A clear understanding of your pension arrangements is essential when planning for retirement. This 90-minute session provides an overview of the UK pension system, with a particular focus on Civil Service and public sector pension schemes. Participants will explore how different pension schemes work, understand State Pension entitlement, and consider the key factors that influence retirement income and financial planning.

The session will also examine retirement timing, pension ages, potential income gaps, and the options available for accessing retirement benefits, helping participants make informed decisions about their future.

Who Should Attend?

This session is suitable for public sector employees who are planning for retirement and want to:

• Better understand their pension benefits.
• Clarify their State Pension entitlement.
• Explore retirement income options.
• Plan effectively for their financial future.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the differences between Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes.
• Identify the key features of Civil Service pension arrangements.
• Understand how State Pension entitlement is calculated and where to obtain a forecast.
• Recognise the impact of retirement timing on pension income.
• Identify potential retirement income gaps and consider options to address them.
• Make more informed decisions about retirement income planning.

Key Topics

• Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pensions
• Civil Service pension schemes
• State Pension entitlement and National Insurance
• Pension ages and retirement timing
• Deferring the State Pension
• Retirement income planning and income gaps
• Pension freedoms and retirement income options