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The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector. But what makes it so good? We want members of the scheme to feel informed and empowered when it comes to planning for their financial future, but we know that pensions can feel complicated and difficult to understand. This podcast aims to make things simple - whether you're working or retired, if you've left the Civil Service - or even if you're thinking about joining the Civil Service - there's something for everyone. Hosts Rob Walker and Emily Eccles from MyCSP (the scheme administrator for Civil Service Pensions) take things back to basics. Their conversations will help you get to grips with your pension and even make some informed decisions about your future. No question is too small and no answer is too complex. Each episode explores different aspects of the scheme. With expert guests and members talking about their life experiences and perspectives, and how these events have affected their views on retirement and their pension. Each informative episode could help you think about your pension in different ways. Many people believe that a pension is something to think about later in life, or something to get round to dealing with eventually. That just isn't true. It’s never too early to start saving or planning for your future beyond work. Your pension is one of your most valuable assets and the decisions you make now can have a huge impact further down the line. It is a crucial personal financial benefit and your ticket to living your best life when you're no longer working. It's key to making your retirement years as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. From learning the basics, we explore a number of topics surrounding pensions and the scheme itself. Our first series features case studies of members in their 20s and 30s through to retirement, as well as discussions around the Gender Pension Gap, discovering how common life events can affect your ability to save for the future and the steps you can take to boost your pension. Even if you've never worked for the Civil Service before, this podcast is full of useful information and advice for anyone with a workplace pension. We hope you enjoy it. To find out more about the scheme, visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

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Check latest episodes from Civil Service Pensions Podcast podcast

Highlights of 2025

2025/10/23

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.

Pension Increase (PI) explained

2025/10/16

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.

2015 Remedy (McCloud) revisited

2025/10/09

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.

Redundancy and compensation: what does it mean for your pension?

2025/10/02

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.

Are you thinking about retiring abroad?

2025/09/25

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.

Planning for retirement – how does the state pension fit in?

2025/09/18

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 Scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement Living Standards: let’s talk numbers

2025/09/11

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 Scheme See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 4 Trailer: Civil Service Pensions Podcast

2025/09/04

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.

Minisode: What happens when someone passes away?

2024/11/28

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.

The Civil Service Pension scheme: Employer insights

2024/11/21

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.

A quick guide to partial retirement

2024/11/14

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.

A break in service: what does it mean for your pension?

2024/11/07

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.

Pensions for millennials

2024/10/31

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.

Riding for life: Patrick’s story

2024/10/24

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.

New training course for 2015 Remedy (McCloud)

2024/10/17

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.