FAQs

Once the consultation is closed, the results will be reviewed and analysed. A final version of the Investment Strategy Statement is due to be considered by the Pension Committee at its meeting on 29 July 2026.

Members can access their information via the Member Portal (opens in new tab).

The portal allows you to - 

• check your details are correct and up to date
• add or amend an 'expression of wish' for payment of a death grant
• change your address, name or marital status
• view Annual Benefit Statements

West Sussex Pension Fund is managed and governed by West Sussex County Council. 

The Council is responsible for:

• The Scheme’s administration
• The approach to funding benefits (including the investment strategy)
• Compliance with statutory regulations

Hampshire Pension Services is appointed to handle day-to-day administration and member-related enquiries.

• Enrolling members into the Scheme
• Processing changes to member details whilst participating in the Scheme
• Providing retirement options and bringing pensions into payment
• Dealing with the death of a scheme member

The current Investment Strategy Statement can be found on the Pension Fund website (opens in new tab). 

No. Your pension benefits are based on scheme rules and are not directly affected by changes to the investment strategy.

Member contribution rates are set nationally and are not affected by investment strategy changes.

Employer contribution rates are set by the Actuary every three years as part of the triennial valuation and investment returns is part of this funding approach. 

The Pensions Committee sets the investment strategy and is responsible for oversight. Day-to-day investment management is the responsibility of the LGPS Asset Pool (Border to Coast).

“Net zero” means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible and balancing any remaining (“residual”) emissions by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.

For an LGPS fund, this typically relates to the emissions associated with its investment portfolio (often called “financed emissions”). Achieving net zero therefore involves:

• Reducing emissions over time by investing in lower‑carbon assets, engaging with companies to decarbonise, and allocating capital to climate solutions.
• Managing residual emissions that cannot yet be eliminated, potentially using credible carbon removal or offsetting approaches as a last step—not a substitute for real emission reductions.

In practice, a net zero commitment is usually aligned with national and global goals (such as the UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050) and is supported by interim targets to ensure steady progress.

“Responsible investment” means considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions and managing the Fund’s assets.

This approach recognises that issues such as climate change, resource use, corporate behaviour, and governance standards can affect the long‑term performance and risk of investments.

Responsible investment is part of the Fund’s fiduciary duty to its members. This means it focuses on protecting and enhancing long‑term investment returns while also supporting better outcomes for the economy, environment and society.