of travel across the LGPS: Funds must be able to evidence that governance arrangements are working in practice, not just documented on paper.

Commenting on the publication, Amanda Banister, Trustee Director at Dalriada, said:

“Strong governance is the foundation for better decision-making, better risk management and better outcomes. The new guidance gives administering authorities a clearer framework for assessing whether their arrangements are robust, proportionate and fit for the future.

The Independent Person role is an important part of that picture. It brings experienced, objective challenge to support committees, strengthens scrutiny and informed decision-making, and helps Funds drive continuous improvement in governance as expectations continue to evolve.”

Independent insight already supporting LGPS funds

The publication follows Dalriada’s recent press releases on the growing importance of the Independent Person role in LGPS governance and the appointment of Mandy Kaur-Sadler as the Independent Person to West Midlands Pension Fund and Worcestershire Pension Fund.

Dalriada believes practical, independent support can help Funds and committee members respond to the new statutory expectations while keeping decision-making focused on members, employers and long-term outcomes.

Dalriada supports administering authorities with governance advice, Independent Person appointments, committee and board effectiveness reviews, training, risk management and assurance.