Certificate in Pensions Administration

The modules on this course are:

Overview of UK pension schemes

• The different schemes available for example; occupational pensions schemes, defined benefit schemes, defined contribution schemes
• The role of HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions and The Pensions Regulator
• Annual reporting requirements

Providing pension scheme information

• Criteria for membership
• Providing information to members where their changing circumstances can impact on their potential pension benefits/rights for example; eligible job holders, non-eligible job holders and entitled workers and any factors that need to be taken into account

Creating and maintaining pension scheme member records

• Understanding the scheme rules and organisational procedures
• Completing the new member process within the required dates; the impact of the dates on opting out of the scheme and when to use
• Postponement for automatic enrolment
• Investigating and resolving discrepancies

Transferring into and out of pension schemes

• Understand the regulations and requirements relating to transfers
• Data verification
• Calculating and communicating transfers

Amend pension records to reflect a member’s change of circumstances

• Leaving the scheme before retirement
• Understand when pensions benefits may become payable other than for retirement
• Interpret the scheme and regulatory rules to determine the type of benefit payable in the event of a member’s death:
• In service
• While receiving pension payments
• After a divorce
• Calculating and communicating pensions benefits

Payment of scheme benefits to pensioners

• Understand the scheme and regulatory rules relating to the calculations and processes involved in processing a pensioner payroll
• Determining continued payment of pensions benefits

Working as a member of the pensions team

• Communication skills
• Customer service skills and expectations