Pension Provision at Bangor University

Bangor University actively operates two occupational pension schemes. All members of staff (between the ages of 18–60) are invited to join either one scheme or another.

The Universities’ Superannuation Scheme (USS) is the principal pension scheme designed exclusively for academic and academic-related staff in UK universities and certain other institutions engaged in higher education and research. Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited is the trustee company responsible for administering the scheme. Further information about USS can be found on USS website here.

The Bangor University Pension & Assurance Scheme (BUPAS) is the pension scheme for all support and ancillary staff. It is exclusive to the University and is run by eight trustees, four of whom have been appointed by the employer and four nominated by the members. Further information about the scheme itself can be found here.

The University also has a number of members (on a ring-fenced basis) of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme as a result of the merger between the University and Coleg Normal in 1996. However at UWB, this Scheme is not open to new appointments. Further information about the benefits of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme can be found on their website.

Both USS and BUPAS offer the following benefits:

1. A tax free cash sum and index-linked pension when a member retires, based on pensionable service and pensionable salary
2. Financial protection for a member’s family or dependants should the member die before retirement including widow(er)’s benefits and a cash lump sum
3. Pensions to the member, and surviving spouse are paid for life
4. Cover against the unwelcome financial consequences of having to stop work because of ill-health