The Pension Scams Industry Group (PSIG), the voluntary body set up to support trustees, providers and administrators in combating pension scams, has appointed Tommy Burns as deputy chair.

Mr Burns has been part of PSIG since its inception in 2014 and is chair of the organisation’s Pension Scams Industry Forum.

He has around 40 years’ experience in the pensions industry and is currently risk and incident manager at Standard Life, where he has held a number of managerial roles and been at the forefront of the organisation’s pension scams controls since 2012.

Margaret Snowdon OBE, chair of PSIG said: “I was recently asked what the long-term objective of PSIG is.

“My answer to that is simple, to no longer be needed. In order for this to be the case it is vital that we strengthen our team with key people, with vital skills and expertise, to help us to be in the best possible position to protect savers.

“Tommy has been an integral part of PSIG for some time, having helped write all three versions of our code of good practice and launch our intelligence sharing platform for providers - the Pensions Scams Industry Forum.

“He has also been at the forefront of protecting consumers for many years in his roles at Standard Life, being a key driver behind the organisation’s pension scams controls.

“His appointment as deputy chair is a very positive development for both PSIG and pension scheme members alike.”
 
Mr Burns said: “Having been involved with PSIG for several years and seeing the real impact its work has had on everyday people, I feel honoured to be selected as deputy chair.

“It’s estimated that the group’s code of good practice has saved millions of pounds of peoples’ life savings from scams to date, a significant step forward in the fight against wrongdoers.

“I’m looking forward to working with Margaret and the team to continue this good work and seeing scams stamped out once and for all.”