Helen Howell

I am a Scheme Actuary to a range of schemes from c£30m to c£400m and also help sponsors manage their pension schemes. Seeing both perspectives is invaluable in helping my clients reach solutions that work all round more quickly.

For me, clear communication is vital to support effective decisions – for trustees, sponsors and scheme members.  This means explaining complex concepts in accessible terms, and ensuring discussions are focussed on key points and pragmatic solutions. My approach is to provide advice that is clear, concise and gives an unambiguous view. I also understand the importance of implementing decisions efficiently for clients to get full value, and aim to always work as part of the team with my clients to help achieve their goals.

Recent projects include advising schemes on journey planning and getting ready for their next de-risking step; helping trustees and sponsors with actuarial valuations in challenging circumstances; and helping sponsors set their long-term strategy.

I am also a member of our Client Care team - helping ensure our clients are receiving excellent service, and one of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Quality Assurance Scheme representatives for the firm – liaising with the actuarial profession on sharing best practice.