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Get to know your Trustee Chair, Christine Kernoghan

Jan 19, 2023
Your new Trustee Chair, Christine Kernoghan has worked in the railway industry for nearly 40 years, and has over 20 years’ involvement in the railway pension schemes.

 

Christine’s years in the industry have given her an invaluable understanding of your priorities and pension needs to help you get the best retirement outcome. 


We asked Christine to tell us what she enjoys most about her role and to share more with us about her experience in the industry. 


Christine, you bring a wealth of experience to your new role. Can you briefly explain what your background is and how you got to work in financial services and in pensions?

During my railway career I have been lucky enough to have developed a wide range of skills, met and worked with staff in many different disciplines and at all levels of the rail industry. 

I started as a ticket office and admin clerk, was a staff representative, a BR management trainee, worked in HR in engineering, undertook various project management roles and after privatisation joined the South West Trains franchise. Here, my roles included HR and payroll systems, pensions management, internal audit and 20 years as an employer representative on the Pensions Committee. I supported with passenger assistance in service disruption and special events. I also had roles in industry groups for pensions and rail staff travel.

This has given me a good understanding of the workings of the rail industry and the part pensions play in it.


What are your top three priorities as a Chair of the Trustee?

1. Complete valuations for all sections to ensure we can pay pensions when due.
2. Continue to improve member support, online education and tools.

3. Ensure the Fund carefully monitors risks, particularly within the current global financial markets, and we can act on any opportunities that present themselves.

 

What do you enjoy most, or what are you most proud of in your job?

I believe the schemes can and do make a difference in the lives of thousands of people in the rail industry and their families – it is great to be part of something that seeks to do that for generations to come.


Can you describe what a typical working day looks like for you?

No one day is the same which makes the role both challenging and rewarding. 

With so much happening in the world that can impact financial markets together with continual change to pension regulations, there is always something new for Trustees to understand and consider.


What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Pension Trustee in future?

A lack of pension knowledge is not a barrier to becoming a Trustee. You will get support and training to understand the world of pensions and investments.

The key to good Trustee decision is in the diversity of skills, experience, knowledge and the perspective each Trustee brings - as well as their passion. Trusteeship is not for everyone and does take a lot of commitment in terms of personal development, preparation and meetings. However, you will be making a meaningful difference to the future benefits of your colleagues in the rail industry.