About us
Quantum Actuarial LLP (trading as Quantum Advisory) is an accredited independent financial services consultancy that provides solution-based pension and employee benefit services to employers, scheme trustees and members. We have offices in Amersham, Birmingham, Cardiff and London.
We design, maintain and review pension schemes and related employee benefits on an ongoing basis in order that they operate efficiently and effectively and are valued by members. This means that sponsoring employers can get on with doing the things they do best, therefore saving time and money.
All of the Partners once led actuarial and employee benefit consulting teams at major consultancies. Our pedigree is first class and there is little pensions or employee benefits work that, collectively, we have not done. By continuing to invest in talented people, excellent systems and by encouraging proactive solution-based thinking, we aim to offer a premium service and true value for money.
Every member of our experienced team of actuaries, consultants, investment specialists and administrators is dedicated to surpassing expectations. We place great value on long-term staff relationships and client relationships and both of these aspects have contributed to our track record of growth.
We offer tailored, practical services that work for your business, whatever your needs. Our experience and expertise means you can have confidence in your employee benefits package – knowing that with us, you are in safe hands.
Who we are
Our business is founded on six core values:
- Principled: displays professional ethics; encourages a speaking-up culture, is opening regarding concerns; demonstrates responsible and reliable behaviour.
- Hard working and diligent: ensures knowledge, skills and professional qualifications are up to date and relevant to carry out role; takes care and consideration when completing tasks; completes work according to established procedure ad policies; has drive, ambition, integrity and commitment; will go the extra mile for clients or the Firm.
- Passionate and enthusiastic: has a ‘can-do’ attitude – is positive, energetic and optimistic; wants to succeed and take on extra challenges; strives to delight clients through high-quality work; will take on new or additional responsibilities when asked; talks about the Firm in a positive light.
- Innovative: follows through on assignments and modifies or develops new ideas, methods or procedures to effectively meet changing circumstances; challenges the status-quo; self-directed, resourceful and creative in meeting job objectives. Understands the wider environment.
- Pragmatic: responds quickly with a clear plan; makes adjustments in situations where conditions change or availability of information is limited, unpredictable or sporadic; assesses own work and monitors progress against assigned goals; suggests practical solutions while maintaining a reasonable perspective; thinks flexibly.
- Personable and supportive: relates well to people and is sensitive to individual needs and differences, inspires trust; coaches and mentors others; co-operates and works well with management, colleagues and clients; demonstrates support and engagement to others; displays understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and politeness to others; demonstrates self-awareness and maturity.
AAF 01/20
We are pleased to announce that we continue to renew our Assurance Report in respect of our internal controls for our pension administration services and related Information Technology controls, having secured our initial accreditation back in 2015, and are proud to confirm that we continue to receive no exceptions.
The independent audits are undertaken annually by Assure UK in accordance with the framework set out in the ‘Technical Release AAF 01/06 on assurance reports on the internal controls of service organisations made available to third parties by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)’ or AAF 01/20 for short.
The production of such a report is designed to enable our clients, clients’ scheme auditors and prospective clients to understand the care taken and the continuing investment that we make to deliver an excellent service. It describes the key controls procedures we have put in place to meet industry requirements and follow best practice. It also allows pension scheme trustees to fulfil their regulatory obligation to establish and review the internal controls relating to the administration of their pension arrangement.
ISO 9001
The first is our ISO 9001 certification for our pension administration, reporting and accounting and banking services. This was initially awarded to us in 2012 by SOCOTEC Certification International following their independent audit of our quality management systems and is subject to annual audits to ensure compliance.
ISO 27001
Secondly, we obtained ISO 27001 accreditation in February 2017 as an independent assessment of the systems and processes that we have in place to assess and prevent information security risks – this is particularly vital with the work that Quantum undertakes for its clients.
ISO 27001 continues to be the most robust, recognised and accepted Information Security Standard worldwide. The accreditation validates our ability to keep confidential information secure, exchange information securely and manage and minimise risk exposure and demonstrates that we meet international standards of information security best practice.
Quality Assurance Scheme
Finally, we are delighted to announce that we were one of the first firms to achieve the Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) accreditation awarded by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
We were assessed by an independent team and awarded the prestigious accreditation on 12 April 2016. The assessment focussed heavily on our values, our policies and procedures, the training and development of actuaries and actuarial students, and our relationship with clients.
This a voluntary accreditation and by obtaining this quality mark we can confirm our commitment and dedication to producing high-quality actuarial work. The quality is embedded within our culture and we are very proud of our achievement.
We continue to work with trustee boards regarding the security of their data and provide training on how to implement a cyber security framework, keeping data safe and how to respond when the worst happens. We also run ‘cyber warfare’ sessions which take trustees through a simulated data breach in a controlled environment to allow them to question approach and gain vital experience should the worst occur. If you are interested in attending any of these training courses, then please let us know.
About Quantum’s Information Security
We are both ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus accredited, and the Firm takes a risk-based approach to managing information security. This approach is audited externally several times per year.
Quantum continues to develop its cyber security defences, in line with the Continual Improvement process established under ISO 27001, to meet the ever-evolving threat landscape. If you have any questions regarding Quantum’s cyber security preparedness, controls or approach, then please contact us.
Charity
The Firm supports a variety of local causes and sponsors several local and national charities. Charitable fundraising is encouraged throughout the year in a variety of events, both internal and external, including endurance challenges such as the Cotswolds Way walk and a sponsored Five-a-Side football tournament. Amounts raised by employees are matched by the Firm.
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ESG
We have always taken environmental, social and governance issues very seriously. As ever, this is not static, and we continue to monitor and update as and when the need arises.
We believe that reviewing ESG factors, including climate risk, is a process rather than a single event. We therefore work with clients to provide training, screening, monitoring and reporting of managers and funds to ensure transparency and allow pension scheme trustees to make informed decisions.
Employees are encouraged to join our range of committees which support our ESG goals, be they environmental and/or social issues. These include organising fundraising activities, supporting local charitable and community initiatives, and generating ideas how as a firm we can operate sustainably and influence our stakeholders.
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Client testimonials
C.C.F began working with Quantum on 1 September 2014 and we were very impressed by their professionalism in transferring over from our previous pension advisers in a relatively seamless manner.
We have just gone through the turbulent process of our triennial valuation, which Quantum processed efficiently and in a way which enabled us to clearly understand the methodology used and what impact the valuation would have on our business. I would not hesitate to recommend Quantum to any business.
‘I find Quantum to be pragmatic and helpful advisers, always looking for solutions and the best outcomes for members and clients.
The people work well as a team and whilst remaining professional at all times, are also good company and easy to work with.’
Careers
Quantum looks after its people; each employee is seen as a valued member of the team and given the chance to further develop their skills and career. We offer flexible working hours, a performance-related bonus and a structured study and training plan.
We aim for an environment where people are valued and free to engage and learn, and we welcome differing opinions, views and cultural perspectives. Our staff are encouraged to promote and celebrate their culture to their colleagues, organising events around religious and cultural festivals. Quantum Advisory is an equal opportunity employer and is fully committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally.
Find out more here.