Pension Trustees
The Pension Trustees are responsible for the Church's three pension schemes:
- For ministers and overseas missionaries.
- For staff.
- For the Board of National Mission.
Although the Board of National Mission was included in the major restructuring of the Church's internal departments in 2005, the pension scheme title currently remains. It is primarily concerned with the pension scheme for deacons.
The benefits provided by the three pension schemes differ in detail, but all exist to provide a pension to the scheme member and their dependants on death, and a lump-sum death benefit in the event of death in service. Members of these schemes also have the option to make additional voluntary contributions.
The Pension Trustees remit
The trustees' duties and powers are detailed in trust law, pensions acts and other regulations, but their main duty is to administer the pension schemes and invest the scheme funds accordingly.
The investment of the funds is delegated to external investment managers under the guidelines and investment principles set up the the trustees. These managers are: Baillie Gifford and Co., Newton Investments Management Ltd and Tilney Fund Management.
Membership
Six trustees are appointed by the General Assembly and members of the schemes (or the employing agency of the Church) nominate up to three trustees for each scheme. The chairman is W John McCafferty and vice-chairman is Arthur J Priestly. Steve Kaney is the secretary of the trustees and Pensions Manager.
Contact for more information
For further information about any of the Church of Scotland pension schemes please email Steve Kaney, the Pensions Manager, at skaney@cofscotland.org.uk or contact us at the Church's offices in Edinburgh.