Permanent role with a local authority

Job Purpose

• To provide evidenced assurance to the Pension Fund’s management team that all aspects of pensions administration are operating to a high quality standard, and that all processes, procedures, policies and strategies relating to pensions administration are fit for purpose, compliant, and are being correctly and consistently implemented by the pensions administration team.
  
• To lead on developing, implementing, evidencing and embedding a strategy and robust framework for quality assurance as it relates to pensions administration.
  

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• The Fund must be administered in line with the appropriate statutory scheme and a variety of overarching legislation, including tax regulations. It also has to comply with various statutory guidance, in particular the Pension Regulator’s Code of Practice 13, which covers the governance requirements expected of all public sector pension schemes, including the LGPS. Importantly the Fund is required to report any breaches of the law to the Pension Regulator, whether they have occurred within the Fund or any of the scheme’s employers.
  
• The correct administration is critical to ensure the Fund isn’t fined by the Pension Regulator along with the associated reputational risk, but the management of the Fund’s assets and liabilities is attributable to its solvency and determines the level of contributions to be paid by employer’s organisations, a significant cost for them (circa. £40m per annum for Wiltshire Council alone) and for many smaller employers this has a direct impact on their financial viability.
  
• The Wiltshire Pension Fund ensures all pension benefits are paid correctly, on a timely basis and in line with the scheme regulations. It manages the relationships with the Fund’s 180+ scheme employers, overseeing the admission and cessation of these organisations.
  
• It monitors and reviews the investment strategy of the Fund and brings forward proposals for improvement as appropriate to ensure the assets and costs of the Wiltshire Pension Fund are accounted for and reported correctly and legally. Investment manager services are procured on behalf of the Fund via the Brunel Pension Partnership, of which the Fund participates together with 9 other LGPS Funds.
  

Essential Experience Required

• Experience of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Fire Fighters Scheme is essential.
  
• 5 years’ experience of administering a large final salary pension scheme is essential.
  
• Significant relevant professional experience post qualification in a similar work environment is essential.
  
• Experience of relevant policy, systems, work practices, professional guidelines, legislation and a good understanding of emerging developments in the area of specialism is Essential.
  

Essential Qualification Required

• Degree in relevant profession, or equivalent experience/skills. Licence / certificate / qualification required for the role ITQ 2 or equivalent is essential.
  
• Professional qualification in area of specialism (or equivalent experience) is essential.
  
• CIPP Foundation Degree in Pensions Administration and Management/PMI Diploma qualified or equivalent.
  
  

Additional information to note

• Working hours: 37 hours per week
  
• A valid UK driving licence is not required.  Occasionally may need to travel to different locations in order to undertake the duties of the role.
  

The closing date for this role is 26th April 2025.