Active OSPS Members

What should happen with new employees?

All new employees should have been given basic information regarding OSPS before they start. They should also be told that they will be automatically be entered into OSPS immediately unless they complete the OSPS University Opt Out Form (OPT1U) (33kb).

Any employees wishing to opt out should complete and return the form to the Pensions Office.

If a new employee does not opt of OSPS we will send them a letter confirming their membership of the scheme and enclosing a copy of the Explanatory Booklet. On this letter we will remind them that they will join Salary Exchange after three months unless they opt out and that this will have a severe effect on potential refunds if they leave within two years.

We also ask new members to verify their age and any name change(s) since birth as we need this before any benefits can be paid out. We require sight of the following original documents or you can sign a photocopy to confirm that you have seen them:

• Birth certificate or passport
• Marriage certificate
• Decree absolute
• Deed poll

Please encourage new members to complete  the Member’s wishes concerning disposal of Death in Service lump sum (NOM1) form (23kb) .

What should happen if the eligible employee chooses not to join the scheme within the first 3 months of employment?

The new employee should complete the University Opt Out form (50kb) and send it to the Pensions Office as soon as possible. If they know their OSPS reference number or payroll number it would be extremely helpful if this could be written on the form. This will alert us to the fact that the member is already on the payroll and not a new starter.

If we receive this form in the first three months we will refund both the employee and employer contributions through the payroll.

What should happen if the eligible employee chooses to opt out after the first 3 months of employment?

Please refer to the opt out section.

What should happen if an eligible employee decides to join or rejoin the scheme at a later date?

Please ask the employee to send us a letter or email confirming that they wish to join OSPS. We will then contact them as above.

Please note that if the date of joining OSPS differs from the date employment started, the member is signing up as a late entrant. It should be clarified that late entrants are subject to special terms and conditions if they die or retire on the grounds of ill health from a condition known to them at the time of joining the scheme.

What should happen if an employee is transferring from an Associated Participating Employer or another University Department?

For membership to be classed as continuous, the scheme allows a break in service of no more than a month. We will not send the employee a starter letter in these circumstances. After a month’s gap, we will set up a new record alongside the previous record and send the member a new starter letter. Please cross-reference the leavers section for more information.