Civil Service Pensions Podcast
The Civil Service Pensions Podcast explains the UK Civil Service Pension Scheme, one of the best workplace pension schemes in the public sector. It aims to help members feel informed and empowered when planning for their financial future. Hosts Rob Walker and Emily Eccles from MyCSP, the scheme administrator, take pensions back to basics and make them easier to understand. Each episode explores different aspects of the scheme with expert guests and members sharing their life experiences and views on retirement and pensions. It is designed for anyone working, retired, having left the Civil Service, or thinking about joining.
Episodes
Highlights of 2025
In our final episode of the season, we reflect on the events, activities and highlights of this year. Mick Mulligan, Head of Engagement and Cathryn Murray, Training & Engagement Manager join us to talk about some of our successes in 2025, as well as a look forward to what 2026 holds for the scheme. From live events, to education and tools, Mick and Cathryn highlight some of the exciting things
Pension Increase (PI) explained
Michelle Storer, Senior Training Consultant for Civil Service Pensions, returns to the podcast to talk us through the annual Pension Increase. She explains what PI is, how it works and who qualifies for it. We also discuss some frequently asked questions from members, and some common misconceptions about this yearly increase. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version
2015 Remedy (McCloud) revisited
Kevin Hughes, a policy expert from Cabinet Office, returns to the podcast to talk us through the latest position when it comes to 2015 Remedy (McCloud). From Immediate Choice and Deferred Choice Underpin, to Annual Benefit Statements and the Retirement Modeller, Kevin explains what impacted members need to do, and when they’ll make their choice. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Acce
Redundancy and compensation: what does it mean for your pension?
Redundancy can involve significant change and uncertainty. Liliana Gonzalez from the Civil Service Pensions Training Team returns to the podcast to share information for those affected by it. She explains the implications of redundancy on pensions and outlines the operation of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. Useful links: Transcript of this episode Accessible version of this episode Podcas
Are you thinking about retiring abroad?
Some describe the idea of retiring abroad as “the ultimate dream”. But how does it work, practically speaking? Rob and Emily chat to MOJ’s Lara Muñiz-Fernández about her plans to retire abroad and the preparations she’s making. We’re also joined by Peter Spain, Head of Pensions Policy and Technical from Cabinet Office, who sheds some light on the technic
Planning for retirement – how does the state pension fit in?
Planning for retirement – how does the state pension fit in? On his first podcast appearance, Joe McLaughlin from the Civil Service Pensions Training Team talks to us about the State Pension, how it works, and the vital role it can play in your retirement finances. We talk about how to track your State Pension as it builds up, how to give it a boost and things you’ll need to cons
Retirement Living Standards: let’s talk numbers
Cilla Christmas, Valuation and Strategic Review Manager for Civil Service Pensions returns to talk us through the Retirement Living Standards, originally created using research conducted by the Loughborough University. These standards are a great starting point when it comes to planning your financial future, setting out a “minimum”, “moderate” and “comfortable&
Season 4 Trailer: Civil Service Pensions Podcast
Season 4 of the Civil Service pensions Podcast is here, with new topics, new guests and some familiar voices too. Discussing everything from retirement living standards, the role of the state pension and retiring abroad, Emily and Rob bring you eight fresh episodes to help you feel informed, empowered and in control when it comes to planning your financial future. Whether you’re approaching
Minisode: What happens when someone passes away?
For our final minisode of Season 3, Rob and Emily chat to Rosie Geeves, Head of Member Services, and Dean Norman, Senior Pensions Administrator about what happens to your pension when you die.The idea of losing a loved one, or what we’d like to happen after we die, are difficult topics to discuss - particularly when we need to deal with paperwork, formalities, or even financial complications durin
The Civil Service Pension scheme: Employer insights
In our penultimate episode of this season, Rob sits down with guests to explore the role employers play in the Civil Service Pension scheme. Andy Jones (Cabinet Office), Louise Ibbetson (DWP) and Lara Muniz Fernandez (MOJ) share their perspectives on the scheme and discuss their experiences of supporting members to get the most out of their Civil Service Pension. The group explore the role of an e
A quick guide to partial retirement
In this minisode, Emily and Rob are joined by Michelle Storer, Training Consultant, to discuss partial retirement. Partial retirement enables active members to take some of their pension and tax-free lump sum while continuing to work. It’s a great way to ease yourself into your post-work years, or work for longer without needing to work full-time – whatever is right for your circumstances. Michell
A break in service: what does it mean for your pension?
