The BMA says thousands of GPs are missing updates and correct figures under ‘maladministration’ of the PCSE pension scheme run by Capita, Pulse reports.
A new campaign against ‘out of date and inaccurate pension records’ focuses on ‘missing years’, which the BMA defines as an incomplete record for a year that affects a GP’s NHS pensions record.
The BMA has advised members to protect their pension record by:
- Requesting information about their pension from NHS Pensions.
- Raising a complaint to PCSE, using the BMA’s template letter.
- Escalating the complaint to NHS England.
- Seeking compensation as a result of maladministration.
- Asking the Ombudsman for help.
- Reporting PCSE to the Pensions Regulator.
- In the event of non-response from PCSE, starting correspondence with the BMA Pensions Department.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “As GPs, we spend much of our days completing patients’ records, filling in gaps, keeping them up to date. Surrounding this are layers upon layers of governance and assurance mechanisms, all eventually under the auspices of the GMC.
“All of this is our job, so it’s only right that the money we’re putting aside for our pension funds is looked after with the same level of care by those responsible for looking after it.
“This new easy step-by-step guide from the BMA is a quick way for you to identify any missing years, and take the necessary action to make sure that when you retire, you won’t be missing any time realising your retirement plans.”