Civil Service Pensions Podcast

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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.