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Pension and retirement

GRAPHIC: SQA People Powered logo. GRAPHIC: paper figures.

Local government pension scheme

All our staff members have the opportunity to join the Strathclyde Pension Scheme. Detailed information is available at www.spfo.org.uk.

The pension scheme is a final salary scheme based on 1/60th of pensionable service times your last year’s average pay. In addition to this, you can also opt to exchange part of the pension for a lump sum payable on retirement, which is generally the equivalent of three year’s pension.

Also available under the scheme are flexible retirement and ill health benefits. If you die in service there is a death gratuity payable of three times your pensionable pay, paid to nominated beneficiaries. Pension benefits are payable on your death to a surviving spouse and dependent children, including those who are over 17 in full time education.

You pay a monthly percentage of your salary, depending on salary level, and will pay lower National Insurance and tax contributions as a result. SQA contributes 19.3% of each member’s salary.


Pre-retirement training

We work with the Scottish Pre-Retirement Council (SPRC) www.sprc.org.uk, an independent counselling service, to provide training and support for staff nearing retirement. SPRC offer a range of support to help staff in their retirement.