The Role

Do you want to make a real difference to individuals saving for their retirement?

Do you have strong numerical skills and work well as part of a team?

Are you interested in starting a career working in pensions?

If you have answered “yes” to these questions, then the Pensions Shared Service would love to hear from you.  

As a Pensions Assistant, you will learn about and process a wide range of major pension scheme member events including retirements, transfers and discover the legislation that govern these processes.  You will communicate with pension scheme members on the phone and by email and apply your knowledge and expertise to help answer their questions.

No previous experience of pensions administration is needed – if you meet the essential criteria in the job profile including English language and mathematics skills – we will invite you for an online assessment test to see whether you are suited to the role.  If you are then selected for an interview you will be asked questions relating to the ‘Brief Guide to the Local Government Pension Scheme’ which is included in the application pack.

We will support you in your development by providing you with relevant training on an ongoing basis. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study towards obtaining the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision - a nationally recognised qualification for retirement benefit professionals administered by the Pensions Management Institute (PMI).

Dependent on the needs of the service we can assist you with your work-life balance by offering flexible working.

We are based in Wandsworth and deliver the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme for five London boroughs: Camden, Merton, Richmond, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. The Service is delivered by two teams: Benefits and Data Management/Communications. You will be assigned to one of the teams but will be expected to work flexibly between teams.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing date: Monday 31st January 2022

Shortlisting date: Thursday 3^rd and Friday 4^th February 2022

Test date: Tests will be held in the week commencing Monday 7 February 2022 via Microsoft Teams.

Interview date: Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 14 February 2022 via Microsoft Teams. 

Useful Information:

There are two roles available for this campaign. One will be placed in the Benefits Team and the other will be placed in the Employers Team. You will be asked in the application process which role you are applying for.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils