SECTION 1 POLICE STAFF JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE Interim Senior Pensions Specialist REPORTS TO (POST TITLE) National Pensions Manager REF NO T098/17 DIVISION/DEPARTMENT Finance WORK LOCATION Edinburgh (with travel to other locations) GRADE Band G SECTION 2 JOB PURPOSE Lead responsible for the BAU delivery of the pension s strategy and governance on behalf of the organisation, and the day to day management of the pension s team. Provide support to the National Pensions Manager on all pension matters related to BAU and the BTP integration programme, ensuring compliance with the standards as laid down by legislation and external agencies. On a day to day basis the post holder will provide management support for the team in delivering specialist pension s related advice and technical guidance which supports organisational decision making, service improvement and stakeholder liaison. ORGANISATION CHART National Pensions Manager Senior Pensions Specialist Pensions Specialist (x2)
SECTION 3 ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Manage the day to day BAU activities to ensure effective and efficient delivery in line with the in house pension s strategy, setting and delivering service improvement targets, ensuring statutory compliance requirements are met. 2. Lead stakeholder engagement presenting feedback on behalf of the organisation, to deliver service improvement and delivery in line with the agreed Service Level Agreement/Pensions Administration Strategy in place, with pension scheme administrator(s). 3. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure employer responsibilities are fulfilled, whilst factoring in changes in legislation, regulations and policy. 4. Provide expert, professional support and technical guidance on pension matters, to PS and SPA officials on the Scheme Advisory and Pension Board(s). Advise on current and emerging statutory requirements affecting pensions for the organisation. 5. Review preparation of papers and recommendations for presentation to PS/SPA Committee & Board meetings relating to pensions. 6. Monitor the impact on the operational budget for pensions in relation to changes in employer related costs, liaising with the Principal Accountant(s), 7. Collate and analyse information required for the preparation of the Scottish Government returns and manage statutory requirements in relation to the pension scheme account. 8. Research, interpretation and provision of technical guidance, with regard to UK pensions (and related tax) legislation, and police & LGPS pension regulations in Scotland. 9. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement a coordinated national approach towards the communication and provision of pension information, on behalf of the organisation. 10. Manage and review the preparation of communications bulletins and intranet updates for current topics and changes in legislation and procedures etc. relating to pensions for officers and staff. 11. Manage the delivery of accurate and up to date presentations to new probationers, retiring officers and stakeholder groups as required, ensuring that they reflect current pension policy and legislative information.
12. Provision of information and data for Freedom of Information requests received by the organisation, as required. 13. Provide subject matter expertise and manage pension s implications for organisational projects ensuring strategic & budgetary objectives are met timeously and that regulatory and legislative risks are mitigated. 14. Provide relevant management information on pensions required for forecasting and budgeting processes. 15. Develop and manage the reporting information and service improvement requirements for the in house pension s service delivery with the Finance Transformation programme. 16. Provide subject matter expertise to support the BTP integration programme. 17. Direct line management of Pensions Specialists and responsible for welfare support and ensuring effective personal and professional development of staff in accordance with relevant HR policies. Supports pension s staff and encourage the development of their skills and abilities and undertakes training as necessary. 18. Deputise for the National Pension Manager, as required. 19. Will be responsible for managing and assessing risk within all areas of managerial/supervisory responsibility. The above accountabilities and responsibilities are not exhaustive, and the Jobholder may be required to undertake additional duties that are consistent with the level and grading of the role. SECTION 4 LOCATION: Edinburgh (with travel to other locations) BAND: ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE G EDUCATIONAL / OCCUPATIONAL Educated to HND level (or equivalent) Proven management experience within a pension s environment. Relevant Pensions Management Institute (PMI) qualifications
PERSONAL QUALITIES Specialist knowledge of relevant UK pensions legislation, and pension tax issues. Self-motivated, ability to work on own initiative and be an effective autonomous decision maker. Excellent leadership, communication and organisation skills. Knowledge of data protection legislation requirements. Understanding of equality and diversity and legislative requirements in relation to service delivery. Proven influencing skills in internal/external stakeholder engagement. Experience of developing and delivery of service improvement. Proven project management skills. Comprehensive understanding of Police Pension Scheme regulations, LGPS regulations and public sector pension accounting requirements. Experience of managing an in house pension s specialist function. A DRIVING LICENCE IS: Required ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS PERTINENT TO THE POST: No
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following supervisory competencies will be used for the selection process: 1. Respect for Diversity 2. Effective Communication 3. Job Knowledge 4. Leadership 5. Personal Effectiveness 6. Problem Solving 7. Service Delivery 8. Team Working This full time post is temporary for up to 32 months. Appointments will be subject to relevant vetting clearance.