Find out how UMSS is run, who your Trustees are and how to access Scheme documents. The Pensions Office is always happy to help you with any queries you might have about your pension, so please do get in touch!
How does UMSS work?
The assets of UMSS are held in a trust fund and are entirely separate from the University's own finances. The Trustee (UMSS Limited) manages the Trust. UMSS is governed by a legal document called the Trust Deed and Rules. This booklet is only a summary of the Scheme and, if there are any inconsistencies with the Trust Deed and Rules, the latter will apply.
UMSS is registered with HM Revenue & Customs and with The Pensions Regulator.
What happens if I have a complaint?
By law UMSS must have procedures in place to deal with disputes or complaints. We hope to resolve all issues before following a formal process, so as a first step please call us at the Pensions Office and let us know how we can help!
If it is not possible to resolve your complaint, we will then follow our formal two-stage Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP):
The first stage of the process is to complete an Internal Dispute Resolution form. You can request a copy from the Pensions Office. Once you have completed it, send it to the Head of Pensions at the Pensions Office. They will issue you with a written response within two months.
If you are not satisfied with their response, you can ask the Trustee to review your case. This is the second stage of our IDRP. They will issue you a written response within four months.
If your dispute remains unresolved after both of these stages, you can contact The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) or ultimately the Pensions Ombudsman.
- Visit MaPS
- Visit The Pensions Ombudsman
- Visit The Pensions Regulator
Pension scams
Don’t let a scammer enjoy your retirement
Scammers are targeting pension pots of all sizes, so make sure you know how to spot the signs.
Pension scammers are targeting people like you with the average victim losing £91,000 each. Scams are hard to spot and are often disguised with credible websites, testimonials and materials which make them look like the real thing.
We protect your benefits and comply with the Scams Pledge
To help you spot the signs and protect yourself from a scam, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator suggest following four simple steps.
Step 1 - Reject unexpected offers
If you’re contacted out of the blue about a pension opportunity, chances are it’s a scam. Pension cold calling is illegal and you should be very wary. An offer of a free pension review from a firm you’ve not dealt with before is probably a scam.
Step 2 - Check who you’re dealing with
Search ScamSmart and check the FCA’s register to make sure anyone offering you advice is authorised. If they are, check they’re permitted to give pension advice by calling the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. If you don’t use an FCA-authorised firm, you risk not having access to compensation schemes.
Step 3 - Don’t be rushed or pressured
Take your time to make all the checks you need – even if this means turning down what seems to be an ‘amazing deal’.
Step 4 - Get impartial information or advice
You should seriously consider seeking financial advice before changing your pension arrangements. In some cases, for example where you want to transfer more than £30,000 from a defined benefit scheme, you must obtain this advice.
You can also use MoneyHelper which provides free independent and impartial information and guidance.
If you suspect a scam, report it.
You can report an unauthorised firm or scam to the FCA using the online reporting form or on 0800 111 6768.
If you suspect a scam, report it on Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.
To find out more about ScamSmart, visit www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart