LAPF Investments Awards 2025: The judges’ perspective
Published: September 24, 2025
As the 2025 LAPF Investments Awards approach, we hear from some of the judges as they discuss their motivations for taking part, what they look for in a standout entry, what they have learnt from being a judge, and their excitement for the upcoming event.
Robert Branagh, Trustee, Creative Pension Trust
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
The LGPS world has for some time been a hidden gem amongst retirement saving provision in the UK and the work done by officers and members as custodians of the Scheme has often been undervalued. The LAPF Investments Awards is a fantastic way of highlighting some of the work done to contribute to a sustainable retirement for over 6 million members. I particularly like the fact that there are sections for advisers and one for the more traditional LGPS entities such as funds and pools. One of the huge successes of LGPS is the collaborative nature of the relationships involved and having both sections represented makes me want to contribute to judging this year.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
I have been honoured to be a judge for several different financial and pension awards over the years and integrity, transparency and an open mind are all essential qualities needed to be a good judge. Usually there are a set of judging criteria to be adhered to and it’s important to judge the submission and the award entry on its own merits, not what you think or understand about the entry. Being impartial and not conflicted are equally important components and being prepared to explain your scoring with your fellow judges is crucial to coming to a collective decision on the winner.
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
Any award category that involves innovation always gets my interest or excitement. The sharing of new ideas, techniques and practices, particularly using technology is a great way to improve performance, delivery and member experience to the LGPS. This year however, I am particularly excited to see the Rising Star category and celebrate the energy, enthusiasm and drive of less experienced and new staff coming into LGPS at a time when pensions mean even more than ever to our members and the complexity of the LGPS and wider UK pensions becomes more and more complicated.
What do you hope to learn or take away personally from being part of the judging panel?
I always look forward to the judging discussion of the shortlist with fellow judges and understanding their scoring, their thinking on the submission and perhaps appreciating something they have seen that perhaps I may not have given enough positivity towards. Having fellow judges from varied backgrounds with a broad range of experience also enhances the panel and helps ensure that the evaluation process is inclusive and comprehensive.
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
Key messages are always important in award entries but getting examples into the submission always help judges get to a good decision point. Remember that judges may well be reviewing many submissions and yours should be compelling or engaging. Where possible, brevity of answers can help particularly where there are multiple submissions in your category. While storytelling is essential, it’s equally important to back up your claims with tangible evidence and measurable results of your achievements whenever possible by providing data, statistics, and metrics that demonstrate the scale and significance of your work. Really standout entries also add emotional weight, are there any human stories or links, testimonials, unexpected benefits to your work alongside areas such as benchmarks, performance metrics or other results.
Abigail Leech, Director of Finance, People and Culture, Local Pensions Partnership Administration
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
I was motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an event that recognises excellence and innovation in LGPS. The LAPF Investments Awards celebrate the hard work and forward-thinking strategies of those supporting the LGPS and I felt it was important to support that recognition.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
A good judge needs to be objective, fair, and well-informed. It’s essential to approach each submission with an open mind, evaluate based on merit rather than reputation and previous experience, and consider both qualitative and quantitative elements. Integrity, industry insight, and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector are also crucial to making balanced, thoughtful decisions.
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
In the current climate of change I was particularly interested in the investment advisory service category; this area is key for the funds and pools at this time when they are trying to navigate the government changes in the pooling objectives.
What do you hope to learn or take away personally from being part of the judging panel?
I am looking forward to getting an insight into the latest approach and strategies being implemented by those supporting the LGPS. Being a judge gives me a different lens into best practices and emerging trends, and I see this as an opportunity to learn and understand what’s shaping the future in our industry.
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
A standout entry will clearly set out its objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes, I will also consider originality and consideration to their entry. I will be looking for evidence of impact, by that through, performance, innovation or consideration of the challenges for the LGPS funds.
Bola Tobun, Independent Adviser
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
I see it as a meaningful milestone in my professional journey and collaborating with peers to set high standards for excellence.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
Passion for excellence, integrity and fairness, industry expertise and experience, attention to detail, discretion and consistency.
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
Investment Advisory Services.
What do you hope to learn or take away personally from being part of the judging panel?
Exploring how the industry is advancing, and learning from both its trailblazers and those with opportunities for growth.
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
A clear and compelling story, backed by measurable results. Looking for innovation, something that challenges the status quo or approaches a problem in a fresh way.
