Under the revised constitution, current MNTs are designated full members and ex-MNTs will be able to continue as members, preserving their central role in the organisation. Alongside this the category of associate members has been expanded. Those now eligible to join as associates will include employer nominated trustees, directors, scheme secretaries, clerks to the trustees and other similar representatives of a recognised occupational private or public sector pension scheme, or of an equivalent body. Membership and attendance at AMNT events will continue to be free, thanks to the generous support of AMNT’s sponsors, which is important as many MNTs are not paid.
AMNT believes the changes reflect the widespread upheaval in scheme structure and governance across the UK pensions sector. The shift from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) and collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes, combined with accelerating consolidation into mastertrusts, has seen risk transferred progressively onto members while steadily reducing the number of MNT roles across the industry and thus the member voice within pensions.
AMNT continues to believe that member nominated trustees, who often have “skin in the game”, remain best placed to protect the interests of scheme members. However, the Association wanted to open its doors to others who share their commitment to members but who do not have comparable resources, so they too can benefit from access to professional development, a collective voice and sustained lobbying of government and the regulator on behalf of the member position.
This expansion of membership categories does not represent a dilution of purpose. Rather, AMNT regards it as a necessary evolution, designed to ensure that as the pensions landscape continues to change, the interests of scheme members remain paramount and properly represented at every level of governance.
“This is the most far-reaching change we have made to our constitution since AMNT was formed. Member nominated trustees remain, and will always remain, at the heart of what we do. But it is more important than ever that those who share responsibility for protecting members' interests can stand alongside us. Bringing associate members into AMNT strengthens our collective voice at exactly the moment members need it most.”, said Lewis Brown, Vice-Chair of the AMNT.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
About AMNT
The Association of Member Nominated Trustees (AMNT) represents member nominated trustees across the UK, providing a collective voice on pensions policy, supporting professional development, and campaigning for the interests of scheme members. Following the recent change to its constitution, AMNT's membership now comprises full members, who are member nominated trustees, and associate and affiliate members, who include employer nominated trustees, scheme directors, sole trustees, secretaries, clerks to the trustees, and representatives of independent governance committees or equivalent bodies.
For further information please contact: Andrew Sharkey 07711 825439
Explore:
Honorary Life President Janice Turner nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women in Pensions 2025 Awards
