September 2023

Providing Full Time Equivalent Pay

Following the decommission of Employer Self Service and loss of access to your member’s records, we recognise that you will not be able to check if the member has pre-2014 membership within that role from either a previous employment or as a result of combining pension records.

We have therefore had to request this information following receipt of the leavers form. Not only does this cause additional work for employers as they revisit the case, it also delays information being sent to the scheme member. To combat this we have created a new report.   

We can produce a report of your active members to confirm the start date for membership, not just employment which will help you to identify the members that you need to provide the last 365 days FTE pensionable pay for when that member leaves. If you would like to be one of the first to be sent this report, please email the Employer & Communications Team.

Correction for New academies item in last months edition:

We stated in last months edition, that if you are a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) taking on a new academy we will confirm a new employer number when we have everything in place.

To confirm this is only in the case where it’s a local authority school converting to an academy or a brand new school. If an existing academy is joining a new MAT, the same number should be used going forward so please continue to and submit data using the existing employer number. We apologise for any confusion caused.

Correct reason for leaving

Please can we remind employers to double check the reason for the employee leaving, as an incorrect leavers form can delay the process of the member receiving their pension. 

Employer Pension Forums

As discussed in our pensions line special, we are running some Employer Pension Forums as follows: 

Somerset Pensions Forum, Taunton Holiday Inn:         14 November 2023

Devon Pensions Forum, Exeter Racecourse:                 15 November 2023

Live Webinar

We would be grateful if you could indicate which forum you would like to attend on our online invitation

Please note that we will be recording those that are in attendance, and that the Employer Performance reports will indicate whether or not a representative has attended. 

You also do not have to attend the forum relating to your pension fund, just please choose the forum that would be most convenient for you.

Strike Action FAQs Published

The Local Government Association (LGA) have published employer and member frequently asked questions (FAQs) to cover the common questions asked when LGPS members take strike action:

• employer FAQs on the employer guides and documents page of www.lgpsregs.org
• member FAQs on the frequently asked questions page of www.lgpsmember.org

#PensionAttention

The pay your pension some attention campaign has launched for 2023, featuring Timmy Mallett. 

This years campaign focuses on Looking back to yesterday, leaning in to what you've got today, and moving forward to your future, and you can find out more on the official website.

Pension Administration Reminders

Keep us updated with any changes in staff responsible for completing our forms (authorised signatories). This can be done by completing our online form.

Payment of Pension Fund Contributions - please remember to inform us and the relevant Finance team each time you have paid your pension scheme contributions, by filling in the Monthly Contributions Form.

If you are changing your Payroll Provider, please contact the Employer & Communications Team so that we can help you through the process and make sure you retain access to historical payroll information. 

TUPEs & New Academies - Please do not complete the leaver spreadsheet if members are leaving your employment and transferring to another employer under TUPE. Follow the process outlined on our website instead. 

Useful Links

Peninsula Pensions Employers' Pages

LGPS regulations and guidance

Fund Investments

LGPS National Website

Employer & Communications Team Mailbox

Previous editions of Pensions Line

Peninsula Pensions
Great Moor House
Bittern Road
Sowton Industrial Estate
Exeter EX2 7NL
Tel: 01392 383000
Peninsula Pensions is provided by Devon County Council and is a shared service with Somerset County Council