As part of the PMI Academy, launched in March 2021, the learning and education portfolio of standard qualifications, seminars and CPD content has been expanded to include apprenticeships, bespoke and short-course training and financial education. The PMI Academy partnership allows training partners the exclusive opportunity to offer two training sessions or workshops in their area of expertise and produce learning manuals and case studies which will be published in the PMI Knowledge library. In addition, there’s the chance to issue co-branded CPD certificates to all learners who complete the training.

In the past year, the Academy received 200 attendees on the training sessions it ran with BlackRock, Penfida and Spence. These events covered topical issues such as building knowledge about climate change and what that means for trustees, the importance of assessing the sponsor’s ability to generate future cash flow and getting small schemes successfully to buy-out.

The Academy has already actively promoted stronger, more effective pensions and financial literacy and knowledge around the world, and the PMI is excited about the future work the Academy can do with its 5 partnerships.

Keith Hoodless, Director of Lifelong Learning, PMI commented: “I am very pleased PMI Academy is expanding and beginning to meet its potential. When we see such globally recognised organisations choose to partner with the PMI to expand the depth of knowledge it can provide to the sector, then it just strengthens the brand and creates a positive environment and vibe for all of those who engage with the process. I look forward to expanding the Academy further as more organisations open themselves up to the opportunity it provides.”

Pat Sharman, UK Managing Director, CACEIS commented: “We have a clear purpose to help our clients and the pensions industry, which reflects our year-on-year commitment to delivering a wide range of educational content. Our strong focus on education also reflects our mission of becoming the sustainable governance partner of choice for UK pension schemes.

To reinforce our educational commitment, we’re delighted to be part of the PMI Academy partnership for 2022. We want to engage with schemes and trustees, offering great insight so they can make a positive difference to their scheme, their members, and the world to society.

We will be working with trustees and the PMI on sustainable governance, covering climate risks, ESG and cost transparency. I’m really passionate about education and it’s great to be partnering with the PMI Academy, which has a strong record in providing a structured partnership for education and a way to drive pensions excellence. This is an investment in the future of pensions.”

Albert Reiter, CFA, CEO investRFP.com commented: "We joined the PMI Academy Partnership to share our best practice approach for asset manager and fund selection with pension fund investment teams and trustees.

The PMI Academy provides the best platform to engage and showcase how technology can be used to simplify the RFP process and manage the information flow with the asset manager universe. We look forward to our training sessions and digital case studies."

Tammy McPherson, Head of Institutional Distribution, UK & Ireland, T. Rowe Price commented: “Partnering with such a credible organisation as PMI is an important opportunity for T. Rowe Price and we look forward to sharing our Fixed Income expertise with its members.

T. Rowe Price recently celebrated fifty years of experience as fixed income investors, having managed income assets since 1971. Over five decades, we have built a global presence in fixed income investing, with £125.9 billion in assets. Fundamental research sits at the heart of everything we do and we truly believe we have the skills to equip professional trustees with an information edge, and help promote excellence within the industry.”

Trevor Civval, Senior Partner, Penfida commented: “We are delighted that Penfida is one of the founding members of the PMI Academy. As the partner for covenant training, we focus on providing practical, accessible guidance to PMI members via interactive training sessions, case studies and articles. A year on, and the PMI Academy has shown itself to be an excellent educational forum which is going from strength to strength. We look forward to building on this successful partnership by continuing to share our insight and expertise on covenant and related matters throughout 2022”.

More information about the Academy and how to enquire about becoming a Partner is available here.