Civil Service Pensions Podcast

Episodi

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  Highlights of 2025 23.10.2025 22min

  In our final episode of the season, we reflect on the events, activities and highlights of this year. Mick Mulligan, Head of Engagement and Cathryn Murray, Training & Engagement Manager join us to talk about some of our successes in 2025, as well as a look forward to what 2026 holds for the scheme. From live events, to education and tools, Mick and Cathryn highlight some of the exciting things ahead for members and employers alike. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Pension Portal Annual Benefit Statements Podcast - Civil Service Pension Scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Pension Increase (PI) explained 16.10.2025 10min

  Michelle Storer, Senior Training Consultant for Civil Service Pensions, returns to the podcast to talk us through the annual Pension Increase.  She explains what PI is, how it works and who qualifies for it.  We also discuss some frequently asked questions from members, and some common misconceptions about this yearly increase. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Yearly Pensions Increase (PI) - Civil Service Pension Scheme HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account Latest Pensioner Newsletter (featuring ‘your P60 explained’ video) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  2015 Remedy (McCloud) revisited 09.10.2025 13min

  Kevin Hughes, a policy expert from Cabinet Office, returns to the podcast to talk us through the latest position when it comes to 2015 Remedy (McCloud). From Immediate Choice and Deferred Choice Underpin, to Annual Benefit Statements and the Retirement Modeller, Kevin explains what impacted members need to do, and when they’ll make their choice. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Podcast - Civil Service Pension Scheme 2015 Remedy Updates - Civil Service Pension Scheme Pension Portal (and Retirement Modeller) Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) - Civil Service Pension Scheme EPA (Effective Pension Age) - Civil Service Pension Scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Redundancy and compensation: what does it mean for your pension? 02.10.2025 7min

  Redundancy can involve significant change and uncertainty. Liliana Gonzalez from the Civil Service Pensions Training Team returns to the podcast to share information for those affected by it. She explains the implications of redundancy on pensions and outlines the operation of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Podcast - Civil Service Pension Scheme Redundancy - Civil Service Pension Scheme Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK Public Sector Transfer Club - Civil Service Pension Scheme Guide to Registering for the Pension Portal - Civil Service Pension Scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Are you thinking about retiring abroad? 25.09.2025 11min

  Some describe the idea of retiring abroad as “the ultimate dream”. But how does it work, practically speaking? Rob and Emily chat to MOJ’s Lara Muñiz-Fernández about her plans to retire abroad and the preparations she’s making. We’re also joined by Peter Spain, Head of Pensions Policy and Technical from Cabinet Office, who sheds some light on the technicalities of retiring overseas, how payments work, and the key things to consider if this is your goal. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Podcast - Civil Service Pension Scheme Overseas Payment Mandates - Civil Service Pension Scheme Receiving your pension overseas - Civil Service Pension Scheme Moving, living and retiring abroad | MoneyHelper Pension Portal The new State Pension: If you've lived or worked abroad - GOV.UK International Pension Centre - GOV.UK Northern Ireland Pension Centre | nidirect Check the recognised overseas pension schemes notification list - GOV.UK Voting if you move or live abroad: Overview - GOV.UK Living abroad after retirement | Age UK See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Planning for retirement – how does the state pension fit in? 18.09.2025 13min

  Planning for retirement – how does the state pension fit in? On his first podcast appearance, Joe McLaughlin from the Civil Service Pensions Training Team talks to us about the State Pension, how it works, and the vital role it can play in your retirement finances.  We talk about how to track your State Pension as it builds up, how to give it a boost and things you’ll need to consider when you come to claim it, such as tax.   Useful links: ·      Transcript of this episode ·      Accessible version of this episode ·      State Pension - GOV.UK ·      Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK ·      The new State Pension: If you've lived or worked abroad - GOV.UK ·      Pension calculators - Civil Service Pension Scheme .      Podcast - Civil Service Pension SchemeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Retirement Living Standards: let’s talk numbers 11.09.2025 10min

  Cilla Christmas, Valuation and Strategic Review Manager for Civil Service Pensions returns to talk us through the Retirement Living Standards, originally created using research conducted by the Loughborough University.  These standards are a great starting point when it comes to planning your financial future, setting out a “minimum”, “moderate” and “comfortable” standard of living. If you’ve ever wondered how much you might need per year in retirement, you’ll find this episode useful.  Useful links: ·      Transcript for this episode ·      Accessible version of this episode .      Retirement Living Standards ·      Caring responsibilities and your pension - Civil Service Pension Scheme ·      Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK ·      Member Portal - Home Page ·      Pension calculators - Civil Service Pension Scheme ·      Increase your pension - Civil Service Pension Scheme ·      Charity For Civil Servants | For whatever happens ·      Podcast - Civil Service Pension SchemeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Season 4 Trailer: Civil Service Pensions Podcast 04.09.2025

