Prospect is to set up a network of workplace pensions champions to help members handle the many retirement choices they now face. Conference backed a proposal by the national executive to give full support to the TUC's pensions champions project.

People now understood pensions issues much better than in the past, but how they actually work is less well understood, said Audrey Uppington, moving the NEC motion. The TUC project aimed to explain to members at work the options available to them, she said. It includes a pensions website and the facility for members to build up their own personal pensions profile.

We recently sent to all Pensions Champions a brief survey asking for information about your activities in supporting colleagues on pensions. Many thanks to those of you who have already sent back information. Early reports confirm that there is the demand for workplace based guidance and that the scope for providing it is considerable.  Will those of you who have not yet replied do so as soon as possible please? We are preparing a report on the project’s progress and information from as many of you as possible is vital.

Lots of people will have different reasons for getting involved with this project. What are yours? Are you seeking to change or defend a scheme where you work, hoping to establish a new scheme, or trying to educate more people to take one up?