Any feedback on 'Smart Pension'?

speedysloth

Our company put our pension arrangements with a company called Smart Pension a few years back, and pay in the required minimum 3% alongside my 5%..... I have also been making VC when possible. 
I can't see how this is then invested, they have options to a little bit of 'self management' but having looked through all the documents and on the web portal there is no way to find out what they are currently doing, so I have messaged to ask. In the meantime, I noted on my annual statement that last year my pot recorded a loss, approx 10% of the total value. 
In comparison I also have a small private pension with Standard Life, and do not do any self management on that, (I'm not contributing now into this) and that increased last year by approx 15%...... 

Now I know I am very inexperienced in the world of pensions, but comparing a 10% loss to a 15% gain, I'm questioning if the Smart Pension is as smart as it's name??? Does anyone have any feedback on their performance?
Thanks

Dazed_and_C0nfused

The year to April 2020 would almost certainly show a totally different outcome to the year to December 2020.

A bit more context is probably required really.

Smart pensions tend to be more about the tax benefits rather the investment performance.

speedysloth

Added note, it's confirmed the default is this:
Smart Growth - Medium risk investment option. This is a lifestage strategy designed to suit most of our members.

Albermarle

Firstly you need to check the exact reporting periods  the statements from SL and Smart are using.( not when you received them ) 
Since the Pandemic first started , markets went down a lot and then back up . If the reporting periods are even different by 3 months it can mean it is not possible to compare them in any meaningful way .

From the Smart website 
Our default investment strategy initially invests members’ money in the Smart Growth - Moderate Risk Fund, this fund aims to have 76% of all investments in specific sustainable funds. Over 90% of members are in our default investment strategy which means the majority of our members are helping to create positive change in the world.
FactSheet.pdf (lgim.com)
It has grown a little over 6% pa for the last three years , which is pretty standard for a medium risk fund.
There are quite a few alternatives available if you scroll to the bottom of the page .
Decide how your money is invested | Members | Smart Pension – automatic enrolment workplace pensions.

speedysloth

Thanks both, I'd not realised the difference a few months can make. Albermarle I did eventually find some of the information you kindly pointed me at! 

I've recently set up a Vanguard account to move yet another small pension into, and was considering if I should move all/some of the SL and/or SP value into that too. I have no knowledge/experience but it seems they have various life strategy funds with various risk levels, so feel comfortable picking one that suits. 
The SL one is doing ok though for a small pot, I think I'd only paid in £4.5k and it's been sat there since 2013, and now at £12.5k, which seems decent growth I think, using my basic maths I make that around 12% a year......