Railpen

Climate resilience is becoming an increasingly important consideration for long-term infrastructure investors. Last week, our colleague Alena Antonava, Senior Investment Manager, joined industry peers at the IPE Infrastructure & Natural Capital Conference in Munich to discuss how investors are building climate and resilience considerations into infrastructure investment decisions. During the panel, Alena shared Railpen's perspective on why climate considerations are not an add-on to investment analysis, but a core part of how we assess long-term opportunities and risks. As a long-term investor on behalf of our members, understanding how infrastructure assets and businesses are preparing for a changing climate is an important part of securing resilient outcomes over decades. Thank you to IPE Real Assets for hosting an insightful discussion, and to fellow panellists Callum Fraser (Aviva Investors) and Benjamin Schmitt (DWS), moderated by Mariya Peykova, CESGA, for sharing their perspectives. #Infrastructure #ClimateResilience #PrivateMarkets #ResponsibleInvestment #Railpen #Stewardship

Backing innovative UK businesses is about more than supporting growth . It's about helping build a stronger economy that our members will retire into. Recently, Railpen's Anna Rule, Director of Real Assets and Private Markets, joined discussions with the Chancellor John Healey at No 11, on how long-term institutional investors can help play a greater role in ambitious British companies scaling and succeeding. Through Railpen's work on exploring the establishment on a £1bn+ UK Scale-up Fund alongside Government, BBB and other major pension funds, we're helping explore new ways to connect pension capital with some of the UK's most promising growth businesses - including building the infrastructure to make the best businesses stay in the UK. It's an opportunity to support innovation, strengthen the UK economy and deliver sustainable long-term value for our members. #UKInnovation #PatientCapital #UKScaleUp #Railpen #PensionsInvestment #GrowthEconomy

There’s just one week left to nominate someone for a Heart of Gold Award. The Railway Benefit Fund's Heart of Gold Awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond for a colleague, a family, or their community. The everyday heroes whose kindness, dedication and selflessness make a real difference. As a proud sponsor of this year's awards, we're delighted to support an initiative that shines a spotlight on the very best of the rail community. Our long-standing partnership with the Railway Benefit Fund reflects a shared commitment to supporting railway people and recognising those who make our industry stronger through their actions. As Mick Cash explains in this video: "The Heart of Gold Awards are really unique in that they're recognising people who have done something really special for a person or a community." If you know someone whose compassion, commitment or contribution deserves recognition, now is the time to nominate them: https://ow.ly/XiA750ZQvs2 #HeartOfGoldAwards #RailCommunity #RailwayBenefitFund #RBF #Community #Railpen

AI is moving quickly, and investors have an important role to play in ensuring innovation is matched by effective governance. Thank you to everyone who joined our webinar held alongside Chronos Sustainability – Navigating AI: An Investor Framework for Assessing Exposure and Governance. We had a huge response from both companies and investors, and it was encouraging to see so much interest in how investors can assess AI-related opportunities and risks across the companies they invest in. The conversation covered AI governance, workforce transition, cyber resilience and the evolving policy landscape, as well as how investors can engage with companies to support responsible adoption. As a long-term investor on behalf of our members, we're focused on understanding how AI could affect the resilience and sustainability of the global economy, and helping to encourage practices that support long-term value creation. Explore the recording, report and supporting resources here: https://ow.ly/OtSx50ZQ3PB #AI #ResponsibleInvestment #Stewardship #Governance #FutureOfWork #Pensions #Railpen Caroline Escott Sophie Harris Jasmine Porter

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about pensions, what would it be? For the Railpen members we asked, the answer is clear: start earlier. Starting earlier can give you more time to build towards a secure and adequate retirement. It can also give you more time to understand your pension, consider your options and make informed decisions as your career and financial circumstances change. At Railpen, we provide members with information, tools and guidance to help them manage their pensions and plan for the future. Starting early does not mean having everything worked out straight away – it means taking the first step towards understanding what you may need for later life. This Pension Awareness Week, hear Railpen members share the advice they would give their younger selves. #PensionAwarenessWeek #StartEarly #PensionAdequacy #RetirementPlanning #Railpen

It’s Pension Awareness Week – a good time to think about what an adequate, secure retirement could look like for you. At Railpen, our member-first approach is focused on helping members understand their pensions and make informed choices about their future. Pensions can be complex, so we work to make information clearer and easier to navigate through straightforward communication, digital tools and ongoing improvements to our services. In this video, Railpen members share what pension confidence means to them. Their views highlight the importance of knowing what you have, what you may need for an adequate retirement and where to find support. The earlier you start, the more time you have to understand your options and plan ahead. #PensionAwarenessWeek #RetirementConfidence #PensionAdequacy #Railpen

