ACCESS annual report reflects on pool’s journey
Author: LAPF Investments | Published: September 9, 2026
In the closing statement of its latest annual report, the ACCESS pool has reflected on its history, paying tribute to the individuals who helped shape it.
In the report’s closing statement, Kevin McDonald – director of the ACCESS Support Unit – paid tribute to several individuals as he reflected on the history of the pool, including the pool’s authority officers, technical leads, and his colleagues at the ACCESS Support Unit, which was set up to provide day-to-day support for running the pool.
He said: “I have been very fortunate to work alongside fantastic people. Across the ACCESS Authorities officers who work day-to-day on the LGPS have continually demonstrated a collaborative mindset and a willingness to share expertise and promote learning.
“The Officer Working Group (supplemented by a number of sub-groups to work through detail and complete particular projects) brought together specialists to act as the engine room of our pool.
“It has been in this area that LGPS experts from each of the eleven Authorities came together to provide insight, constructive challenge and thought leadership necessary to develop and finalise the key ingredients for a successful pool.
“Individual officers Samantha Andrews (Essex), Russell Wood (East Sussex), Andrew Boutflower (Hampshire), Sharon Tan (Suffolk) & Rachel Wood (West Sussex) have played key roles as Technical Leads.
“Kent’s Democratic Services team, led by Joel Cook, have supported our Joint Committee since its formation in 2017. At different times, authorities have stepped forward to undertake specific roles, including Kent, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Essex and Hampshire to spearhead procurements.
“Section 151 officers, currently chaired by Ian Gutsell (East Sussex) have been vital in creating and shaping the strategic space for what has been an incredible journey. Elected Members have represented their respective Funds with passion and embraced open engagement in pursuit of common objectives.
“As a pool, we have been benefitted from a strategic partnership with Waystone, under the leadership of CEO Karl Midl. As our ACS Operator Waystone appointed Northern Trust as Depositary and investment managers for active listed mandates. UBS were jointly procured by the Authorities for passive listed assets.
“In addition to the organisations highlighted by the chairman, I must single out John Wright and the team at Hymans Robertson along with Kirsty McClean, Clifford Sims and colleagues at Squire Patton Boggs have provided us with investment and legal advice at each stage of our development – both were essential.
“Ultimately, I must pay a particular tribute to my colleagues who have been part of the ACCESS Support Unit with whom it has been my privilege to work: Mark Paget, Dawn Butler, Paul Tysoe, Sallie Wilson, Alistair Coyle, Richard Smith, Rawda Ali and Isaac McHugh. It has been their insight, hard work and endless dedication that made everything possible and to whom I remain indebted.”
Looking at the annual report as a whole, ACCESS had £53.4bn in assets under management in 2025/26 – 74% of which were within a pooled arrangement, while £14.2bn was being passively managed with UBS.
Additionally, since inception the pool made £148.7m in net savings, while also generating a 9.3% investment return on its active listed assets.
Meanwhile, and as part of the pool’s principles of good corporate governance, in 2025/26 ACCESS saw votes take place at a total of 12,568 meetings on 148,773 resolutions.
