For our final minisode of Season 3, Rob and Emily chat to Rosie Geeves, Head of Member Services, and Dean Norman, Senior Pensions Administrator about what happens to your pension when you die.The idea of losing a loved one, or what we’d like to happen after we die, are difficult topics to discuss - particularly when we need to deal with paperwork, formalities, or even financial complications during an emotional time. Rosie and Dean talk us through what happens to your Civil Service pension after you die and the benefits available to your loved ones. They explain how these benefits work in various scenarios, and key things to consider if you’re looking to put plans in place. While you can’t prepare for everything in life or in death, you can take steps now to make life easier for those you leave behind.Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Tell us someone has died How to claim death benefits Benefits for your loved ones Make a death benefit nomination See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In our penultimate episode of this season, Rob sits down with guests to explore the role employers play in the Civil Service Pension scheme. Andy Jones (Cabinet Office), Louise Ibbetson (DWP) and Lara Muniz Fernandez (MOJ) share their perspectives on the scheme and discuss their experiences of supporting members to get the most out of their Civil Service Pension. The group explore the role of an employer and their responsibilities, the breadth of careers available within the Civil Service and some of the most common myths and misconceptions they hear when it comes to pensions.Louise, Lara and Andy also share tips and advice on how to find out more about your Civil Service Pension and make sure it’s working for you. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Contribution rates Pension Power Pension Portal Annual Benefit Statements alpha or partnership 2015 Remedy updates Employer Hub See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this minisode, Emily and Rob are joined by Michelle Storer, Training Consultant, to discuss partial retirement. Partial retirement enables active members to take some of their pension and tax-free lump sum while continuing to work. It’s a great way to ease yourself into your post-work years, or work for longer without needing to work full-time – whatever is right for your circumstances. Michelle talks us through the partial retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider if you’re exploring this option. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Partial retirement Abatement Pension Portal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Emily and Rob sit down with guests to explore the impact that a break in service – whether it’s a career break or a job opportunity outside the civil service – can have on your pension. Karen returned to the Civil Service in 2014 after a short break. She came back to a new role, and a new pension. Karen tells us about her decision to come back to the Civil Service, and how the Civil Service Pension was part of that decision. A change in personal circumstances while she was away meant that, more than ever, she needed stability, and she knew that the Civil Service could provide it. With a new role and new terms and conditions, she felt she needed to start paying more attention to her pension. Louise Kaplan, Employer Relationship Manager, talks us through the more technical aspects of what a break in service could mean for your pension, and how the length of your break can influence this. Some members in this position may find that they ultimately reach retirement with more than one pension from the Civil Service. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Leaving the pension scheme before pension age Redundancy 2015 Remedy (McCloud) Pension Power webinars Increasing your pension Pension Portal Pension Tracing Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this minisode, Helen Shrimpton, Training Consultant, talks about why it’s never too early to be thinking about your pension, even if retirement feels decades away. We know that some of our younger, millennial members are less likely to be thinking about this part of their financial future, which is unsurprising given that pensions can feel complicated and not relevant at their stage in life. Helen breaks down the benefits of the Civil Service Pension in plain-English terms, and why pensions are still relevant for millennials, even amongst other financial priorities. Read the alpha or partnership? page for more information about the different schemes. If you’re interested in transferring an old pension into the Civil Service Pension scheme, you can find more information on the ‘Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension’ page. Please consider all the benefits in the scheme you are transferring from and to, before making your decision.Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode alpha or partnership? Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension Pension Portal Pension Power webinar sessions Benefits for your loved ones Illness and injury See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patrick’s journey has taken him from his commute into work, to continuing a beloved hobby in his post-work years – all on the back of a motorcycle! Having spent his career as a meteorologist working for the Met Office, he’s been spending his retirement years delivering life-saving services as a blood bike rider. In this episode, he tells us about his career and his work with charity Freewheelers EVS, the charity providing this hidden emergency service to the NHS by delivering blood, organs, tissue, donated breast milk and even specialist surgical tools. Patrick reflects on his career and shares his experiences in retirement, with some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Partial Retirement Pension calculators Pension Portal Pre-retirement training See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minisode: New webinar for 2015 Remedy (McCloud) In this minisode, Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant, returns to the podcast to tell us about new training available for members about 2015 Remedy (McCloud). If you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud) but unsure about what it means or how it affects you, the new 2015 Remedy Pension Power webinar is a free, one-hour refresher. It covers what the 2015 Remedy is, how to find out if you’re affected (and the tools you can use to do so), as well as a guide to some key terminology surrounding it. It also covers the choice you’ll be asked to make when you retire - whether you’d like the 2015 Remedy impacted part of your pension to be calculated in the alpha or in your legacy scheme. