About the Society

The Forces Pension Society is a not-for-profit, independent membership organisation that looks after the interests of current and future UK Armed Forces pensioners. It is a watchdog, a lobby group and a provider of Armed Forces Pension Scheme guidance to its membership, which comprises both serving and retired Armed Forces personnel. In recent years the Society has gone from strength to strength, with increasing membership (now over 65,000), a strong independent voice and considerable influence and reputation. The Society has a full-time staff of 18 and is based in Vauxhall, South West London. Demand for our services is growing rapidly.

The Pension Team

At the heart of the Society is the Pension Team, currently 10 strong. The main task of the team is to provide expert, independent technical guidance on the Armed Forces Pension Schemes. The reputation of the Society relies upon this guidance being accurate, authoritative, clear and timely – and thus depends upon the quality of its Pension Consultants.

Pension Consultant

The Society is looking for a qualified and experienced pensions’ practitioner who understands the nature and operation of defined benefit schemes and pension allowances A knowledge of defined contribution schemes, state pensions, taxation, and experience as an IFA would be additional advantages. The new member must be able to reach a position to give high quality guidance on the Armed Forces Pension schemes after a period of comprehensive training.

Role

The role of the Pension Consultant is to:

• Provide technical guidance to members, predominantly on-line but also by telephone and face-to-face.
• Conduct formal presentations as part of the Society’s briefing programme.
• Liaise as required with the Ministry of Defence and its delivery arms in order to understand policy formulation and assist members.
• Contribute to the Society’s horizon scanning and trend analysis activities to shape ongoing campaigns.

Person Specification

Professional Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills including the ability to speak authoritatively and clearly both to individuals and in public, to write clearly and succinctly, explaining complex and technical issues in ways that can be easily understood.
• Highly numerate and either familiar with the various Armed Forces Pension Schemes (principally AFPS 75, 05 and 15) or have an interest in this area and an ability to assimilate such information under the tutelage of the existing team.
• IT capable – particularly PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Understanding of and interest in HM Forces and credibility when dealing with its members.
• Ability to keep accurate records.

Personal Qualities

• Team player with a broad outlook, able not just to advise on a one-to-one basis but to engage routinely with colleagues about ongoing work and its wider implications.
• Self-motivated and able to operate with light supervision.
• Energy to sustain and develop current levels of activity.
• Well-organised with a strong eye for detail and accuracy.
• Ability to inspire trust and build relationships with members.
• Ability to assimilate new information quickly.

Package

• Starting salary £50,358 p.a., initially on a fixed term 2 year contract.
• 10% of salary Employer pension contributions (£5,037 - no employee contributions).
• Interest-free season ticket loan.
• 30 days annual leave (plus all Bank Holidays).
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive training and development package.
• Office-based in Vauxhall, working from home as agreed.

Application Process

Previous candidates need not apply.

Please apply by submitting a CV and, in no more than two sides of A4, write a supporting statement which meets the person specification and outlines:

• your reasons for applying for this position;
• your experiences to date which you feel make you a suitable candidate; and
• an indication of your strengths, both personally and professionally.

Applications should be submitted electronically to the Head of Pensions at davidr@forpen.co.uk by 1200 hrs on Mon 23 Oct 2023, with assessments and interviews scheduled for Fri 3 Nov 2023. Candidates who are invited for interview will be required to undertake a written exercise and present a short brief, the details for which will be explained nearer the time. The successful candidate will start on Mon 15 Jan 2024 or a mutually agreed date thereafter. If short listed we will ask you to provide the contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current employer.