Forces Pension Society - Assistant Pension Advisor (London)

***THIS JOB VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED***

The Forces Pension Society is a not-for-profit, independent membership organisation that looks after the interests of UK Armed Forces pensioners. It is a watchdog, a lobby group and a provider of professional advice 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 approaching 50,000), a strong independent voice and considerable influence and reputation. The Society has a full time staff of 12, supported by a number of consultants. The Society is based in Vauxhall, South West London.

At the heart of the Society is the pension enquiry team, currently five strong, one of whom is due to retire in 2018. The Society is seeking a replacement to provide pension advice to serving and retired service personnel concerning the operation of the various Armed Forces Pension Schemes. The key task of the team is to field questions from FPS members and provide accurate, authoritative, clear and timely replies, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.

The team conducts most of its work by email but also offers advice by telephone and face-to-face. Whilst the primary task of the team is to answer membership questions, it is also expected to analyse its work to identify trends and current issues so as to inform the wider work of the Society. The team also engages regularly with MOD in order to help resolve difficulties or mistakes. Members of the team are active participants in the Society’s wider briefing effort, notably providing regular and detailed talks on pensions issues to those about to leave the Armed Forces. The team also provides expert advice to the General Secretary on issues of the moment and any ongoing campaigns.

The new member of the team will not be expected to be a pension expert on joining, although previous exposure to this area would be ideal. The candidate must show the background, interest in the issues, and the willingness to learn to become expert in a reasonable timescale, for the reputation of the Society rests upon the quality of its pensions team. The new member must be able to reach a position to give high quality advice after a period of comprehensive training which will require determined application. Military experience and a detailed knowledge of the Armed Forces will be a distinct advantage although is not essential.

Person Specification

Professional Skills

Personal Qualities

Essential

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.

Essential

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 in clients.
Ability to assimilate new information quickly.

Package to include a starting salary of around £36,000 depending on experience, plus £2,500 London Weighting, plus 10% pension contribution. Some working from home permissible subject to agreement, but working from the office is the norm.

Applications by COP Thursday 7 Dec 17 to Assistant General Secretary hugof@forpen.co.uk and copied to JoanneFB@forpen.co.uk . For queries, phone 0207 8406612 (AGS) or 020 7820 9988 (Membership Secretary). Aim is to conduct short list interviews before Christmas with successful applicant to be in post by early February if practicable.

Forces Pension Society – Assistant Pension Advisor (London)