Anthony Arter’s appointment as part-time Deputy Pensions Ombudsman extended

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Minister for Pensions has agreed to extend the appointment of Anthony Arter as Deputy Pensions Ombudsman for a period of nine months from 15 January 2024.

This will enable the Deputy Pensions Ombudsman to complete ongoing complex fraud cases whilst DWP recruit a permanent replacement.

Dominic Harris, Pensions Ombudsman and Chief Executive of The Pensions Ombudsman said:

“I am delighted that Anthony is staying on as Deputy Pensions Ombudsman. The work of the Pensions Dishonesty Unit (PDU) is vital in investigating allegations of trustee dishonesty and holding wrongdoers to account.

The recent Focus Administration Pension Scheme Determination is a great example of what the PDU can do, with the respondent being ordered to repay over £730,000 into the scheme. This extension means that Anthony can work through the completion of PDU cases, for which he has already held oral hearings and I look forward to working alongside him as this significant work continues.”

The Commissioner for Public Appointments has been consulted under paragraph 3.3 of the Governance Code by DWP to make this extension, exceptionally, without a competition.