At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to learn and manage pension processes for local government.
- Company: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Ongoing training with opportunities for professional qualifications in pensions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure their financial future.
- Qualifications: Strong numerical skills and a willingness to learn about pensions administration.
The predicted salary is between 30225 - 34389 £ per year.
Join the Pensions Shared Service and begin a rewarding career helping people secure their financial future in retirement. As a Trainee Pensions Officer, you will develop specialist knowledge and practical experience in pensions administration, learning how to manage key Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) processes such as retirements, transfers and benefit calculations. You will also gain an understanding of the legislation and regulations that underpin these important services.
Working within a supportive and experienced team, you will play a vital role in delivering accurate, efficient and customer-focused pension administration. You will be part of the Pensions Shared Service, which administers the LGPS on behalf of five London boroughs: Camden, Merton, Richmond, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. Through your work, you will help ensure that scheme members receive the information, guidance and benefits they are entitled to, making a real difference to people's lives.
About the role
- Learn about and process a wide range of major pension scheme member events, including retirements and transfers.
- Communicate with pension scheme members by telephone and email, applying your knowledge to answer questions and support members.
- Develop an understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the legislation that governs pensions administration.
- Work as part of either the Benefits team or the Data Management/Communications team, with flexibility to support work across teams.
- Receive ongoing training and development support, including the opportunity to study towards a nationally recognised qualification for retirement benefit professionals administered by the Local Government Association and the Pensions Management Institute (PMI).
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Strong numerical skills.
- English language and mathematics skills in line with the essential criteria in the job profile.
- Good communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly by telephone and email.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Interest in starting a career in pensions and willingness to learn relevant legislation and processes.
- Commitment to ongoing training and development, including potential study towards a relevant professional qualification.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Trainee Pensions Officer (Full Time) employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Pensions Officer (Full Time)
✨Connect with Your Local Council
Don’t underestimate the power of local councils for traineeships in the government and public sector. Pop down to your local council office and ask about any upcoming trainee programmes—they usually have insights on what's available in your area!
✨Join Public Sector Networking Events
Get involved with networking events that focus on the public sector. These gatherings are golden opportunities to meet potential employers and current trainees who can shed light on hidden opportunities and the application process. Keep an eye on Eventbrite or local community boards!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you’re at university, make sure to use your career services! They often have direct connections with government agencies and can help you find trainee roles specifically aimed at students. Plus, they host workshops that can prepare you for the application process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you see a role at New Start that interests you, don’t just save it for later—apply directly through our website. Clearly highlighting your enthusiasm for public service in your application can give you an edge. We’re here rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Pensions Officer (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government-public-sector like Trainee Pensions Officer (Full Time), it's crucial to express your passion for public service. Make sure your cover letter highlights why you want to contribute to the community and any relevant experiences that show your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV for the Public Sector:Your CV should reflect a genuine understanding of the public sector's values and skills. Emphasise any volunteer work, internships, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your ability to navigate policies, regulations, or community engagement. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're dedicated to this specific field.
Highlight Your Skills in Research and Analysis:In the government-public-sector, research and analytical skills are key. So, include examples in your application that show you can gather, evaluate, and interpret data. This could be a project from university, an internship task, or even relevant coursework; just make it crystal clear that you’ve got what it takes to make informed decisions.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to show that you're eager to learn and grow. In your cover letter, mention specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain through the Trainee Pensions Officer (Full Time) position at New Start. This demonstrates your long-term commitment and desire to develop in the public sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with key government policies and how they impact public services. Since you’re aiming for a trainee role, being able to discuss recent initiatives or reforms shows you’re engaged and aware of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
✨Highlight Your Drive to Serve
In public sector interviews like this one, they’re really interested in your motivation. Make sure you can articulate why you want to serve the community and how your values align with the mission of New Start. They’ll be looking for that passion!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You’ll likely face scenario questions about dealing with citizens or managing projects. Think through examples where you demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, or resilience in a community project or voluntary role. Use the STAR technique to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your ability and eagerness to learn are crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've embraced new experiences in the past, whether through studies or work placements. Illustrate your adaptability and readiness for mentorship in the role at New Start.
