In this episode, we explore a period of major change in workplace pension investing — from evolving default funds and increasing private market exposure, to Value for Money reforms and new retirement investment solutions. Robert Cochran and Sharon Bellingham are joined by Gerald Wellesley, Investment Chair of the Scottish Widows Master Trust. With over 35 years of investment experience and two decades as a scheme Trustee, Gerald shares a thoughtful and experienced perspective on navigating today’s volatile investment environment. The conversation covers private markets, the role of a strong liquidity ladder, and a compelling real‑world example of going against the consensus to achieve outperformance during market disruption. Gerald also discusses the potential implications of proposed Value for Money changes and how they could affect investment flexibility in the future. A must‑listen for anyone involved in workplace savings, pension scheme governance, or long‑term investment strategy.

What’s it like to step into a Master Trust Trustee role? Joanne Fairburn has the answers. She joins Robert Cochran and Sharon Bellingham to share fresh insights from her extensive pensions career and her experience as a Trustee of the Scottish Widows Master Trust. Joanne talks us through what it really means to be a Trustee, the major challenges and opportunities ahead for DC schemes, and how she sees the pensions landscape evolving. We also dive into the big themes shaping the future for members and schemes alike.

Guy Opperman on Pensions Dashboards, CDC, Auto-Enrolment & the Future of UK Retirement Saving

Description: In this episode of the Scottish Widows podcast, former UK Pensions Minister Guy Opperman joins host Robert Cochran to reflect on his time in office and the future of the UK pensions system.

Opperman discusses the delivery of the Pension Schemes Act, progress on pensions dashboards, and the introduction of Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes. He shares insights into the challenges of implementing long-term pensions policy, working with the Treasury, and balancing adequacy, sustainability, and value for money in retirement saving.

The conversation also explores:

• The evolution and impact of auto-enrolment in the UK
• The future of pensions adequacy and contribution levels
• How CDC schemes could reshape retirement income
• The role of pensions dashboards in improving engagement
• Lessons from government and what still needs to change
• The UK pensions system in a global context looking towards 2030

Opperman also reflects candidly on the highs and lows of being the longest-serving Pensions Minister, including political challenges, reforms delivered, and what comes next for pensions policy.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in UK pensions policy, retirement planning, pension reform, and the future of workplace saving.

In this 20‑minute live episode, Robert Cochran speaks with Chris Curry, Principal of the Pension Dashboard programme and Adam Gifford, who is leading on customer research. In front of an audience of employers and advisers, they explore where the programme stands today, what recent real‑user testing of the new MoneyHelper Pension Dashboard is revealing, and the changes now needed as a result.

Chris and Adam share early research findings, both the positives and the challenges, discuss upcoming timelines, and answer the big question on everyone’s mind: when will dashboards go live for the public?

Before the recording, the audience watched the latest MoneyHelper Dashboard demo. You can view it here: MoneyHelper Pensions Dashboard industry demo November 2025 – Part 2 of 3.

Scottish Widows CEO Chira Barua joins the podcast like a whirlwind to share how he is driving forward the business - we dive into: Personal highlights of 2025 - including app numbers, trust pilot scores and earnings growth. We find about his most inspiring meeting of 2025 - a first glimpse of a Lloyds Investment AI Agent. How securing pension Lloyds scheme to Scottish Widows Master Trust delivers the biggest sandbox a CEO could hope for. Plans for 2026 - including a lot more from AI Agents, delivering more for families and closing the gender pensions and savings gap. We look at the difference between a public AI Agent versus an FCA Regulated agent and what it mean for savers.

Oh and we kick the whole thing off with searching for Tigers in India - it's a blast at pace with inimitable Chira Barua.

Discover how 2,500 customer‑facing colleagues, powered by cutting‑edge AI, are delivering exceptional support at the moments that matter most. With soaring Trustpilot scores and personalised, multilingual experiences, Robert Cochran is joined by Niamh Whelan and Scott Gunderson to share inspiring stories of service transformed.

AI is changing how people engage with pensions - whether they’re seeking advice, researching pensions schemes, or making workplace decisions. In our latest podcast Robert Cochran is joined by award winning expert Thomas Joy who explains what this means for advisers, employers, and members, and how pension schemes can stay ahead in a fast-moving world.

In this Trustee Special we hear directly from long time Trustee and Chair of the Scottish Widows Master Trust Jonathan Reynolds. Along with Sharon Bellingham we talk about the excitement of changes to come with Targeted support, the power of annuities, how a month of food in a day isn't Freedom and Choice.

We also discuss the importance of being a strong commercial successful Master Trust and what this means to Trustees. It's a brilliant opportunity to hear from such an experienced Trustee who delights with analogies and above all care for scheme members.