Abstract

Purpose – Whilst implementation of a broad range of reverse logistics (RL) practices is increasingly the norm within commercial supply chain management, they have had limited impact in the humanitarian logistics (HL) sector. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the challenges and opportunities for the application of RL in a HL context. Design/methodology/approach – Through a broad review of both the academic and practitioner literature, supplemented by informal discussions with senior humanitarian logisticians, the paper summarises the current state of RL within the HL sector before recommending ways in which practices that are increasingly found in a commercial context could be implemented. Findings – The findings indicate that, to date, the use of commercial RL practices is extremely limited within the HL sector, but there are a number of areas where their introduction be possible in the future. Research limitations/implications – Whilst the reviews of the literature were comprehensive, further and more detailed research into the RL practices (if any) undertaken by aid agencies needs to be undertaken in order that appropriate lessons and experiences can be implemented across the sector as a whole. Practical implications – Given the overall desire of humanitarian agencies to “do no harm” it will be increasingly important for such organisations to embrace RL practices in order to improve the sustainability of their disaster preparation and response activities. Social implications – In light of the generally increased awareness of the need to reduce the environmental footprint as well as improving the social and economic impacts of their supply chain activities, there is likely to be increasing pressure on aid agencies to adopt RL practices. This paper identifies some of the potential areas in which this can be undertaken, and the associated barriers to be overcome. Originality/value – To date, it would appear that no academic research has been undertaken into the RL practices within the HL sector. To this extent, the research represents a first look at a new sub-topic within the overall HL field.

Highlights

  • The Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996 (“the Administration Regulations”) require the Trustees to prepare an annual statement regarding governance, which should be included in the annual report

  • The Corporate Trustee are responsible for investment governance, this includes the Corporate Trustee reviewing the default arrangement remains in the best interests of the members

  • When the Scheme was originally established the Corporate Trustee took professional advice and selected a pension scheme where the With-Profits Fund was the only available investment fund option available to members. This was originally with Friends Life, who were acquired by Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited (Aviva) in 2015, all policies, assets and liabilities of Friends Life were transferred and completed by 1 October 2017

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Summary

Chair of Trustees Governance Statement

The Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996 (“the Administration Regulations”) require the Trustees to prepare an annual statement regarding governance, which should be included in the annual report. When the Scheme was originally established the Corporate Trustee took professional advice and selected a pension scheme where the With-Profits Fund was the only available investment fund option available to members. The Corporate Trustee monitors the level of charges borne by members through the Conventional With-Profits Fund. When assessing the charges and transaction costs which are payable by members, the Corporate Trustee is required to consider the extent to which the investment options and the benefits offered by the Scheme represent good Value for Members. - The Conventional With-Profits Fund differs from a unit linked policy in that it is not totally reliant on the current value of the underlying assets This type of fund offers an underlying guarantee that provides a cushion against falling investment markets in certain circumstances. The Corporate Trustee will be reviewing the membership profile as part of the Scheme Review to ensure that this fund continues to be suitable for the membership

Sound administration
Scheme governance
Scheme Details and Scope of Statement
Consultations Made
Investment Principles
Guaranteed Amount
Other area of risk
Choosing Investments
Investment manager structure
Fee Structure for Investment Manager
Findings
Environmental or Ethical Consideration
Full Text
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