Pensions Officer

## Opportunity Review: Pensions Officer at East Riding Pension Fund This review aims to provide potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the Pensions Officer role within the East Riding Pension Fund, highlighting key advantages and important considerations for your career progression.

The East Riding Pension Fund, situated in Goole, plays a crucial role in administering the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for a substantial network of employers and a large member base. Their recently restructured administration team of 75 dedicated professionals is committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering innovation. This presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to a vital public service within a forward-thinking environment.

The Role and Your Contribution:

This role offers a significant opportunity to join the Member Services team as a Pensions Officer. The Fund is actively seeking experienced LGPS or pension scheme administrators with a background in finance and strong problem-solving and communication skills. This is a chance to make a tangible impact on the effective delivery of high-quality pensions administration.

A key aspect of this position involves assisting Senior Pensions Officers in the critical task of shaping, developing, and refining administration processes. This indicates a genuine commitment from the Fund to continuous improvement and offers the chance to influence operational strategies.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to the well-being and financial security of over 130,000 LGPS members.
• Process Improvement: Play a role in shaping and refining administrative processes, offering the chance to drive efficiency and innovation.
• Career Development: The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and assist in training and guiding colleagues fosters skill development and mentorship.
• Flexible Working: The Fund supports blended working arrangements, allowing for a balance between professional and personal commitments. Initial comprehensive training will be provided in Goole, followed by a transition to a flexible blend of office and remote work.
• Multiple Opportunities: The existence of multiple vacancies suggests a growing team and a potentially stable employment outlook. Applications for part-time working are also being considered, offering flexibility for a broader range of candidates.

Key Responsibilities and Skills:

As a Pensions Officer, you will be entrusted with upholding an excellent standard of service. This includes:

• Accuracy and Timeliness: Ensuring the precision and promptness of benefit calculations and the authorization of payments.
• Member Support: Providing clear, accurate, and empathetic responses to a diverse range of member inquiries.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively reviewing and enhancing work processes and communication strategies.
• Collaboration and Guidance: Offering technical support, guidance, and training to your colleagues, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Regulatory Compliance: Executing pensions tax calculations and rectifying any discrepancies in benefits.

The role demands a strong understanding and application of LGPS regulations and statutory guidance to accurately calculate member benefits, survivor benefits, and transfer values, even in complex scenarios.

What They're Looking For:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Proven experience in LGPS or pension scheme administration.
• The ability to interpret and apply complex legislation.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey information clearly.
• A collaborative approach to work.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to use initiative to solve problems.
• A commitment to meeting deadlines and driving service forward.

You will be instrumental in carrying out essential pensions administration tasks, maintaining the accuracy of pension records, supporting colleagues, and potentially assisting with staff supervision.

Career Path Considerations:

This Pensions Officer role is an excellent stepping stone for individuals looking to deepen their expertise within the pensions administration sector, particularly within the LGPS framework. The emphasis on process improvement and the opportunity to provide technical guidance suggest pathways towards more senior administrative roles or specialized areas within pensions management. The exposure to complex calculations, regulatory compliance, and member interaction provides a well-rounded foundation for future career growth.

For those passionate about public service, financial regulation, and helping individuals secure their retirement, this opportunity at the East Riding Pension Fund offers a rewarding and stable career path.