Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

Systems and processes requirements

11.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that the systems and processes used in running the scheme are sufficient to ensure that it is run effectively (see section 5(3)(d)).

(2) In deciding whether it is satisfied that the systems and processes used in running the scheme are sufficient for those purposes, the Regulator must take into account any matters specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) Regulations about the systems used in running a scheme may include provision about—

(a) the features and functionality required of the IT systems used in running the scheme;

(b) standards that those IT systems must meet (for example, in relation to quality and security of data);

(c) the maintenance of those IT systems.

(4) Regulations about the processes used in running a scheme may include provision about—

(a) records management;

(b) risk management;

(c) resource planning;

(d) processes relating to transactions and investment decisions;

(e) processes relating to the appointment and removal of trustees, and their professional development;

(f) processes relating to the roles and responsibilities of a scheme strategist and a scheme funder;

(g) processes relating to the appointment, removal, roles and responsibilities of—

(i) persons (other than those mentioned in paragraphs (e) and (f)) involved in running the scheme, and

(ii) persons providing services in relation to the scheme.

(5) The first regulations that are made under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(6) Any subsequent regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.