Pensions Ombudsman determination
Ethika Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme · CAS-30803-J2G8
Verbatim text of this Pensions Ombudsman determination. Sourced directly from the Pensions Ombudsman published register. The Pensions Ombudsman is a statutory tribunal — its determinations are public record. Not an AI summary, not a paraphrase.
Full determination
CAS-30803-J2G8
Ombudsman’s Determination Applicant Mr S
Scheme Ethika Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme (the Scheme)
Respondent Warwick & Eaton Administrators Limited (Warwick & Eaton)
Outcome
Complaint summary
Background information, including submissions from the parties
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Adjudicator’s Opinion
• While Mr S’ experience has been frustrating, the exchange of correspondence shows that Warwick & Eaton responded and assisted him appropriately, and in a reasonable timeframe throughout.
• At the point Dalriada was appointed, Warwick & Eaton was instructed not to communicate with Mr S. However, that was on the direction of Dalriada and not within Warwick & Eaton’s control. In any event, this has not caused Mr S a financial loss.
1 https://www.dalriadatrustees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-Ethika-Chairmans-Statement.pdf 2 CAS-30803-J2G8 • Mr S’ inability to transfer or receive a transfer value stems from Dalriada’s embargo on transfers and valuations. This is a result of Dalriada’s uncertainty over the value of the Scheme’s assets, explained in the Chairman’s statement of 31 December 2019. This is outside Warwick & Eaton’s control.
• While the directorship links between Warwick & Eaton and the previous Trustee, Barclay Cavendish are acknowledged, Warwick & Eaton was not legally responsible for the investment choices made by the previous Trustee, and are not accountable for failings on the part of the former Trustee. Warwick & Eaton provided administration services to the Scheme and appear to have provided them adequately in respect of Mr S’ pension benefits.
Mr S did not accept the Adjudicator’s Opinion and the complaint was passed to me to consider. Mr S provided his further comments which do not change the outcome. I agree with the Adjudicator’s Opinion and I will therefore only respond to the main points made by Mr S for completeness.
Ombudsman’s decision
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I do not uphold Mr S’ complaint.
Anthony Arter
Pensions Ombudsman 7 April 2020
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