Content

Further to the report to The Fund Management &
Advisory Panel that approval is given to:

1.    
Initiate
a procurement exercise to run a call for competition using the
National LGPS Framework for Pensions Administration Software
immediately.

2.    
Include
the provision of an Integrated Service Provider (ISP) solution into
the procurement process to be supplied by the same supplier, to
streamline processes and provide efficiencies in relation to both
procurement and contract management.

3.    
Delegate
the decision of the chosen supplier to those tasked with evaluating
the bids received.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure GMPF procures a pension administration
system that it fit for purpose and supports the Fund to meet its
statutory obligations and pension scheme member
expectations.

In particular, the following factors apply to this
decision:

·      
The
existing contract with Heywood Pensions Technologies has been in
place since 2014 and is lacking up to date terms and conditions,
making it unfit for purpose.

·      
The
contract end date is February 2026, and it is recommended that the
call off process under the recommended framework agreement is 18
months. This is to allow time for a transition to a new supplier to
be undertaken effectively, should the outcome be to change
provider.

·      
The
current member portal is outdated, limited in functionality and is
no longer being developed. GMPF has also received formal notice
that this system will be removed in January 2026. A transition to
the replacement system will be resource intensive and will impact
on members and other stakeholders, so sufficient time is needed for
the change to be carefully planned and implemented.

·      
The
introduction of the Pensions Dashboards Programme brings new
challenges and additional requirements relating to the software
needs GMPF has. There is the opportunity to incorporate these
requirements into the procurement of the Pensions Administration
System to avoid the need for a further procurement exercise from an
alternative framework. GMPF must connect to the Pensions Dashboards
by October 2026 at the latest, but guidance issued by the Money and
Pensions Advisory Service (MaPS) mandates that Public Sector
schemes must connect by the end of October 2025.

·      
By running a call for competition through the
National LGPS Framework, GMPF will achieve the best value for money
for its members and other stakeholders as well as improving its
contractual position.