The National Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Procurement Framework for Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) services has been launched.

The new framework was designed to help LGPS funds and wider public sector pension schemes source a range of AVC services to meet their needs.

It is split into two different lots: additional voluntary contribution services and consultancy services associated with additional voluntary contributions.

Framework users will have access to the usual National LGPS Framework services, and are expected to benefit from high-quality value for money services, and pre-agreed terms and conditions and supporting documentation.

Four funds worked together to establish this framework, with support from the National LGPS Frameworks team and procurement and legal specialists from Norfolk County Council.

These were the administering authority for the Cheshire Pension Fund, the Dumfries and Galloway Pension Fund, the Strathclyde Pension Fund and the Leicestershire Pension Fund.

Commenting on the launch, Leicestershire pensions and payments manager and Local Government Technical Group deputy chairman, Ian Howe, said “The new AVC Framework is hugely beneficial for LGPS assessing or changing their Fund’s AVC provider.

“It will improve AVC standards and service for Local Government Funds, and most importantly local government scheme members.

“I wish to thank the National LGPS Frameworks team and the LGPS Funds who have worked hard to positively conclude this framework.”

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