Norfolk Pension Fund appoints Clifford Sims as its Independent Person

Norfolk Pension Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Clifford Sims, as its new Independent Person.

The appointment forms part of the Fund’s continued commitment to strong and transparent governance, effective oversight and continuous improvement for the benefit of members and employers.  

Clifford Sims is a highly respected legal expert, with Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) sector expertise and in-depth understanding of the unique regulatory framework governing the LGPS.

The Independent Person is a new statutory governance role within the LGPS, which emerged from the Fit for the Future reforms. In this role, Clifford will provide independent insight, scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Fund’s Pension Committee across all aspects of investment, governance and pension administration. The role will strengthen the Committee’s approach as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.

Commenting on the appointment Glenn Cossey, Director of Norfolk Pension Fund, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Clifford as our Independent Person. In this new role, Clifford will support the Fund’s Pension Committee and senior officers across areas including governance, administration and investment, helping to ensure that decisions are subject to appropriate independent consideration.”

Clifford has a 30+ year career in law and was a partner at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, where he was head of pensions practice for 6 years. He retired in 2024 but was recognised as a leading pensions lawyer and an expert in investment and financial services in relation to workplace pensions. 

Clifford has previous Board experience, having previously been chairman of both the Association of Pension Lawyers' investment committee and the investment committee of the Society of Pension Consultants.

Over his career he advised many local authorities, private sector trustees, pension product providers, investment banks and sponsoring employers on pensions and investment issues. Clifford also has experience instructing and training pension boards and committees on their fiduciary investment duties. 

Clifford Sims said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Independent Person at Norfolk Pension Fund at such an important time for the LGPS. The Fit for the Future reforms represent a significant opportunity to strengthen governance and ensure funds are well placed to deliver for members and employers over the long term. I look forward to working with the Pension Committee and officers to support the Fund in maintaining robust, transparent decision-making and high standards of governance as the LGPS continues to evolve.”

The appointment also complements the recent appointment of Glenn Cossey, Director of Norfolk Pension Fund, as the Fund’s Senior LGPS Officer. The Senior LGPS Officer is a key new role under the Fit for the Future reforms, with overall delegated responsibility for the management and administration of the Fund.

Together, these appointments strengthen the Fund’s governance arrangements and provide clear senior leadership alongside independent oversight.