Pensions with the University of Plymouth

Pensions are an important part of the University of Plymouth’s reward, providing our employees with a generous pay and benefits package
Image of a glass jar with saving written on a label, full with coins.

Overview

Pensions are an important part of the University of Plymouth’s reward, providing our employees with a generous pay and benefits package. 
The aim of this webpage is to summarise the various pension schemes, highlight the role of the University and provide useful links for further information.

University pension schemes 

The main pension schemes at the University, in which new staff are automatically enrolled:
  • the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) for academic staff 
  • the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for research and technical staff
  • the Legal & General Worksave Mastertrust (RAS) Scheme for professional services staff engaged through University of Plymouth Services Limited
  • the Plymouth University (Subsidiaries) Retirement Scheme with Aviva for staff engaged through University Commercial Services Plymouth (UCSP) and University of Plymouth Enterprise Limited (UPEL).
However, we also have two other pension schemes that are available, if requested and in line with the criteria outlined below:
  • the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is available for new staff who were in the USS scheme immediately prior to joining the University and who wish to remain in the scheme when joining the University from another employer – if you are already a USS member just make sure you raise it as part of the employment offer before your new contract is signed and contact pensions@plymouth.ac.uk so that your request can be considered and if approved affected from your start date. 
  • the NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS) is available if you are a member of the Faculty of Health and already in the NHSPS - you may request to remain in this scheme subject to eligibility requirements. Again, please contact the pensions@plymouth.ac.uk before your new employment contract is signed.

Role of the University

It is important to note that whilst the University encourages all our staff to consider the pension provision available, it cannot give pensions advice. We advise all staff to seek independent financial and pensions advice.