Today, Richard Murray steps into his new role as Chair of the Trustee Board for the railways pension schemes. Richard has served as a Trustee Director since 2019 and brings more than 30 years of pensions experience, including extensive expertise in pension scheme governance, funding and member outcomes. Richard said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of the Trustee Board. I take on this role with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose - to provide effective governance, champion the interests of our members, and ensure a clear focus on delivering the best possible long-term outcomes that make a meaningful difference to their financial futures.” As Richard takes on this role, we would also like to thank Christine Kernoghan for her outstanding leadership as Chair since 2022. Christine made history as the Trustee Board's first female Chair and has played an important role in helping guide the schemes through a period of significant change. We are pleased that she will continue to serve as a Trustee Director. Reflecting on the appointment, Christine adds: "I am delighted that Richard has been appointed as Chair of the Trustee Board. Having worked closely with him over a number of years, I have seen first-hand his commitment to strong governance, thoughtful decision making and acting in the best interests of the members and employers we serve." We look forward to working with Richard in his new role as we continue our focus on delivering strong long-term outcomes for members and maintaining high standards of governance. #Pensions #Governance #Trusteeship #MemberOutcomes #Railpen

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging difficult, but important, conversations. At Railpen, we marked the day by bringing all colleagues together for a webinar with #ANDYSMANCLUB, a charity that creates safe, non-judgemental spaces for men to talk openly about their mental health and the challenges they face. Andy's Man Club's message is simple but powerful: it's okay to talk. Mark Buswell, People Co-ordinator here at Railpen, shared his experience of joining Andy's Man Club. "My first experience of attending was initially difficult; going into a building to meet a load of blokes who you don't know and thinking how are they going to greet me, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Once you join, you are part of a support mechanism, building relationships within the group, catching up each week and feeling better for talking." Conversations about mental health can be difficult, but they are important. Sometimes, checking in on a colleague, friend or family member, listening without judgement can make a real difference. Supporting mental wellbeing isn't just for today. Throughout the year, colleagues can access Mental Health First Aiders, our Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing resources, helping create a workplace where support is always available and nobody feels alone. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #AndysManClub #ITSOKAYTOTALK

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, creating new opportunities for innovation, efficiency and growth. But as AI adoption accelerates, so too does the need for effective governance. Today, we're pleased to publish Navigating AI: An Investor Framework for Assessing Exposure and Governance, which builds on our 2025 report, Achieving Effective AI Governance. The report introduces a practical benchmarking tool based on Railpen's AI Governance Framework, helping investors assess AI exposure, evaluate governance practices, and identify where engagement may be needed. It also shares how we have applied the framework in practice across our Active Equity portfolio. Our analysis highlights an important challenge: while AI adoption is increasing rapidly, governance maturity often lags behind. We found that many companies are signalling their intentions through responsible AI principles, but fewer are demonstrating how those principles are embedded in day-to-day decision-making and risk management. As long-term investors, we believe effective governance is essential to helping companies harness the benefits of AI while managing the associated risks. By encouraging greater accountability, transparency and consistency, we hope this framework can support stronger AI governance across markets. To explore the report's findings in more detail, join us and Chronos Sustainability for a webinar on 11 September, 11:00am-12:00pm, where we'll discuss the framework, key insights from our research, and what investors should be looking for as AI continues to evolve: https://ow.ly/XAJW50ZJg7r #ArtificialIntelligence #AIGovernance #ResponsibleAI #Stewardship #SustainableInvestment #Governance #Investing #Railpen Caroline Escott Jasmine Porter Sophie Harris

At Railpen, every colleague is encouraged to take three paid volunteering days each year, and one of the most rewarding parts of offering this benefit is hearing the stories that come back. Recently, Olena Skalyga, Senior Finance Analyst in Financial Planning & Analysis, spent her three volunteering days supporting Ragworth Community Grocery Shop, a community initiative that helps people access affordable food and essential items during challenging times. Over three Fridays, Olena saw first-hand the difference the organisation makes to local individuals and families. From helping stock shelves to supporting customers, she witnessed the positive impact that affordable food and everyday essentials can have on people who need them most. Reflecting on her experience, Olena said: "It was wonderful to see so many happy faces and to be part of something that helps people during what can be difficult times." We're proud to support colleagues who use their volunteering days to give back to the communities where we live and work. #Volunteering #GivingBack #CommunitySupport #RailpenLife #CommunityImpact