The Financial Services Board (FSB) has launched a free online education programme, known as the Trustee Toolkit, for the education and development of retirement fund trustees.
Jurgen Boyd, the FSB’s deputy executive in charge of retirement funds, says the toolkit provides trustees with information, practical guidelines, case studies and access to online support, and allows them to navigate at their own pace through the learning materials. He says that, on successful completion of the programme, trustees will be in a position to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.
Boyd says that as yet there are no legal qualification requirements for retirement fund trustees. Any requirement for educational standards for trustees will have to come from the National Treasury.
The programme, which is voluntary, has been launched in the wake of criticism that trustee education programmes provided by retirement industry service providers are often tailored to ensure that trustees do not ask the right questions.
The Trustee Toolkit consists of three modules, which are based on the principles of good governance and sound decision making. Each module comprises tutorials, case studies, reference materials, assignment(s) and a formative assessment.
On successful completion of each module and assessment, the trustee will receive a Certificate of Completion.
There is no cost to participants. Anyone interested in participating can register.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.trusteetoolkit.co.za.