Think independently
…act effectively

We appointed Muse Advisory for our first external review of board effectiveness. It was undertaken independently by Muse in line with good practice under the UK corporate governance code whilst recognising we are a young organisation building the business for our LGPS shareholders. It was a thorough process but not at all disruptive, with strong involvement of Board, Executive and wider stakeholders. There was a lot of relevant feedback with useful ideas in the Muse report, with a clear presentation of the findings enabling us to discuss and agree the actions to take forward. Overall, it has been a comprehensive and insightful piece of work by Muse.

Chair, Border to Cost Pensions Partnership

Muse helped us review the Trustee’s approach to managing risk, introducing and documenting a new risk management framework, which set out the Scheme’s risk governance and processes, dovetailing with operational risk management practices. Rosanne worked with me to facilitate workshops for the Trustee Board to agree its strategic objectives, risk appetite and key risks. Together we developed a reporting dashboard for the board, showing risk trends, incident reporting, project risk tracking and horizon scanning of emerging risks. She also worked closely with the Operational Risk Manager to embed good risk management practices within the in-house Trustee Executive team. In parallel, Rosanne worked with the Trustee’s Governance Committee to embed a new internal audit work partner and agree the internal audit workplan. Rosanne brought insights and expertise into risk management practices with other large pension schemes and brought risk alive for our scheme so that we understood its value. The trust she built enabled us to tackle complex issues, whilst developing simple and effective solutions for the Trustee Board.

Head of Legal and Compliance of Trustee Executive Limited, National Grid - Trustee Executive Limited

Muse provided interim scheme secretarial services to the RNIB Retirement Benefits Scheme for a period of six months, taking over with very little handover and no prior scheme knowledge. Rosanne and Tom hit the ground running and did an incredible job to get up to speed as quickly as they did. Their secretarial services have been excellent, however it’s the executive services they have provided that have gone beyond our expectations. They have provided an all-round governance and strategic planning service which has made an immeasurable difference and for which we are very grateful. Muse has provided a comprehensive handover to the new Scheme Secretary, which will allow him to continue their work and complete the overhaul of the Scheme’s governance.

Where we are six months on from Muse taking up the role isn’t a step change difference, it’s a quantum leap. Rosanne and Tom have made my life easier as Trustee Chair and gained the trust and confidence of the trustees, enabling us to be more non-executive. We now have an agreed strategic direction. Importantly, we have a plan to reach it and a well-constructed business plan, risk register and operational work plan to help us keep on top of the big issues and risks and make best use of our advisers. They’ve made a big difference not just to the trustees but to members who will benefit from the governance changes.

Trustee Chair, RNIB Retirement Benefits Scheme