Dawn Turner, Independent Adviser & NED
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
Having been fortunate enough to be a judge for LAPF Investments Awards for a few years now, it is the growth, development, innovation and strength of the LGPS that keeps me wanting to be a judge and reading about amazing people, changing landscapes and focused pension funds and teams.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
Being a judge requires knowledge and complete objectivity around that knowledge. There is a need to look for what is different, the thing that makes the winners stand out from the other great submissions. A judge also needs to openly listen to the other judges and ensure fairness prevails.
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
Because we had so many applications the judges this year have been split into groups, so we have the time to thoroughly review our set of submissions, which means the awards I’m really excited about are the ones I haven’t judged. Obviously I value the categories I’ve reviewed, but awards night fun is about the surprises. If I had to pick one out of the ones I’ve judged them it is the Rising Star award, our future being in the hands of them, and what’s so inspiring is the number of nominations. The LGPS is full of talented people, for sure.
What do you hope to learn or take away personally from being part of the judging panel?
The pensions and investment world seems always to be facing change, and this year is no different. So what I take away is the strength, resilience and capability of the LGPS to continue to deliver, cope and succeed though all the changes facing them. The LGPS are leaders of investment and pension delivery for its members.
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
An entry needs to answer all that has been asked in the category description, but for me it is articulating the outcomes, the why was this important, what difference has it made… these are the questions I ask as I look at an entry. Sometimes it is really hard to pick the ultimate winner as these questions are answered so well. Therefore looking for that extra bit is what helps me make my selection. It is then good fun listening to the other judges views, what made them make there selection. The friendly debate that ensues, and then the final conclusion… we all wait to hear about. Good luck everyone, thanks for all the entries and I look forward to hearing all the results on the awards night.
Tim Mpofu, Head of Partner Fund Solutions, London CIV
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
I’ve had the privilege of being a judge for the LAPF Investments Awards for several years now, and it’s always a pleasure to see first-hand the impressive work across the LGPS to provide good outcomes for members. The opportunity to recognise excellence in our industry while gaining insights into innovative approaches motivates me to continue participating. I’m grateful to have been asked to participate again as a judge for the 2025 LAPF Investments Awards.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
In my experience, impartiality and objectivity are fundamental to being an effective judge. This means evaluating entries solely based on the quality of the submissions received. It’s also important to have deep industry knowledge and experience in delivering and supporting services to the LGPS, either as an officer or in an advisory capacity. I’m pleased that my fellow judges possess these important qualities, giving them a keen eye for identifying and recognising best practices across the LGPS.
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
A personal highlight for me is always the LGPS Fund of the Year and the Rising Star categories. The LGPS Fund of the Year recognises the important work being done by individual funds. This goes beyond just investment performance to showcase what it means to be a well-run, leading LGPS fund. The Rising Star category puts a spotlight on the future talent pipeline of budding senior LGPS officers. Luckily, I have never judged these categories myself, so they are always a pleasant surprise to me on the evening too!
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
For me, a standout entry will clearly demonstrate how well the organisation has worked to support funds in delivering for their members. This includes enabling innovation, fostering collaboration with LGPS practitioners, and delivering best-in-class services. I’m particularly impressed by entries that show tangible outcomes and measurable impacts, while also demonstrating a clear understanding of the unique challenges facing LGPS funds today.
Neil Mason, LGPS Senior Officer, Surrey Pension Team
What motivated you to take part as a judge in this year’s LAPF Investments Awards?
I am honoured and humbled to be invited to judge for such a prestigious event. It’s a privilege to take a deep dive into submissions of so many great organisations and people.
What qualities do you think are essential in a good judge for industry awards like these?
You need to come to the submissions without any preconceptions and leave previous experience at the door. But of paramount importance is a passion for the LGPS and all the people who work in it. You also have to be able to have fun!
Are there any award categories you’re particularly interested in or excited about?
That’s Sophie’s Choice isn’t it! They’re all really important aren’t they. I’m always keen to be positive about the sector in the future, so will be watching the Rising Star category with a keen eye.
What do you hope to learn or take away personally from being part of the judging panel?
I hope to learn something more about all those who have put in entries. Gaining a bit more empathy is never a bad thing either.
What will you be looking for in a standout entry?
Something that demonstrates to me that it has made a really positive impact on the LGPS. And that makes me go WOW!
