Covid-19 Initial Statement
March 2020
The health and wellbeing of all our members and participating employers in the Baptist Pension Scheme are of paramount importance to the Baptist Pension Trustee and Pension Team; you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We want to assure all our Scheme members and employers that during these unprecedented circumstances we are doing all we can ensure that the Pension Scheme services you require remain available. There are of course challenges, but we are working closely with our advisors and taking guidance from the Pension Regulator to address them.
Broadstone Consultants and Actuaries Ltd, the Scheme administrator, has confirmed that continuity plans have been implemented and they will continue to provide key services and administration support to both members and participating employers. Any administration questions should be directed, as normal, to Broadstone Consultants and Actuaries Ltd via the member portal 4MyPlan or the Employer portal 4MyStaff; alternatively you can email baptistpensions@broadstone.co.uk.
Most importantly for our members, pensions will continue to be paid.
Broadstone are aiming to provide a “business as usual” service as far as possible. However, there may be increased waiting times for queries to be answered and your patience is appreciated should you experience any delay in response.
The Baptist Pension Team also continue to be available for non-administrative queries. Please see the Contacts page for our details https://www.baptistpensions.org.uk/contact/. If you have any questions or concerns relating to pensions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sadly, there is evidence in the pensions industry that this uncertain period of time is being been used as an opportunity by scammers attempting to lure members to transfer their funds to ‘safe havens’. This can apply to any Pension Scheme Member, though it is particularly relevant to those approaching retirement and whose pension may have been affected by the current economic conditions.
If anybody contacts you about this, we would encourage you to exercise extreme caution and visit ScamSmart (https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart) which has specific guidance relating to COVID-19.
Further useful information is also set out by the Money and Pensions Service (https://moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk/).
The Baptist Pensions Team and Broadstone would also be happy to discuss any such situation with you.
Further information and guidance relating to the impact of Covid-19 on churches and organisations is available on the BUGB website https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/337630/Coronavirus.aspx.
We will continue to assess the developing situation and we will update you, our members and employers, should any changes become necessary.
We hold you in our thoughts and prayers. The Baptist Pension Trustee and Baptist Pension Team.