High trust, high expectations: professional trustee survey 2026

Insights

2 minutes

24 July 2026

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How professional trustees are really performing

Our professional trustee research builds on key themes from last year's survey, taking a deeper look into Corporate Sole Trustees, value for money, and satisfaction rates of those who work with professional trustees.

We received over 290 responses from professionals that work directly with professional trustees. These include Member-nominated trustees, Employer-nominated trustees, Company representatives, Pension managers and Heads of pensions across a range of different scheme sizes.

What we explored

  • The value professional trustees have brought to their schemes, and how this differs based on scheme size and role of our respondents.
  • What professional trustees could do differently, and where individuals aren’t satisfied with the service.
  • Perspectives of those without a professional trustee, and what would make them consider appointing a professional trustee.

At-a-glance findings

  • Professional trustees were highly trusted and strongly valued by their schemes.
  • Minimal issues were raised, but those that were differed between job roles.
  • Less satisfaction was reported with a CST model compared to traditional trustee board models.  
  • The majority of non adopters felt they didn't need a professional trustee, as their board had enough experience already.

Independent Trustee Survey 2026

Download our Survey Report
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