  Season 4 of the Civil Service pensions Podcast is here, with new topics, new guests and some familiar voices too. Discussing everything from retirement living standards, the role of the state pension and retiring abroad, Emily and Rob bring you eight fresh episodes to help you feel informed, empowered and in control when it comes to planning your financial future. Whether you’re approaching retirement now or just getting started with your career, there’s something for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Minisode: What happens when someone passes away? 28.11.2024 12min

  For our final minisode of Season 3, Rob and Emily chat to Rosie Geeves, Head of Member Services, and Dean Norman, Senior Pensions Administrator about what happens to your pension when you die.The idea of losing a loved one, or what we’d like to happen after we die, are difficult topics to discuss - particularly when we need to deal with paperwork, formalities, or even financial complications during an emotional time. Rosie and Dean talk us through what happens to your Civil Service pension after you die and the benefits available to your loved ones. They explain how these benefits work in various scenarios, and key things to consider if you’re looking to put plans in place. While you can’t prepare for everything in life or in death, you can take steps now to make life easier for those you leave behind.Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Tell us someone has died How to claim death benefits Benefits for your loved ones Make a death benefit nomination  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Civil Service Pension scheme: Employer insights 21.11.2024 36min

  In our penultimate episode of this season, Rob sits down with guests to explore the role employers play in the Civil Service Pension scheme. Andy Jones (Cabinet Office), Louise Ibbetson (DWP) and Lara Muniz Fernandez (MOJ) share their perspectives on the scheme and discuss their experiences of supporting members to get the most out of their Civil Service Pension. The group explore the role of an employer and their responsibilities, the breadth of careers available within the Civil Service and some of the most common myths and misconceptions they hear when it comes to pensions.Louise, Lara and Andy also share tips and advice on how to find out more about your Civil Service Pension and make sure it’s working for you. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Contribution rates Pension Power Pension Portal Annual Benefit Statements alpha or partnership 2015 Remedy updates Employer Hub See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A quick guide to partial retirement 14.11.2024 14min

  In this minisode, Emily and Rob are joined by Michelle Storer, Training Consultant, to discuss partial retirement. Partial retirement enables active members to take some of their pension and tax-free lump sum while continuing to work. It’s a great way to ease yourself into your post-work years, or work for longer without needing to work full-time – whatever is right for your circumstances. Michelle talks us through the partial retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider if you’re exploring this option. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Partial retirement Abatement Pension Portal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A break in service: what does it mean for your pension? 07.11.2024 14min

  This week, Emily and Rob sit down with guests to explore the impact that a break in service – whether it’s a career break or a job opportunity outside the civil service – can have on your pension. Karen returned to the Civil Service in 2014 after a short break. She came back to a new role, and a new pension. Karen tells us about her decision to come back to the Civil Service, and how the Civil Service Pension was part of that decision. A change in personal circumstances while she was away meant that, more than ever, she needed stability, and she knew that the Civil Service could provide it. With a new role and new terms and conditions, she felt she needed to start paying more attention to her pension. Louise Kaplan, Employer Relationship Manager, talks us through the more technical aspects of what a break in service could mean for your pension, and how the length of your break can influence this. Some members in this position may find that they ultimately reach retirement with more than one pension from the Civil Service. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Leaving the pension scheme before pension age Redundancy 2015 Remedy (McCloud) Pension Power webinars Increasing your pension Pension Portal Pension Tracing Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Pensions for millennials 31.10.2024 16min

  In this minisode, Helen Shrimpton, Training Consultant, talks about why it’s never too early to be thinking about your pension, even if retirement feels decades away. We know that some of our younger, millennial members are less likely to be thinking about this part of their financial future, which is unsurprising given that pensions can feel complicated and not relevant at their stage in life. Helen breaks down the benefits of the Civil Service Pension in plain-English terms, and why pensions are still relevant for millennials, even amongst other financial priorities. Read the alpha or partnership? page for more information about the different schemes.  If you’re interested in transferring an old pension into the Civil Service Pension scheme, you can find more information on the ‘Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension’ page. Please consider all the benefits in the scheme you are transferring from and to, before making your decision.Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode alpha or partnership? Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension Pension Portal Pension Power webinar sessions Benefits for your loved ones Illness and injury See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Riding for life: Patrick’s story 24.10.2024 28min

