UMSS appoints Howden as Scheme administrator from 1 November 2026
The Trustee of the University of Manchester Superannuation Scheme (UMSS) has appointed Howden as the Scheme's administrator from 1 November 2026. This follows a thorough review of the Scheme's future administration requirements and is designed to support the long-term delivery of high-quality pension administration services for members.
What does this mean for members?
The most important message is that your pension benefits are not changing. The administration of the Scheme is changing, but the benefits you have built up in UMSS remain exactly the same. Pensioner members will continue to receive their pension payments as normal. The payroll team is the same as it is now, with Howden being the new name for Barnett Waddingham.
The University Pensions Office and Howden have been working closely together to plan the transition, with extensive checks being carried out to ensure member records and pension calculations are transferred accurately. The Trustee will continue to oversee the administration of the Scheme and monitor service standards.
Why is the change being made?
Pension administration is becoming increasingly complex. By appointing a specialist pensions administrator, the Trustee aims to reduce operational risks, strengthen resilience and enhance the services available to members.
Over time, members will also benefit from additional online services, including secure access to pension information and, for most non-pensioner members, the ability to generate pension quotations online.
The role of the University Pensions Office
This change is not a reflection of the excellent service provided by the University Pensions Office over many years. The team will remain at the University and will continue to play an important role in supporting the Scheme and working alongside Howden.
Who should I contact?
From 1 November 2026, Howden will be the primary contact for questions about your pension benefits.
Howden contact details
Email: UMSSMembers@howden-group.co.uk
Telephone:
UK: 0333 11 11 222
Overseas: +44 333 11 11 222
Address:
UMSS c/o Howden
Royal Liver Building
Liverpool
L3 1HU
Shortly after the transition, members will receive a letter with details of how to register for Clarity from Howden, a secure online portal where you will be able to view and manage your pension information. Please be assured that the communication from Howden is genuine and that it is safe to use the portal. Pensioner members who already use Clarity will continue to have access following the rebrand from Barnett Waddingham to Howden.
The University Pensions Office will remain available for active members requiring support, which can be arranged via Connect.
Questions about the transition?
Email the University Pensions Office at umss@manchester.ac.uk.
You can also read more information from Howden in this leaflet.