Ms Evans currently serves as a non-executive Director and chair of the compliance Committee at the Property Ombudsman.  She will take over from Anthony Arter who has been interim Chair since January 2024.  She will take up the post on 1 July.

The Pensions Ombudsman provides a vital service, by independently investigating and resolving complaints concerning occupational and personal pension schemes. It also plays an important role in ensuring savers receive their entitled benefits and helping pension providers understand their obligations.

Ms Evans’s appointment comes as the Government’s Pension Schemes Bill continues its passage through Parliament.  Measures include strengthening the legal standing of the Pensions Ombudsman so that pension overpayment cases can be resolved and pension overpayments refunded quicker, reducing waiting times for customers.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said:

I am pleased to announce Deborah Evans as the new Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman.

I look forward to working with her as she brings her leadership and expertise to this vital role, helping to uphold high standards of fairness and accountability across the pensions sector.

I am confident she will make a positive impact for savers and pensioners across the country.

Deborah Evans said:

Pensions are vital in providing adequate income in retirement and have a huge impact on people’s lives.

The role of the Pensions Ombudsman plays a crucial role in ensuring that complaints are dealt appropriately and independently, keeping the system fair.

I look forward to leading the board to help the organisation succeed and drive improvements throughout the pensions sector.

Alongside her role at the Property Ombudsman, Deborah Evans is also Director and Chief Executive of Lawyers in Local Government, and Chair of Governors at Trent College.  She will bring extensive experience in leadership and governance, from both the public and regulatory sectors.

Additional Information

• The Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman is appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions. The appointment was made following an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.
• As Chair, Deborah Evans will receive £24,000 per year for a minimum time commitment of 36 days annually.