"If you are to be a MNT then join AMNT…"
Ray Shepherd – three-time re-elected MNT
Introducing Ray
This is Ray Shepherd, she became a Trustee at the beginning of her retirement journey and joined the AMNT in 2009. Ray retired from a career that she adored and saw a chance, as an MNT, to continue to support the cause she cares about. Today, Ray is a confident and valuable contributor in the world of Trustees. In her own words, she shares what impact the AMNT has had to her journey.
If you'd like to join the AMNT, please click below. Otherwise, please enjoy Ray's story.
'How it started for me…'
After training in research methods and completing my PhD at Manchester University I worked in Denver Colorado for several years. I joined The Institute of Cancer Research as a senior research team leader in 1975 and worked there until I had a career break to bring up children.
I returned to the Institute in Research Services producing the Annual report and HEFCE reviews and later moved to Clinical Trials where I worked until retirement. I really enjoyed working for the Institute and wanted to support its work whenever possible.
When I retired I still kept in touch with colleagues at the Institute and when a vacancy arose for a member nominated trustee my colleagues suggested I apply. It seemed a good chance to continue my involvement with the Institute and I felt my background would enable me to understand the complexities of Institute funding.
"If you are to be a MNT then join AMNT…"
Ray Shepherd – three-time re-elected MNT
"If you are to be a MNT then join AMNT…"
Ray Shepherd – three-time re-elected MNT
Introducing Ray
This is Ray Shepherd, she became a Trustee at the beginning of her retirement journey and joined the AMNT in 2009. Ray retired from a career that she adored and saw a chance, as an MNT, to continue to support the cause she cares about. Today, Ray is a confident and valuable contributor in the world of Trustees. In her own words, she shares what impact the AMNT has had to her journey.
If you'd like to join the AMNT, please click below. Otherwise, please enjoy Ray's story.
Introducing Ray
This is Ray Shepherd, she became a Trustee at the beginning of her retirement journey and joined the AMNT in 2009. Ray retired from a career that she adored and saw a chance, as an MNT, to continue to support the cause she cares about. Today, Ray is a confident and valuable contributor in the world of Trustees. In her own words, she shares what impact the AMNT has had to her journey.
If you'd like to join the AMNT, please click below. Otherwise, please enjoy Ray's story.
'How it started for me…'
After training in research methods and completing my PhD at Manchester University, I worked in Denver Colorado for several years.
I joined The Institute of Cancer Research as a senior research team leader in 1975 and worked there until I had a career break to bring up children. I returned to the Institute in Research Services producing the Annual report and HEFCE reviews and later moved to Clinical Trials where I worked until retirement. I really enjoyed working for the Institute and wanted to support its work whenever possible.
When I retired I still kept in touch with colleagues at the Institute and when a vacancy arose for a member nominated trustee my colleagues suggested I apply. It seemed a good chance to continue my involvement with the Institute.
I didn’t know a lot about the role but had been a school Governor and been involved with administration at the Institute as well as working directly in research. I felt my background would enable me to understand the complexities of Institute funding and their need to maximise research funds whilst still providing for pension members.
'How it started for me…'
After training in research methods and completing my PhD at Manchester University, I worked in Denver Colorado for several years. I joined The Institute of Cancer Research as a senior research team leader in 1975 and worked there until I had a career break to bring up children. I returned to the Institute in Research Services producing the Annual report and HEFCE reviews and later moved to Clinical Trials where I worked until retirement. I really enjoyed working for the Institute and wanted to support its work whenever possible.
When I retired I still kept in touch with colleagues at the Institute and when a vacancy arose for a member nominated trustee my colleagues suggested I apply. It seemed a good chance to continue my involvement with the Institute. I didn’t know a lot about the role but had been a school Governor and been involved with administration at the Institute as well as working directly in research. I felt my background would enable me to understand the complexities of Institute funding and their need to maximise research funds whilst still providing for pension members.
"Prior to my first Board meeting I was advised to start on the on-line Trustee Toolkit, which I did and found it very helpful…"
The papers for my first meeting were heavy going and I was worried about what decisions I would need to make. The Chairman of the Trustees was excellent and explained everything clearly and allowed plenty of time for questions. I signed up for lots of training and gradually became more confident.
I have been re-elected twice now and am confident to contribute to debates as well as being on the finance sub-committee.
"Prior to my first Board meeting I was advised to start on the on-line Trustee Toolkit, which I did and found it very helpful…"
The papers for my first meeting were heavy going and I was worried about what decisions I would need to make. The Chairman of the Trustees was excellent and explained everything clearly and allowed plenty of time for questions. I signed up for lots of training and gradually became more confident.
I have been re-elected twice now and am confident to contribute to debates as well as being on the finance sub-committee.
"It's an excellent feeling to be part of an organisation devoted to making MNTs better equipped to do their job…"
I can see that the AMNT are also working to make pension schemes more efficient and accountable, therefore better able to serve their members.
At the first Pension Age conference I attended, I spotted the AMNT stand and joined up. AMNT’s rationale and ideas were clear and I felt they could give me the support I needed as a new Trustee. Every AMNT conference is an excellent opportunity to meet other MNTs, share ideas and discuss any worries you have. During discussions I always feel as if my contribution is valued.
When the Red Line initiative started I offered to contribute to drawing up the red lines. I didn’t have a legal background but was welcomed and had a unique perspective to bring to the table.
