About the Avon Pension Fund

Avon Pension Fund - who is in the Fund and who looks after them?
Even though Avon County Council was abolished in April 1996 and 4 new unitary authorities were created, the Avon Pension Fund continues to look after members of the former County Council and the new unitaries. It is now the 7th largest local authority fund in the UK and has a membership of over 60,000 with current members accounting for over 50%. At year-end the Fund value was a massive £1.4 billion - equivalent to winning Lotto every week for three years!

The Pensions Department is based in Keynsham, situated between Bristol and Bath and has nearly 40 staff looking after members´ interests. All members records are computerised and benefits calculations are too. The department has staff in benefits processing, pension payroll, systems support and development, accounts and investment monitoring, compliance, communication and training:

• 3 Benefits Teams of 5 staff each deal with processing pension benefits for staff of the 60 employers who belong to the Local Government Pension scheme. Each team has a dedicated client list of employers which ensures continuity and personal service.
• a Pension Payroll Team responsible for the payment of pensions of £61 million each year and all enquiries from pensioner members. A freephone helpline is available for pensioners use.
• a Systems Support and Development Team of 6 responsible for providing support to the benefits team, developing IT systems and making the best use of fast moving technology. Its staff also update member computer records with changes and input new starters.
• 2 accounting staff are responsible for "balancing the books".
• 2 investment officers monitor the activities and performance of the Funds 5 external investment managers.

Compliance and communications are both important areas to which the Fund is continuing to pay major attention and developing as necessary.
A large number of the staff have a wealth of experience within the Department. With the expansion of the Fund membership it has been necessary to take on some new staff. An in-house training scheme ensures that new staff are properly and efficiently trained. Staff are encouraged to study for professional pensions qualifications.

And finally our main concern
The primary aim of the Pensions Department is to ensure accurate calculation and timely payment of all pension benefits to members of the Avon Pension Fund. The Department can be contacted on 01225 477000 or email avonpensions@bathnes.gov.uk