Procedure for Assistant Staff, Contract Research Staff and Unestablished Academic and Unestablished Academic-related Staff
Whilst there is no retirement age for these staff groups, the University wishes to set up a procedure for employees to be able to consider their choices at or about the time when they become entitled to draw their occupational pension in full.
For planning purposes, it is assumed that whenever the employee should choose to retire her/his retirement date would be 30 September, i.e. the end of the academic year in which he/she wishes to retire. To assist with operational planning, employees should inform their Head of Institution as soon as possible if it is their intention to retire on a different date.
The Head of Institution will write to staff two years before they reach the age of 65 (which for most staff is the age when they may access their occupational pension without an actuarial reduction), advising them of their options.
These options are:
- Retire.
- Continue working on the same basis.
- Continue working with a reduction in hours.
- Continue working with a modification of duties/in a different role.
- Apply for flexible retirement, working reduced hours and drawing part pension for a period before full retirement (USS members only).
Two years prior to an employee reaching the age of 65, the Head of Institution will write to the employee inviting her/him to a discussion as part of the normal process of regular reviews which occur under the Staff Review and Development Scheme.
Such discussions are an informal opportunity for both Heads of Institutions and employees to plan jointly for the future (and enable Heads of Institutions to establish if and when an individual is thinking about retiring). The outcome of a discussion should be recorded briefly on form RP3. Heads of Institutions, or their deputies, are encouraged to undertake this review annually, or more frequently where the individual requests it, or where it is required, irrespective of age. The aim of the regular review meetings is to maintain a dialogue about the individual's plans in a supportive manner.
Where an individual intends to continue in post, he/she should inform the Head of Institution of this intention at the discussion.
If an employee wishes to take on a different role within the University at any stage, he/she will be entitled to apply for that position in the normal way.
If an employee intends to continue working but wishes to request a change in hours or duties, a FLEXAF form should be completed and submitted to the Head of Institution in advance of the relevant review meeting. Requests will be considered under the criteria set out in the University's Flexible Working Policy. Requests for modifications of hours or duties will be accepted providing this is in accordance with the needs of the Institution.
An employee can declare her/his intention to retire at any time by completing form RP1 and by providing the appropriate period of notice of her/his retirement. If he/she chooses to retire earlier than Pensionable Age, and is a member of the USS or CPS, her/his pension entitlements may be actuarially reduced in line with the terms of the scheme.
All members of staff have the opportunity to attend a planning for retirement course during the two-year period before they reach the age of 65.