This week, Emily and Rob sit down with guests to explore the impact that a break in service – whether it’s a career break or a job opportunity outside the civil service – can have on your pension. Karen returned to the Civil Service in 2014 after a short break. She came back to a new role, and a new pension. Karen tells us about her decision to come back to the Civil Service, and how the Civil Ser
Pensions for millennials
In this minisode, Helen Shrimpton, Training Consultant, talks about why it’s never too early to be thinking about your pension, even if retirement feels decades away. We know that some of our younger, millennial members are less likely to be thinking about this part of their financial future, which is unsurprising given that pensions can feel complicated and not relevant at their stage in life. He
Riding for life: Patrick’s story
Patrick’s journey has taken him from his commute into work, to continuing a beloved hobby in his post-work years – all on the back of a motorcycle! Having spent his career as a meteorologist working for the Met Office, he’s been spending his retirement years delivering life-saving services as a blood bike rider. In this episode, he tells us about his career and his work with charity Freewheelers E
New training course for 2015 Remedy (McCloud)
Minisode: New webinar for 2015 Remedy (McCloud) In this minisode, Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant, returns to the podcast to tell us about new training available for members about 2015 Remedy (McCloud). If you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud) but unsure about what it means or how it affects you, the new 2015 Remedy Pension Power webinar is a free, one-hour refresher. It covers what th
Retiring with 2015 Remedy (McCloud)
Our latest episode of the Civil Service Pensions podcast is available now. This week, we discuss what to expect from the retirement process if you’re affected by 2015 Remedy (McCloud). Chris, who recently took early retirement, talks about the decision she made when making her choice for the seven-year Remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022). She explains the steps she followed and how Remedy
Four steps to retirement
This week, we chat to Liliana Gonzalez, Training Consultant, who walks us through the retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider at every stage. It’s important to remember that your pension will be your income after you retire, and so you should consider how much you will need to live on. If you’re approaching retirement and you want to know about the process invo
How does being a carer affect your pension?
In our second episode of Season 3, Cilla Christmas, Valuation & Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Carer’s Network returns to the podcast to talk about what caring responsibilities can mean for your pension and retirement planning. From drawing on personal experiences of caring responsibilities to exploring the statistics around carers in the Civil Service, Cilla talks us through wha
Two pensions in one – how does being a dual member work?
In the first minisode of this season, Kelly Freaney, Senior Training Consultant joins us to talk about what it means to be a dual member. Whether you’ve had a break in service or if you’re impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud), Kelly talks us through everything you need to know about your pension, how to keep track of all your benefits, and what to consider when it comes to retirement planning. Listen
A leap into the dark: Gillian’s story
When Gillian retired on her 60th birthday, she went home and wept. After a career which took her all over the world, she felt cut adrift and needed a new purpose in life. Now, 20 years later, she’s a published author and has taken up a whole new line of work as a Registrar of Marriages. From spending nine years as an Assistant Purser with P&O aboard Canberra and Oriana cruise ships, to a fulfi
Season 3 Trailer: Civil Service Pensions Podcast
We’re delighted to be back for a season 3 of the Civil Service Pensions Podcast, with new topics and questions for our guest speakers. How does being a carer affect your pension? What to do if you’re retiring with 2015 Remedy (McCloud). What does it mean for your pension if you return to the Civil Service? Plus, we hear what members think about the scheme and explore new retirement journeys – incl
Can someone steal a pension?
In our final minisode of Season 2, Liz Scully, Risk & Control Director, joins us to talk about pension fraud. What is it? How does it happen and can someone really steal your pension? Liz shares the warning signs to look out for, how we combat fraud and what you can do to protect your retirement savings. Useful links: Pension Fraud - Civil Service Pensions The Pensions Regulator Information C
What are our members saying about pensions?
In our final full-length episode of this season, Rob & Emily chat to Sarj Wheelwright, Engagement Manager for Civil Service & Royal Mail Pensions about what our members are saying about pensions and this scheme. With recordings from live events over summer 2023, we hear members’ thoughts and views and where retirement planning sits among their financial priorities right now. From keeping u
Minisode: 6 things to kick-start your retirement planning
In this minisode, Cathryn Murray, Training & Engagement Manager, shares the 6 things you can do to kick-start your retirement planning. From transferring in an old workplace pension, to nominating a beneficiary and joining a Pension Power webinar – this episode could be your quick checklist to lay the foundation for your financial future. Useful links: civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/podcast
Leaving work behind for your health – Gerald’s story
After 45 years working in HMRC, Gerald had big plans for his retirement. But those plans were turned upside down when health issues rendered him too ill to work. In this episode, Gerald talks to Rob and Emily about his experience of having to leave work through the Ill Health Retirement route, earlier than he had planned. Navigating retirement with an invisible illness brought a unique set of chal
Minisode: Sneak preview of Gerald's story
In this minisode, we share a sneak preview of our conversation with Gerald, who took ill health retirement after a long career in HMRC. Gerald tells us about a shock diagnosis that turned his retirement plans upside down, forcing him to leave work behind earlier than he’d planned. He talks about how he adapted to his new lifestyle and condition and how he was able to take up a whole new line of wo
We are what we do
