The Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee’s recently published agenda for its meeting on November 20, 2025, indicates a significant shift in its pooling arrangements and ongoing responsible investment initiatives.
Strategic Asset Allocation Review Underway
The Fund’s Investment Advisers, Redington – Gallagher, are scheduled to present the outcomes of the Fund’s investment strategy review at the November 20, 2025, meeting. This review is intended to inform future investment decisions. (Agenda, page 5)
Transition to LGPS Central as New Pooling Partner
Following the appointment of LGPS Central as its new pooling partner in July 2025, the Fund is preparing for the transition of assets from Brunel to LGPS Central. This transition is in the context of the government’s ‘LGPS: Fit for the Future’ consultation, which proposes the full pooling of LGPS assets by March 31, 2026. The Fund is undertaking detailed exercises to map this transition and develop a deeper understanding of available investment products, acknowledging that holdings are likely to change to align with the new pool’s structure and offerings. (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 24)
Local Investment Portfolio Development Paused
Development of options for a Local Investment Portfolio, initially due in Q2 2025, has been paused. This decision is due to considerations of future pooling work, which will affect implementation. (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 15)
Nature Portfolio Development Suspended
Support for the development of a Nature Portfolio by Brunel, initially due in Q3 2025, has been suspended. This is due to uncertainty over the future role of Brunel in Pooling. (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 15)
Climate Target Investigations for PM Portfolios Paused
Investigations into climate targets for Private Markets (PM) portfolios (Private Equity & Private Debt), initially due in Q4 2025, have been paused. This work will need to be undertaken following the transition of the Fund’s investments to the new pool. (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 15)
Responsible Investment Objectives Review Paused
A report on how effectively Responsible Investment Objectives can be met following consultation outcomes, initially due in Q4 2025, has been paused. This work will need to be undertaken following the transition of the Fund’s investments to the new pool. (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 15)
Review of Weapons Companies Investments Conducted
Officers have undertaken a review of the Fund’s investments in Aerospace and Defence (A&D) holdings. The report highlights a total sector exposure of 0.47% of the Fund as of Q2 2025. The Fund already relies on exclusions for companies involved in controversial weapons or those breaching UN human rights principles. Legally, investments in A&D companies supplying Israel are permissible under UK law. (Responsible Investment Update Report, pages 17, 19)
UN-Identified Companies Linked to Israeli Settlements
The Fund holds investments in 158 companies identified by the United Nations as being linked to activities related to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. These holdings represent £6,173,104, or 0.18% of the Fund, as of Q2 2025. Notable holdings include Booking Holdings Inc (£3,074,725), Motorola Solutions Inc (£1,533,694), and Airbnb (£1,220,215). (Responsible Investment Update Report, page 25)
MiFID II Professional Investor Status to be Confirmed
The Committee is requested to confirm that, collectively, they possess the necessary skills, experience, and support to maintain professional investor status. This annual self-certification process is crucial for the Fund to retain its classification as a professional client, which allows it to access a broader range of investment opportunities. (MiFID II Compliance and Declaration, page 29)
Source