  Patrick’s journey has taken him from his commute into work, to continuing a beloved hobby in his post-work years – all on the back of a motorcycle! Having spent his career as a meteorologist working for the Met Office, he’s been spending his retirement years delivering life-saving services as a blood bike rider. In this episode, he tells us about his career and his work with charity Freewheelers EVS, the charity providing this hidden emergency service to the NHS by delivering blood, organs, tissue, donated breast milk and even specialist surgical tools. Patrick reflects on his career and shares his experiences in retirement, with some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Partial Retirement Pension calculators Pension Portal Pre-retirement training  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  New training course for 2015 Remedy (McCloud) 17.10.2024 3min

  Minisode: New webinar for 2015 Remedy (McCloud) In this minisode, Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant, returns to the podcast to tell us about new training available for members about 2015 Remedy (McCloud). If you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud) but unsure about what it means or how it affects you, the new 2015 Remedy Pension Power webinar is a free, one-hour refresher. It covers what the 2015 Remedy is, how to find out if you’re affected (and the tools you can use to do so), as well as a guide to some key terminology surrounding it. It also covers the choice you’ll be asked to make when you retire - whether you’d like the 2015 Remedy impacted part of your pension to be calculated in the alpha or in your legacy scheme. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Register your interest in 2015 Remedy Pension Power 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub Find out if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy Other Pension Power webinars See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Retiring with 2015 Remedy (McCloud) 10.10.2024 22min

  Our latest episode of the Civil Service Pensions podcast is available now. This week, we discuss what to expect from the retirement process if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy (McCloud). Chris, who recently took early retirement, talks about the decision she made when making her choice for the seven-year Remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022). She explains the steps she followed and how Remedy affected her reasons to retire. We also talk to Kevin Hughes, policy lead for the 2015 Remedy Project, about the technical aspects of the process and what members who are impacted by Remedy can expect as they approach retirement. If you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy and want to know more, this episode is for you.To keep updated with the latest information on 2015 Remedy, visit our 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub on the Civil Service Pensions website. Useful links: Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode 2015 Remedy (McCloud) hub How to claim your pension Early retirement Find out if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy Annual Benefit Statements Remedy Benefits Illustrator See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Four steps to retirement 03.10.2024 6min

  This week, we chat to Liliana Gonzalez, Training Consultant, who walks us through the retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider at every stage.  It’s important to remember that your pension will be your income after you retire, and so you should consider how much you will need to live on.  If you’re approaching retirement  and you want to know about the process involved, we hope you’ll find this minisode helpful.   Useful links:  Full transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode  Pension tools and calculators Pension Portal and Retirement Modeller How to claim your pension Change of Details and Retirement Form – Deferred Members See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How does being a carer affect your pension? 26.09.2024 38min

  In our second episode of Season 3, Cilla Christmas, Valuation & Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Carer’s Network returns to the podcast to talk about what caring responsibilities can mean for your pension and retirement planning. From drawing on personal experiences of caring responsibilities to exploring the statistics around carers in the Civil Service, Cilla talks us through what it means to be a carer and how to access the support available to you, both in and outside of the civil service pension scheme. Whether you’re thinking of changing your working pattern or if you’re having conversations about a Lasting Power of Attorney with loved ones, we discuss some of the practical aspects of what carers may need to consider. Whether you’re a civil servant and caring for someone, if the person you’re caring for is a civil servant, or if you think you may have caring responsibilities in the future, we hope you find this episode informative. Useful links Accessible version of this episode Full transcript Carers UK Pension Portal and retirement modeller Check your State Pension age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Retirement Living Standards – PLSA Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) - Civil Service Pension Scheme Change in Working Patterns - Civil Service Pension Scheme Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Two pensions in one – how does being a dual member work? 19.09.2024 10min

  In the first minisode of this season, Kelly Freaney, Senior Training Consultant joins us to talk about what it means to be a dual member. Whether you’ve had a break in service or if you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud), Kelly talks us through everything you need to know about your pension, how to keep track of all your benefits, and what to consider when it comes to retirement planning. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Annual Benefit Statements Pension Portal Find out your Normal Pension Age Find out your Minimum Pension Age Check your State Pension Age See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A leap into the dark: Gillian’s story 12.09.2024 31min

  When Gillian retired on her 60th birthday, she went home and wept. After a career which took her all over the world, she felt cut adrift and needed a new purpose in life. Now, 20 years later, she’s a published author and has taken up a whole new line of work as a Registrar of Marriages. From spending nine years as an Assistant Purser with P&O aboard Canberra and Oriana cruise ships, to a fulfilling 30 years of service with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Gillian’s career has taken her all over the world. In this episode, she tells us about her time as a Personal Assistant to an Ambassador, with postings in the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Mexico City and Hungary. She’s lived and worked through some turbulent political times, all the while dedicated to her work and her colleagues. Gillian reflects on her career and her retirement journey and shares some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years. Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts. Useful links: Accessible version of this episode Transcript Planning for retirement – what are my options? Pension calculators Pension Portal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.