Retirement Fund Trustee

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Retirement Fund Trustee. A Retirement Fund Trustee directs, controls, and oversees the operations of a retirement fund in terms of the applicable law, including common law, rules and the objectives of the Fund. A competent learner shall demonstrate among others the following attributes: honesty, punctuality, initiative, critical analysis, decision making, integrity, ethical, etc. A qualified learner will be able to: • Direct the governance functions of the Fund by the Board of Trustees • Oversee the operations of the Fund • Oversee the Fund investment activities

The Regulatory framework within the financial, insurance and banking services sectors has evolved into a 'Twin Peaks' model of regulation, which resulted in the overhaul of the Regulatory landscape. This requires users to continually undergo training and development to master the changes and amendments introduced by the new Regulatory framework. The review of this qualification has necessitated the development of a part qualification which comprises the minimum requirements prescribed by the Regulator as well as additional competencies. This qualification is aimed at learners who are new entrants or currently serving as trustees, principal officers, and retirement fund functionaries with demonstrable experience in retirement funds and have a desire to fulfil the requirements of this function and have access to a Fund. The qualification allows for career progression both horizontally and vertically for learners who aspire to pursue careers such as tracers, secretarial, management committee members, administrators, human resources related occupations, to name but a few, within the financial sector. Learners who successfully complete the Retirement Fund Trustee qualification can progress their careers, with additional training, to pursue careers including but not limited to compliance officers, company secretary, employee benefit administrator, deputy principal officer, independent trustee and labour related occupations. The retirement fund industry and society at large can be confident about the skills and leadership abilities acquired by Retirement Fund Officers meeting regulatory standards. Thus, enhancing the reputation and credibility of Board members in respect of protecting the interest of members through ethical conduct and adherence to globally accepted practices. The qualification was reviewed in collaboration with Council for Retirement Funds for South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. • RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Direct the governance functions of the Fund by the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the administration relating to the Fund.
• Oversee the Fund investment activities.