All you need to know to start saving for retirement with the Mercer Master Trust
We all have different ideas about what we would like to do once we stop working.
But the one thing that most of us will need is a level of income that allows us to turn those ideas into reality.
The good news is that your employer has made a workplace pension scheme available to help you save money for your retirement.
Durham University Retirement Savings Plan
Durham University Retirement Savings Plan (DURSP) is a defined contribution scheme, available to all colleagues with an employment contract in Grades 1 to 5. There's various employee contribution options and employer contributions start at 10%, with the option for this to be increased on a matched basis.
This is the only available scheme available to colleagues in grades 1 to 5 who started on or after 1 November 2024.
· Learn more about additional feature on the DURSP Hub (DU staff only)
Additional information about this scheme can be found in the documents below.
Aviva Basic Pension Scheme
This is our auto enrolment scheme for all staff in grades 1 to 5, who are employed by the University before 1 November 2024. From 1 November 2024, the new DURSP scheme detailed above will become the auto enrolment scheme for staff with an employment contract in grades 1 to 5.
Colleagues with casual terms of engagement only are enrolled into the Aviva Basic Pension Scheme when they meet the statutory criteria for auto enrolment. They are not eligible to join DUPS or DURSP and the Aviva Basic Pension Scheme will continue to be auto enrolment scheme for casual workers after 1 November 2024
All the information you need to know about these options can be found in the documents below.
When you think ahead to your retirement, it can feel like there’s a lot to consider - how much you can afford to save right now and the sort of income you might need when you retire. Whatever stage of pension planning you’re at, the sooner you start saving, the more likely you are to be able to enjoy the kind of retirement you want.
Each month, pension contributions from your salary will automatically be invested in your pension. You can increase your contributions to try and reach your saving goals sooner - our retirement planning tools can help you see what impact making a change to your pension contributions now, could have later in life.
The value of your pension savings is not guaranteed and can go down as well as up. You could get back less than the amount paid in.
Documents
You can find further information about your pension savings in these documents. These documents may be updated from time to time – you can find the version date of the document on the bottom of the last page. If you require a previous version of a document, please get in touch.
*Aviva do not own, produce, maintain or update this document. Aviva therefore accepts no liability for the contents or for any decisions based on this.
This guide tells you how the Mercer Master Trust works and the benefits you can choose when you retire.
This guide explains how you can invest your pension savings.
This update provides information on some improvements we are making to some of our funds.
This provides some additional information about pension saving.
This form allows you to opt out of the Mercer Master Trust. You should only complete this form if you have received a letter or email that states you have a right to opt out. Before deciding to opt out, please read the 'Starting points' guide.
This form allows you to opt in to, or join, the Mercer Master Trust. You can use this form if you have received a letter or email that states you are not being automatically enrolled in the Mecer Master Trust, but you have the right to opt in to, or join, it.
This describes how the Mercer Master Trust Trustees use members' personal data.
Aviva’s quarterly investment newsletter for pension scheme members.
How the Mercer Master Trust is run
Four key parties are involved in financing, managing and running the Mercer Master Trust:
- Your employer – Your employer has chosen the Mercer Master Trust as your workplace pension scheme and contributes to it for you.
- Independent Trustees - The Mercer Master Trust is managed by the Mercer Master Trust Trustee Board, which is made up of three independent professional trustees. The Trustee Board has a duty to manage the Mercer Master Trust in the best interests of you and your dependants and in accordance with its Rules. This includes confirming that the Mercer Master Trust offers its members value for money. The Mercer Master Trust Trustee Board oversees and monitors all of the investment funds to ensure they are meeting the objectives set for them.
- Mercer Limited – Mercer is responsible for running, the Mercer Master Trust. This includes ensuring it is financially sustainable and appointing and managing all of the key providers, including the Mercer Master Trust administrator. In addition, the Trustees have appointed Mercer as the Mercer Master Trust investment manager.
- Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited– Aviva is the Mercer Master Trust administrator. It manages your pension savings account from day-to-day. Aviva’s duties include processing contributions to your pension savings, arranging investment fund switches and communicating with you from time to time on behalf of Mercer.
Important information
This site does not provide financial advice. For financial advice please consult a financial adviser. You may be charged for this.
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