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Register your interest in 2015 Remedy Pension Power 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub Find out if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy Other Pension Power webinars See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our latest episode of the Civil Service Pensions podcast is available now. This week, we discuss what to expect from the retirement process if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy (McCloud). Chris, who recently took early retirement, talks about the decision she made when making her choice for the seven-year Remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022). She explains the steps she followed and how Remedy affected her reasons to retire. We also talk to Kevin Hughes, policy lead for the 2015 Remedy Project, about the technical aspects of the process and what members who are impacted by Remedy can expect as they approach retirement. If you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy and want to know more, this episode is for you.To keep updated with the latest information on 2015 Remedy, visit our 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub on the Civil Service Pensions website. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub How to claim your pension Early retirement Find out if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy Annual Benefit Statements Remedy Benefits Illustrator See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we chat to Liliana Gonzalez, Training Consultant, who walks us through the retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider at every stage. It’s important to remember that your pension will be your income after you retire, and so you should consider how much you will need to live on. If you’re approaching retirement and you want to know about the process involved, we hope you’ll find this minisode helpful. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Pension tools and calculators Pension Portal and Retirement Modeller How to claim your pension Change of Details and Retirement Form – Deferred Members See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In our second episode of Season 3, Cilla Christmas, Valuation & Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Carer’s Network returns to the podcast to talk about what caring responsibilities can mean for your pension and retirement planning. From drawing on personal experiences of caring responsibilities to exploring the statistics around carers in the Civil Service, Cilla talks us through what it means to be a carer and how to access the support available to you, both in and outside of the civil service pension scheme. Whether you’re thinking of changing your working pattern or if you’re having conversations about a Lasting Power of Attorney with loved ones, we discuss some of the practical aspects of what carers may need to consider. Whether you’re a civil servant and caring for someone, if the person you’re caring for is a civil servant, or if you think you may have caring responsibilities in the future, we hope you find this episode informative. Useful links Accessible version of this episode Full transcript Carers UK Pension Portal and retirement modeller Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Retirement Living Standards – PLSA Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) - Civil Service Pension Scheme Change in Working Patterns - Civil Service Pension Scheme Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the first minisode of this season, Kelly Freaney, Senior Training Consultant joins us to talk about what it means to be a dual member. Whether you’ve had a break in service or if you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud), Kelly talks us through everything you need to know about your pension, how to keep track of all your benefits, and what to consider when it comes to retirement planning. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Annual Benefit Statements Pension Portal Find out your Normal Pension Age Find out your Minimum Pension Age Check your State Pension Age See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Gillian retired on her 60th birthday, she went home and wept. After a career which took her all over the world, she felt cut adrift and needed a new purpose in life. Now, 20 years later, she’s a published author and has taken up a whole new line of work as a Registrar of Marriages. From spending nine years as an Assistant Purser with P&O aboard Canberra and Oriana cruise ships, to a fulfilling 30 years of service with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Gillian’s career has taken her all over the world. In this episode, she tells us about her time as a Personal Assistant to an Ambassador, with postings in the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico City and Hungary. She’s lived and worked through some turbulent political times, all the while dedicated to her work and her colleagues. Gillian reflects on her career and her retirement journey and shares some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Planning for retirement – what are my options? Pension calculators Pension Portal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re delighted to be back for a season 3 of the Civil Service Pensions Podcast, with new topics and questions for our guest speakers. How does being a carer affect your pension? What to do if you’re retiring with 2015 Remedy (McCloud). What does it mean for your pension if you return to the Civil Service? Plus, we hear what members think about the scheme and explore new retirement journeys – including Gillian big leap into the dark, and Patrick’s motorcycle diaries. We’re also bringing you six 'minisodes' of bonus content to help you really get to grips with your Civil Service Pension and make more informed choices about your future. Whether you’re approaching retirement now or just getting started with your career, there’s something for everyone. All episodes of Season 3 were recorded between July-August 2024 and all information was accurate at the time of recording.