In January 2017 the UK Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), as a representative body for pension funds, published its amended Corporate Governance Policy and Voting Guidelines.

The PLSA observes that many of its members hold equity stakes in UK companies as part of their investment portfolio and have a clear interest in promoting the success of those companies.

The policy document has been prepared following consultation with PLSA members and seeks to help pension funds:

• engage with investee companies in order to maximise the long-term returns on pension schemes’ assets; and

• ensure that the board and management of these companies are held accountable to shareholders.

The main themes of the policy document are around corporate leadership, accountability and remuneration.