Church of Scotland Pension Schemes appoints XPS for full administration, in first-time outsourcing move

Church of Scotland Pension Schemes appoints XPS for full administration, in first-time outsourcing move

10 Jun 2026

XPS Group, a leading FTSE 250 UK pensions and insurance consulting and administration business, has been appointed to provide full administration services to the Church of Scotland Pension Schemes, marking the Schemes’ first move to an outsourced administration model.

The appointment covers three schemes: the Church of Scotland Pension Scheme for Ministers & Overseas Missionaries, the Church of Scotland Pension Scheme for Staff, and the Church of Scotland Pension Scheme for Ministries Development Staff. XPS will provide end-to-end administration services, including pension payroll and accounting, for approximately 4,200 members.

The decision follows a comprehensive trustee review, which identified the potential for greater efficiency and cost savings through outsourcing, benefits that are expected to support members’ outcomes as the Schemes progress towards wind-up.

The mandate builds on an established relationship between XPS and the Church of Scotland, with XPS having provided actuarial and investment advisory services on the Schemes’ £290 million of assets since 2021.

This transition follows extensive discussions between the Trustees, the Church of Scotland, the existing pensions administration team and XPS, with a shared focus on maintaining continuity for members and retaining specialist scheme knowledge.

This appointment reflects growing demand from schemes seeking specialist administration support as they manage increasing operational complexity and long-term member needs.

Reverend Norman Smith, Chief Officer, the Church of Scotland said: “Having worked with XPS since 2021, we are pleased to extend that relationship into full administration. This appointment gives our Pension Scheme members continuity, security and access to specialist support as the Schemes move through their next phase.”

Alasdair Gill, XPS Partner and Relationship Manager, said: “We are delighted to broaden our relationship with the Church and its Scheme Trustees through this appointment. This was a complex and lengthy transition, made possible by the strong working relationship between XPS and the Church Trustees and officers. We look forward to supporting members with a high-quality, resilient administration service as the Schemes progress towards wind-up.”