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In our final minisode of Season 2, Liz Scully, Risk & Control Director, joins us to talk about pension fraud. What is it? How does it happen and can someone really steal your pension? Liz shares the warning signs to look out for, how we combat fraud and what you can do to protect your retirement savings. Useful links: Pension Fraud - Civil Service Pensions The Pensions Regulator Information Commissioner’s Office Financial Services Register Financial Conduct Authority – Warning List See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In our final full-length episode of this season, Rob & Emily chat to Sarj Wheelwright, Engagement Manager for Civil Service & Royal Mail Pensions about what our members are saying about pensions and this scheme. With recordings from live events over summer 2023, we hear members’ thoughts and views and where retirement planning sits among their financial priorities right now. From keeping up with the cost-of-living to managing day-to-day financial responsibilities, we listen and respond to members’ viewpoints and assumptions. Find out more at civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/podcast Useful links: Partnership pension account Early retirement Benefits for your loved ones How to boost your pension Make a Death Benefit Nomination See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this minisode, Cathryn Murray, Training & Engagement Manager, shares the 6 things you can do to kick-start your retirement planning. From transferring in an old workplace pension, to nominating a beneficiary and joining a Pension Power webinar – this episode could be your quick checklist to lay the foundation for your financial future. Useful links: civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/podcast Transferring in an old pension Provisional Transfer In Application Form Pension Portal Make a Death Benefit Nomination Annual Benefit Statements Pension Power Sign up for updates from the scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After 45 years working in HMRC, Gerald had big plans for his retirement. But those plans were turned upside down when health issues rendered him too ill to work. In this episode, Gerald talks to Rob and Emily about his experience of having to leave work through the Ill Health Retirement route, earlier than he had planned. Navigating retirement with an invisible illness brought a unique set of challenges for Gerald. One of the toughest decisions was to leave behind the attachment he had to his career in the ‘Tax Office’, such as his reference books and professional registrations. In time, things got easier and he was able to focus on something he’s always enjoyed – literature. After trying his hand at writing historical crime fiction (the kind of books he’d always reached for), he landed a publishing deal, three months of completing his first book. He’s now in the process of writing the fifth book in his series, and shares his perspective on this new line of work in retirement. Useful links: Ill Health Retirement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this minisode, we share a sneak preview of our conversation with Gerald, who took ill health retirement after a long career in HMRC. Gerald tells us about a shock diagnosis that turned his retirement plans upside down, forcing him to leave work behind earlier than he’d planned. He talks about how he adapted to his new lifestyle and condition and how he was able to take up a whole new line of work. Look out for Gerald’s story in full next week, wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Ill Health Retirement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“So, what do you do?” It’s often the first question we ask when we meet someone new, and it can tell a lot about who they are… or can it? Cilla Christmas (Valuation & Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Civil Service Carers Network) returns to the podcast to discuss the idea that our jobs can be a defining part of our identity. Rob shares his experience of being furloughed in 2020 during the first COVID19 lockdown, and how even for that short period, without work, he questioned who he was. With many people working remotely, the lines between work life and home life are more blurred than ever. So when it comes to leaving work behind for good, how do we avoid an identity crisis? Could Partial retirement be the answer? Leaving work behind for good may be a daunting prospect, but it should also be a wonderful opportunity to re-discover your passions. Cilla reminds us why planning and preparing for your retirement years is so important. Useful links: Partial retirement University of the Third Age See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, we issue Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) to active members of the scheme. To help you understand your ABS, Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant from MyCSP takes listeners through their statement, step by step and page by page. Helping you to better understand how your pension is doing and plan for the future. Emily also answers some of the most common queries we receive into the contact centre and explains how you find out more. Useful links: Annual Benefit Statements Pension Portal (and pre-populated modeller) Retirement Modeller Tools and calculators How to make a death benefit nomination See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.