Page 13 - NovDefComp
P. 13

INTRODUCTION


               Background

                   The  County  of San Mateo  (“Plan Sponsor”) offers to all eligible employees a
                   Deferred Compensation Program (“Program”) through a 457(b) Plan (“Plan”). The
                   Plan Sponsor seeks to comply with the Internal Revenue Code section 457(b) and
                   other applicable laws and regulations.

                   The Plan Sponsor  recognizes the vital role  of education for both plan  fiduciaries
                   (Boards, Councils, Committees, plan  administrators  and support staff) and plan
                   participants. The details of educational programs are divided into two parts: Part 1
                   covers the duties and responsibilities for  fiduciary  education.  Part 2 covers the
                   duties and responsibilities for participant education.

                   The Education Policy Statement (“Policy”) is based on established ERISA and state
                   regulatory requirements and industry best practices regarding both Plan Sponsor
                   and Provider responsibilities  for  education.  The Policy  is  intended  to aid Plan
                   Sponsors in meeting fiduciary and other responsibilities pertaining to the Plan.

               Purpose


                   The purpose of this Education Policy  Statement  is to document the procedures
                   demonstrating  “care, skill, prudence and  diligence” that will  be used  by the Plan
                   Sponsor  in the selection and monitoring of educational  programs for the Plan
                   fiduciaries in Part 1 and participants in Part 2.


                   The Policy intends to establish procedures for the identification, communication and
                   evaluation of educational programs to allow participants to make informed decisions
                   regarding their retirement planning, investments and distributions. Further, the Policy
                   intends to establish educational programs to allow fiduciaries to fulfill their fiduciary
                   due diligence responsibilities in managing the Plan.
























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