Volunteer's viewpoint
Faculty of Actuaries Fellow Bruce Macdonald has had an association with the profession that extends beyond
his own membership; his father, Robert, is a former President who joined the Faculty more than 60 years ago.
Since he qualified in 1983, Bruce has followed in his father's footsteps by making a significant contribution to the Profession.
This includes three years as a member of Faculty Council, five years on the Pensions Board and a decade as a member
and the chairman of the Pensions Technical Committee. He has also worked as an examiner and is currently a member of the Disciplinary Pool.
Bruce said that although he did not originally plan to become an actuary, he had observed his father's enjoyment of his career.
"My father was President some time ago,
and while I don't think he influenced my choice of career, he clearly enjoyed his job,
so it might have affected my decision indirectly." Despite the similarities of their career paths, the role of an actuary
has changed considerably during his career and that of his father.
"I have ended up with a very varied career in a number of
different roles, from managing teams, investment management, pensions consultancy, European insurance development, systems development, and latterly,
pensions scheme actuary." Bruce says the Profession has provided him with valuable
support in his evolving career and the opportunity to continue to develop his skills.
“Some of the biggest benefits in being a part of the Profession have been the increased knowledge I have gained, the opportunity to meet other members... and the high standard of professionalism it promotes.”
Bruce Macdonald
Managing Actuary, Final Salary Pensions
Scottish Widows
"Some of the biggest benefits of being a member of the Profession have been the increased knowledge I have gained,
the opportunity to meet other members with similar interests and requirements, and the high standard of professionalism it promotes.
In the future, I'd like to see the Profession offer more advice on the way actuaries could do things better and publish
examples of areas where practitioners are doing things wrong."
His record of volunteering his services demonstrates Bruce's willingness to be part of making this happen.
“Some of the biggest benefits in being a part of the Profession have been the increased knowledge I have gained, the opportunity to meet other members... and the high standard of professionalism it promotes.”
Bruce Macdonald
Managing Actuary, Final Salary Pensions
Scottish Widows

