GCE45 GS10 Executive of the General Council, Terms of Reference In its role as the Administrator of The Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada for November 2025

1. What is the issue?

The Executive of the General Council (Executive), in its role as the Administrator of The Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada, has established the Pension Board to support the Executive in governing the Plan and the Fund, with most tasks delegated to the Pension Board and outlined in the Pension Board’s Terms of Reference. To date, there were no documented Terms of Reference for the Executive of the General Council in its role as Plan Administrator. 

2. Why is this issue important?

As part of developing a comprehensive governance plan, the Pension Board directed staff to develop Terms of Reference for the Executive of the General Council in its role as the Administrator of The Pension Plan, which have been reviewed by legal counsel.

Although most tasks have been delegated to the Pension Board, the Executive of the General Council retains responsibility for the following items:

• Approval of the Statement of Beliefs and Guiding Principles
• Establishment and Periodic Review of Pension Plan Governance Structure
• Appointments to the Pension Board and Governance Committees
• Approval of Terms of Reference and Responsibilities Relating to the Plan or the Fund
• Oversight
• Approval of Governance Policies
• Fundamental Changes to the Plan or its Design

The Executive necessarily reserves the right to override recommendations or decisions made by its delegates. 

3. How might the General Council Executive respond to the issue?

The Pension Board recommends that the Executive of the General Council approve the Terms of Reference for the Executive of the General Council in its role as the Administrator of The Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada.