Pensions

Pensions are an important and valued part of the remuneration package in HE and the sector currently supports a number of high quality final salary pension schemes. However, as the sector is aware, provisions need to be made by employers and employee members to ensure the sustainability of pensions in HE and this includes considering the possibility of pension reforms where appropriate.

UCEA leads on identifying the sector employers’ key pensions challenges and maintains an appropriate framework for developing and taking forward a sector pensions strategy. UCEA provides an authoritative and trusted source of expertise, advice and information, taking the initiative to seek expert legal or actuarial input where it is judged to be beneficial and cost-effective. The latest FAQs on pensions for HE staff aims to address the current concerns and issues: 

FAQs on pensions for HE staff

With the first HE employees due to be automatically enrolled into pension schemes from the 1 March 2013, UCEA has set up a new Auto enrolment section on the website which includes information for HE employers and staff.

The Employers Pensions Forum (EPF) was established by GuildHE, Universities UK (UUK) and UCEA in 2007 as a broad based forum for HEIs to discuss current and longer term pensions issues and to develop a strategy that will enable the HE sector to continue to offer staff access to high quality pensions schemes as an important part of the total remuneration package. For more detail on the work of the EPF, visit the website at www.employerspensionsforum.co.uk

If you have any queries relating to pensions in the HE sector or the EPF please contact Emelda Conroy, UCEA's Head of Pensions Policy.

The information on this website is for general guidance only. The individual pension schemes are governed by trust deeds and rules or regulations and if there is any difference between the information provided on this website and the governing documents of the scheme the latter prevail. Every effort has been made to present accurate information at the date of publication but employers are advised to check with the scheme administrator for the latest information regarding the scheme, and any changes that may have occurred to its rules and benefits.