“So, what do you do?” It’s often the first question we ask when we meet someone new, and it can tell a lot about who they are… or can it? Cilla Christmas (Valuation & Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Civil Service Carers Network) returns to the podcast to discuss the idea that our jobs can be a defining part of our identity. Rob shares his experience of being furloughed in 2020 d
Minisode: A quick guide to your ABS
Every year, we issue Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) to active members of the scheme. To help you understand your ABS, Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant from MyCSP takes listeners through their statement, step by step and page by page. Helping you to better understand how your pension is doing and plan for the future. Emily also answers some of the most common queries we receive into the co
It’s never too late to start planning for retirement
We often say it’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement, but what if you’re coming to it later in life? Whether you’ve been through a divorce, had a career-break or can see your retirement on the horizon, there are many ways to get the most out of your pension, whatever your circumstances. This week, we’re joined by Liliana Gonzalez, Training Consultant at Civil Service Pensions,
2015 Remedy (McCloud) explained
Our second minisode focuses on the 2015 Remedy (McCloud). Ian Korner, Civil Service Pensions Policy Lead talks about this important topic, what it is, how it works and if you could be affected. The legislation will be implemented from October 2023, so have a listen to Ian’s explanation on how it will be delivered and where to find out more. All Season 2 episodes were recorded between June – August
Retirement on my terms: Mary’s story
In this episode, we chat to Mary, who decided to take partial retirement after a fulfilling career in the DVSA. She was a civil servant for almost 30 years and while she loves her job, it’s clear she’s having the time of her life in retirement so far. Mary tells us about her initial decision to leave work behind for good, but a chance-encounter with a colleague made her re-evaluate and opt for par
Minisode: Sneak preview of Mary’s partial retirement story
In our first minisode of the series, we share a sneak preview of our conversation with Mary, who took partial retirement after almost 27 years in the DVSA. Mary tells us about her life after taking a step back from work, whilst continuing to do a job she loves on her own terms. She talks about splitting her time between the UK and Turkey, the support she’s received from her family and her partner’
The cost-of-living and your pension
Over the past year, many of us have felt the squeeze on our finances caused by the cost-of-living increases. If you’ve been worried that saving for your future might be leaving you short of money in the present, this episode is for you. Kicking off the series, Kerrie Cureton-Williams, Deputy Director of Civil Service & Royal Mail Pensions in the Cabinet Office and Thomas Lynas, Money Advice Su
Season 2 Trailer: Civil Service Pensions Podcast
We’re back for a season 2 of the Civil Service Pensions Podcast, with new topics and questions for our guest speakers. How does the cost-of-living affect your pension? Are we all heading for an identity crisis in retirement? Is it true that someone can actually steal your pension? Plus, we hear what members think about the scheme and explore new retirement journeys – including how Gerald left work
Kids, marriage, divorce and more - How key life events affect your pension
In the final episode of this series, Rob and Emily chat to Mick Mulligan, Head of Engagement for Civil Service and Royal Mail Pensions in the Cabinet Office, and Emily Wilson, Senior Training Consultant at MyCSP. There are many common life events that most of us go through at one stage or another-from getting a new job and joining the scheme, to getting a promotion, taking a career break, having c
Leaving the Civil Service or opting out of your pension - what does it mean for your future?
Rob and Emily are joined by Andy Jones, Engagement Manager for Civil Service and RoyalMail Pensions in the Cabinet Office, and Jane Bates, Head of Life Events at MyCSP. They discuss what happens to your pension if you leave the Civil Service or opt out of the scheme. We know that the vast majority of members stay in the scheme once they're opted in by their employer, but a small number opt out. We
Why should you care about your pension in your 30s?
James is 32 years old, lives in Liverpool and is a Policy Advisor in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. He's also about to become a dad...but he doesn't really know much about his pension. In this episode, James chats to Rob and Emily about his perspective on why some of our younger members could be less engaged with their pension and may not be planning for their retirement yet
The Gender Pension Gap - could women be facing an unbalanced future?
In this episode, Rob and Emily are joined by guests from the Cabinet Office to discuss the Gender Pension Gap and why half the UK’s population may be facing an unbalanced future in retirement. Cilla Christmas, Valuation and Strategic Review Manager and Co-Chair of the Civil Service Carer's Network, and Sarj Wheelwright, Stakeholder and Engagement Manager for Civil Service and Royal Mail Pensions t
Living your best life in retirement - how Linda's post-work years are among her best yet
Linda shares her story and retirement experiences. From unconscious bias to thermal underwear, this episode is guaranteed to leave you thinking about your financial future in a different way. Linda is a former civil servant who worked for 45 years at HM Revenue & Customs before retiring in 2019. Her retirement story is unique, and she gives us a lot of food for thought about planning for our o
Pensions 101 - what's so good about the Civil Service pension?
Ever had a question about pensions that you were afraid to ask? We've got you covered. No question is too small as we kick off the series with Dominic Arthur, Director of Pensions and Government Recruitment, Cabinet Office and Duncan Watson, Chief Executive, MyCSP. They chat to our hosts Rob and Emily about the basics of pensions - what is a pension? Why is it important? What makes it better than
Civil Service Pensions Podcast Trailer
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector. But what makes it so good? We want members of the scheme to feel informed and empowered when it comes to planning for their financial future, but we know that pensions can feel complicated and difficult to understand. This podcast aims to make things simple - whether you're working or retired, if
