Forces Pension Society – Assistant Pension Advisor

***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 11, 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 four strong. Owing to a high demand for its services, the Society is seeking a further member of the team to provide pension advice to serving and retired service personnel on 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.

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, and to engage regularly with MOD in order to help resolve difficulties or mistakes. Members of the team are also 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 pensions expert on joining, although some previous exposure would be ideal, but must show the background, interest in the issues, and the willingness to learn to become an expert in a reasonable timescale: the reputation of the Society rests upon the quality of its pensions advice, and the new team 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 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 £35,000 depending on experience, plus £2,500 London Weighting, 10% pension contribution and expenses. Some working from home permissible subject to agreement, but working from the office is the norm.

Applications by Fri 17 February 2017; comprising CV and covering letter to Hugo Fletcher, at hugof@forpen.co.uk and 0207 820 9988. Short list interviews to be completed by Fri 10 Mar 17 with successful applicant to be in post as soon as practicable thereafter.