Pensions

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in the area of pensions.

See also our page on Financial Services

What are careers in pensions?

Working in pensions essentially means helping to look after money which has been paid by companies and individuals to provide for benefits in retirement.

Many companies and virtually all major employers provide pension schemes for their employees.

Typical roles in pensions include; Pension Scheme Manager and Pension Administrator.

Prospects

Prospects is a graduate careers website with profiles on the following jobs:
Pension scheme manager

Targetjobs

Targetjobs is a graduate careers website with the following job sector information.
Finance

Pensions Management Institute (PMI)

Has careers section. Copies of the booklet 'careers in pensions' are available from this site - free by order or available on reference in Moulsecoomb careers centre.
www.pensions-pmi.org.uk

Inside Careers

In-depth and structured information and advice about entering the pensions profession.
www.insidecareers.co.uk

How do I get into it?

Qualifications in Pensions Administration (QPA)

Is a work-based qualification for pensions administrators. It is part of a national framework of qualifications - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at level four.
www.pensions-pmi.org.uk

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF)

Site contains training options, and a downloadable training brochure
www.napf.co.uk/training

Pensions Management Institute (PMI)
Information about training and continual professional development and includes downloadable booklets on each qualification and how to prepare for them.

Look for courses at the University

See the courses database for University of Brighton courses in this area.
http://courses.brighton.ac.uk/

Finding a job or employer in this sector

Trade Press

Financial Times

news.ft.com/home/uk

Pensions World - Monthly magazine for NAPF members

www.pensionsworld.co.uk

Professional Pensions

www.professionalpensions.com/

Further Information and Useful Links

The Department of Work and Pensions

Includes career opportunities at the DWP
www.dwp.gov.uk

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF)

The NAPF promotes workplace pensions. Its priority is to ensure a regulatory and fiscal environment which encourages the provision and take up of employer-sponsored pensions, as well as sound stewardship of pension fund assets.
www.napf.co.uk

The Pensions Regulator

Opra was established by the Pensions Act 1995 and supervises a range of legal requirements to protect people’s occupational pensions.
www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

Office of Pensions Advisory Service (OPAS)

Is an independent non-profit organisation that provides information and guidance on the whole spectrum of pensions
www.opas.org.uk

Pensions Management Institute (PMI)

Site includes vacancies
www.pensions-pmi.org.uk

Further Information and useful links

The Financial Services Authority (FSA)

The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.
www.fsa.gov.uk

Chartered Institute of Payroll and Pensions

The UK's main provider of qualifications, training and consultancy for payroll and pensions.
www.cippm.org.uk

Pensions Age

Provides pensions professionals with a single and authoritative source of information.
www.pensions-age.com

Key points 

  • Working in pensions means helping to look after money to provide for benefits in retirement.
  • Typical roles in pensions include; Pension Scheme Manager and Pension Administrator.

Resources

  • Inside Careers guide to Pensions (Moulsecoomb)
  • PensionWeb