Useful websites
The Pensions Regulator
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk
The Pensions Regulator regulates work-based pension schemes in the UK. Keep up to date with what the Regulator is up to by visiting this site. The trustee home page gives you guidance, scope documents, the code of practice and e-learning to assist you in your role as trustee.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
www.hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes/roles.htm
You'll be dealing with HMRC regularly if you are paying taxes, completing year end returns and notifying them of certain events. Find out more about HMRC and its functions.
- Scheme administrator - If you're a trustee, HMRC will treat you as the scheme administrator. Details of your role and responsibilities can be found here.
- Registered Pension Schemes Manual (RPSM) - The tax treatment of pension schemes is complex. HMRC have produced comprehensive guides for employers, scheme administrators and members. The technical pages are a guide to the tax legislation and regulations whilst the remaining pages look at the practicalities of the new regime.
- The National Insurance Services to Pensions Industry (NISPI) are part of HMRC and responsible for ensuring that the pension rights of employees contracted-out of the Second State Pension (S2P) via a final salary, money purchase, mixed benefit scheme or personal pension arrangement are accurately recorded. The website also gives information about the contracting-out process, newsletters and has a FAQ section.
- Useful contacts - Do you have a question but don't know who to contact at HMRC? The telephone numbers you need to know can be found here.
Pension Protection Fund (PPF)
www.pensionprotectionfund.org.uk
To find out more about a qualifying insolvency event and/or compensation levels, check out the raft of guidance and information on the PPF website. The site also has a useful FAQ section.
Pensions Ombudsman
The Ombudsman offers a free service to anyone who has a complaint or dispute relating to the running of a pension scheme. There are set procedures to follow and you can find out more about them by following the above link.
The Pension Advisory Service (TPAS)
www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk
This is a non-profit, voluntary organisation funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It offers a free service dealing with enquires from members of the public and is staffed by volunteers who are all experienced pensions professionals. You can find out how disputes are handled or browse through the latest news and publications.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customerdelivery/the-pension-service
This website targets individuals, advisers and employers and has a good source of information on State Pension entitlement, obtaining a pension forecast or tracing an old pension. It also helps people to plan and provide for retirement.
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
Keep up to date with all the developments surrounding NEST.