"It's an excellent feeling to be part of an organisation devoted to making MNTs better equipped to do their job…"
I can see that the AMNT are also working to make pension schemes more efficient and accountable, therefore better able to serve their members.
At the first Pension Age conference I attended, I spotted the AMNT stand and joined up. AMNT’s rationale and ideas were clear and I felt they could give me the support I needed as a new Trustee. Every AMNT conference is an excellent opportunity to meet other MNTs, share ideas and discuss any worries you have. During discussions I always feel as if my contribution is valued.
When the Red Line initiative started I offered to contribute to drawing up the red lines. I didn’t have a legal background but was welcomed and had a unique perspective to bring to the table.
AMNT's Spring Conference, 2018
Guided debate
AMNT's Summer Conference, 2018
Engaged breakout sessions
AMNT's Spring Conference, 2018
Guided debate
AMNT's Summer Conference, 2018
Engaged breakout sessions
"I am happy with my role as a Trustee and it continues to bring up challenges which keep me on my toes…"
The support from AMNT and my fellow Trustees makes all the difference between an enjoyable job and one that could be onerous and worrying. Feeling that I am contributing to the running of the pension scheme, supporting the members and the Institute, makes it a very fulfilling task.
To anyone interested in becoming a trustee I would say go ahead! You need to have time to devote to training, meetings and paperwork but it is possible to fit these in around an active life. I've learnt so much, made new friends and feel great about the difference I'm making. If you are to be a MNT then join AMNT as a first step, and good luck.
"I am happy with my role as a Trustee and it continues to bring up challenges which keep me on my toes…"
The support from AMNT and my fellow Trustees makes all the difference between an enjoyable job and one that could be onerous and worrying. Feeling that I am contributing to the running of the pension scheme, supporting the members and the Institute, makes it a very fulfilling task.
To anyone interested in becoming a trustee I would say go ahead! You need to have time to devote to training, meetings and paperwork but it is possible to fit these in around an active life. I've learnt so much, made new friends and feel great about the difference I'm making. If you are to be a MNT then join AMNT as a first step, and good luck.
Read more member stories
Douglas and Lucas share their experience of becoming an effective Trustee and the impact that the AMNT had on their journey.
How the AMNT helps Trustees
Support
AMNT members sit on the Boards of Pension Funds who manage billions of pounds of assets on behalf of Fund members. Our members cover a wide spectrum of pension provision including Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Hybrid schemes. This range of knowledge and experience is used to support existing and new member nominated trustees in a secure, confidential and friendly environment.
Training
The Association offers a variety of training events, in collaboration with our sponsors, from half day briefings on topics such as risk management to day-long conferences with keynote speakers and trustee focussed breakout groups. At these sessions you will be in the company of other member nominated trustees and able to share your experiences, dilemmas and challenges, as well as learning from pensions industry experts.
Networking
In joining the Association you will become part of a unique organisation which gives you access to MNTs across the UK from a variety of pensions schemes and with a range of experiences of being a trustee. The Association holds regular conferences and other events at which you are encouraged to network with your fellow trustees and to discuss issues of common concern. All of our events are free to attend.
How the AMNT helps Trustees
Support
AMNT members sit on the Boards of Pension Funds who manage billions of pounds of assets on behalf of Fund members. Our members cover a wide spectrum of pension provision including Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Hybrid schemes. This range of knowledge and experience is used to support existing and new member nominated trustees in a secure, confidential and friendly environment.
Training
The Association offers a variety of training events, in collaboration with our sponsors, from half day briefings on topics such as risk management to day-long conferences with keynote speakers and trustee focussed breakout groups. At these sessions you will be in the company of other member nominated trustees and able to share your experiences, dilemmas and challenges, as well as learning from pensions industry experts.
Networking
In joining the Association you will become part of a unique organisation which gives you access to MNTs across the UK from a variety of pensions schemes and with a range of experiences of being a trustee. The Association holds regular conferences and other events at which you are encouraged to network with your fellow trustees and to discuss issues of common concern. All of our events are free to attend.
How the AMNT helps Trustees
Support
AMNT members sit on the Boards of Pension Funds who manage billions of pounds of assets on behalf of Fund members. Our members cover a wide spectrum of pension provision including Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Hybrid schemes. This range of knowledge and experience is used to support existing and new member nominated trustees in a secure, confidential and friendly environment.
Training
The Association offers a variety of training events, in collaboration with our sponsors, from half day briefings on topics such as risk management to day-long conferences with keynote speakers and trustee focussed breakout groups. At these sessions you will be in the company of other member nominated trustees and able to share your experiences, dilemmas and challenges, as well as learning from pensions industry experts.
Networking
In joining the Association you will become part of a unique organisation which gives you access to MNTs across the UK from a variety of pensions schemes and with a range of experiences of being a trustee. The Association holds regular conferences and other events at which you are encouraged to network with your fellow trustees and to discuss issues of common concern.
Get involved!
The association welcomes member-nominated trustees, member-nominated directors and employees' pension representatives, in both the public and private sector.
If you are a member nominee yourself you can get involved right now by joining, there is no cost to join and the process will only take a couple of minutes! Alternatively, download our welcome pack to explore the values, achievements and benefits of the AMNT further.
Get involved!
The association welcomes member-nominated trustees, member-nominated directors and employees' pension representatives, in both the public and private sector.
If you are a member nominee yourself you can get involved right now by joining, there is no cost to join and the process will only take a couple of minutes!
Alternatively, download our welcome pack to explore the values, achievements and benefits of the AMNT further.
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