The RSA maintains links with a number of organisations that represent the interests of occupational pension scheme members.
There are at least 3000 occupational pension schemes currently operating in the UK and CAAPS is relatively small, compared with the likes of BA, BP, or the BBC, all of whom have more than 100,000 members. So RSA (representing CAAPS members) has allied with organisations that represent our members' interests on a broader scale, with the aim of influencing UK policy to secure the interests of our members who made pension contributions throughout their working lives:
Occupational Pensioners Alliance
The CAA RSA was a founder member of the Occupational Pensioners’ Alliance but after the retirement of its chairman, that organisation was wound up in December 2022 and its remaining funds (approx £12,000) were gifted to four age-related charities including Age UK.
National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP)
CAAPS
CAA/NATS RSA CC member Richard Wright is now an NFOP member and maintains close ties with CAAPS on behalf of the RSA. Happy to share information and updates, but specific questions relating to personal pension matters should be addressed through CAAPS itself.
Help make a difference – become a Trustee
CAAPS are looking for nominations to join the team as a Member Nominated Director (MND). Your pension is run by a group of individuals who make up the Trustee Board. These are people like you.
If you’re in the CAA Section and interested in becoming a trustee, you can let CAAPS know by putting yourself forward – you can be an active, deferred or pensioner member.
Your nomination will need to be supported by two other members of the CAA Section, and we’ll need it by Friday 14 August. If selected, your three-year term of office will start on 1 October 2026.
What is the Trustee Board and what does it do?Trustees look after the assets of a pension scheme for the benefit of its members and are legally responsible for doing so. They operate separately from the employer that sponsors the Scheme.
CAAPS is run by two types of Trustee: those selected by the employer (Employer-Nominated Directors/ENDs), and those selected by a panel from member nominations (MNDs). We have six MNDs in total, three from the CAA Section and three from the NATS Section.
Understanding the roleThe role is a rewarding one, it can be challenging, and it carries some responsibility, but your duties will be diverse and fulfilling. You’ll also receive support in your role from professional advisers and fellow directors.
The UK pensions system simply would not work without trustees. Your input is meaningful – Trustee Directors really do make a difference.
Time commitment, training and developmentTrustee Directors attend four Trustee Board meetings a year, sub-committee meetings, and training days – about 20 days a year in total, plus preparation and reading time. One term as a trustee is usually for three years.
Meetings provide an opportunity to engage with other Directors, advisers (actuaries, accountants, lawyers, investment professionals) and develop connections and understanding in these areas.
All Trustee Directors are given training and support and are encouraged to complete the Pension Regulator’s Trustee Toolkitwithin the first six months of appointment.
Diversity and inclusionThe Trustee Board would like its Directors to reflect the membership of the Scheme and seeks to include people from all backgrounds and skill sets. The Trustee is committed to smarter working arrangements and considers all applications on merit and on the basis of fair and open competition.
Applying for the roleSend your nomination form to Philip Kenley in the Pensions Team by 14 August 2026.
Selection ProcessThe selection process involves an interview with a selection panel made up of representatives from the Trustee, the Retired Staff Association and an independent assessor. Interviews will be by video link and will take place on Monday 21 September 2026. The selection panel looks for a mixture of capabilities and sound judgement. Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary, as long as you have the time and willingness to train for the role.
Further information (available on the caaps website)
More detailed guidance for trustees is published by the Pensions Regulator
You can also send your nomination form by post but email is preferable. Write to:
Secretary to the Trustee
Civil Aviation Authority Pension Scheme (CAAPS)
Pensions Administration Department
Office 206, Westpoint
4 Redheughs Rigg
Edinburgh EH12 9DTEmail: philip.kenley@caa.co.uk
Join us
Become a CAA/NATS Retired Staff Association member today. Join an active community of more than 2,100 people while enjoying a world of new benefits!