Norfolk Pension Fund has appointed an independent person and chair of the pensions oversight board as the local government pension scheme (LGPS) adapts to the UK government’s Fit for the Future reforms.
The fund has appointed Clifford Sims as an independent person, fulfilling a key new statutory requirement aimed at enhancing independent oversight and risk management, which emerged from the Fit for the Future reforms.
Sims’s background includes 30-plus years in law with experience chairing committees and instructing and training pension boards and committees on their fiduciary investment duties.
Sims also has past board experience, having previously been chair of both the Association of Pension Lawyers’ investment committee and the investment committee of the Society of Pension Consultants.
In this role, Sims will provide independent insight, scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the fund’s pension committee across all aspects of investment, governance and pension administration. The role is expected to strengthen the committee’s approach as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.
The appointment complements the recent appointment of Glenn Cossey, director of Norfolk Pension Fund, as the fund’s senior LGPS officer, which is another key role under the Fit for the Future reforms, with overall delegated responsibility for the management and administration of the fund.
Norfolk Pension Fund said that together, these appointments strengthen its governance arrangements and provide clear senior leadership alongside independent oversight.
Sims said: “The Fit for the Future reforms represent a significant opportunity to strengthen governance and ensure funds are well placed to deliver for members and employers over the long term. I look forward to working with the pension committee and officers to support the fund in maintaining robust, transparent decision-making and high standards of governance as the LGPS continues to evolve.”
Pension oversight board
The pension fund has also appointed Robert Gould as new chair of the pensions oversight board, bringing extensive experience in senior governance, pensions oversight and public service leadership to the role.
He succeeds Brian Wigg, who stepped down as chair in June 2026, after six years.
Prior to this appointment, Gould chaired a number of complex boards and committees across pensions, environmental governance and local government. Most recently, he chaired the Environment Agency pensions committee, which oversees the £4.5bn Environment Agency Pension Fund, part of the LGPS.
He also chaired the Brunel Pension Partnership oversight board, providing oversight of the investment performance of £37bn of assets. Having served on the board of the Environment Agency and its audit and risk assurance committee, Gould also has experience in governance, risk and assurance.
Gould said: “I look forward to working with board members and the fund to provide effective oversight, constructive challenge and strong governance, while keeping the interests of Norfolk Pension Fund members at the centre of its work.”
Glenn Cossey, director of the Norfolk Pension Fund, added: “The board plays an important role in providing oversight and scrutiny, helping to ensure that the fund is effectively governed and managed and continues to meet its responsibilities to members and employers.”
