Members' Pensions Specialist

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Finance, Portfolio and Performance Team aims to provide efficient, accurate and customer-focused support to internal customers across the House of Commons. The business area includes a range of operational and specialist teams including the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, Financial Accounting, Finance Business Partners, Financial Services, Members' Pensions, Planning and Performance, Systems Accounting and Team Services.

The Role

The Members' Pensions Specialist will work in the Members' Pensions team who are responsible for providing governance support to the Trustees of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension fund (PCPF), the pension fund for MPs' and Ministers.

The work involved is varied and focused on pension governance, administration and communication. In summary, work may include communication with Members and former Members; drafting papers and briefing material for the Trustees as well as meetings agendas and minutes; working closely with third party advisers who support the Trustees in all areas, including those who manage the Fund's investments; assisting with the annual audit process; monitoring Fund expenditure and checking invoices; and maintaining the overall governance arrangements in place.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Maintaining an annual timetable of pension Trustee meeting planning, and drafting agendas and minutes within required timescales.
• Assisting with the annual audit process and preparation of the pension scheme accounts.
• Drafting and maintain business plan reporting for the Trustees.
• Assisting with general stewardship and monitoring duties, including monitoring the pension Fund expenditure and checking invoices.
• Supporting the team with their contract management of Trustee appointed suppliers

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of current best practice in professional pension scheme administration and the provision of Secretariat Services and experience of working with or supporting Trustee Boards.
• Ability to draft briefings and papers to a high standard, using research from a variety of sources, always meeting the needs of the audience.
• Strong organisational skills, with demonstrable experience of planning and prioritising your own work to meet strict deadlines and to high standards of quality.
• Ability to build good working relationships, and communicate effectively and diplomatically with, a variety of stakeholders, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to consistently apply IT skills and knowledge and utilises expertise; coaches and advises others where needed.

Next Steps and Additional Information

Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 - 4 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.

As part of this selection process, you may be asked to complete a test or presentation. Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.

Contact Details

If you require further information about the role, please contact Sophie Nicolaou,