Patrick’s journey has taken him from his commute into work, to continuing a beloved hobby in his post-work years – all on the back of a motorcycle!

Having spent his career as a meteorologist working for the Met Office, he’s been spending his retirement years delivering life-saving services as a blood bike rider.

In this episode, he tells us about his career and his work with charity Freewheelers EVS, the charity providing this hidden emergency service to the NHS by delivering blood, organs, tissue, donated breast milk and even specialist surgical tools.

Patrick reflects on his career and shares his experiences in retirement, with some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years.

Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.

Useful links:
Accessible version of this episode
Transcript
Partial Retirement
Pension calculators
Pension Portal
Pre-retirement training

Patrick’s journey has taken him from his commute into work, to continuing a beloved hobby in his post-work years – all on the back of a motorcycle!
Having spent his career as a meteorologist working for the Met Office, he’s been spending his retirement years delivering life-saving services as a blood bike rider.
In this episode, he tells us about his career and his work with charity Freewheelers EVS, the charity providing this hidden emergency service to the NHS by delivering blood, organs, tissue, donated breast milk and even specialist surgical tools.
Patrick reflects on his career and shares his experiences in retirement, with some words of wisdom for those approaching retirement in the next few years.
Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.
Useful links:
<ul>
<li>Accessible version of this episode</li>
<li>Transcript</li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/planning-for-retirement/what-are-my-options/partial-retirement/">Partial Retirement</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/knowledge-centre/tools-and-calculators/pension-calculators/">Pension calculators</a></li>
<li><a href="https://members.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/">Pension Portal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mycsp.co.uk/pension-learning/member-learning/pre-retirement/">Pre-retirement training</a></li>
</ul>

The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector. But what makes it so good?

We want members of the scheme to feel informed and empowered when it comes to planning for their financial future, but we know that pensions can feel complicated and difficult to understand.

This podcast aims to make things simple - whether you're working or retired, if you've left the Civil Service - or even if you're thinking about joining the Civil Service - there's something for everyone.

Hosts Rob Walker and Emily Eccles from MyCSP (the scheme administrator for Civil Service Pensions) take things back to basics. Their conversations will help you get to grips with your pension and even make some informed decisions about your future. No question is too small and no answer is too complex.

Each episode explores different aspects of the scheme. With expert guests and members talking about their life experiences and perspectives, and how these events have affected their views on retirement and their pension. Each informative episode could help you think about your pension in different ways.

Many people believe that a pension is something to think about later in life, or something to get round to dealing with eventually. That just isn't true. It’s never too early to start saving or planning for your future beyond work.

Your pension is one of your most valuable assets and the decisions you make now can have a huge impact further down the line. It is a crucial personal financial benefit and your ticket to living your best life when you're no longer working. It's key to making your retirement years as fulfilling and rewarding as possible.

From learning the basics, we explore a number of topics surrounding pensions and the scheme itself. Our first series features case studies of members in their 20s and 30s through to retirement, as well as discussions around the Gender Pension Gap, discovering how common life events can affect your ability to save for the future and the steps you can take to boost your pension.

Even if you've never worked for the Civil Service before, this podcast is full of useful information and advice for anyone with a workplace pension. We hope you enjoy it.

To find out more about the scheme, visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector. But what makes it so good?
We want members of the scheme to feel informed and empowered when it comes to planning for their financial future, but we know that pensions can feel complicated and difficult to understand.
This podcast aims to make things simple - whether you're working or retired, if you've left the Civil Service - or even if you're thinking about joining the Civil Service - there's something for everyone.
Hosts Rob Walker and Emily Eccles from MyCSP (the scheme administrator for Civil Service Pensions) take things back to basics. Their conversations will help you get to grips with your pension and even make some informed decisions about your future. No question is too small and no answer is too complex.
Each episode explores different aspects of the scheme. With expert guests and members talking about their life experiences and perspectives, and how these events have affected their views on retirement and their pension. Each informative episode could help you think about your pension in different ways.
Many people believe that a pension is something to think about later in life, or something to get round to dealing with eventually. That just isn't true. It’s never too early to start saving or planning for your future beyond work.
Your pension is one of your most valuable assets and the decisions you make now can have a huge impact further down the line. It is a crucial personal financial benefit and your ticket to living your best life when you're no longer working. It's key to making your retirement years as fulfilling and rewarding as possible.
From learning the basics, we explore a number of topics surrounding pensions and the scheme itself. Our first series features case studies of members in their 20s and 30s through to retirement, as well as discussions around the Gender Pension Gap, discovering how common life events can affect your ability to save for the future and the steps you can take to boost your pension.
Even if you've never worked for the Civil Service before, this podcast is full of useful information and advice for anyone with a workplace pension. We hope you enjoy it.
To find out more about the scheme, visit <a href="http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk">www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk</a>

Civil Service Pensions Podcast

Riding for life: Patrick’s story

In this minisode, Emily and Rob are joined by Michelle Storer, Training Consultant, to discuss partial retirement. 

Partial retirement enables active members to take some of their pension and tax-free lump sum while continuing to work. It’s a great way to ease yourself into your post-work years, or work for longer without needing to work full-time – whatever is right for your circumstances.

Michelle talks us through the partial retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider if you’re exploring this option.

Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.

Useful links:
Full transcript of this episode
Accessible version of this episode
Partial retirement
Abatement
Pension Portal

In this minisode, Emily and Rob are joined by Michelle Storer, Training Consultant, to discuss partial retirement. Partial retirement enables active members to take some of their pension and tax-free lump sum while continuing to work. It’s a great way to ease yourself into your post-work years, or work for longer without needing to work full-time – whatever is right for your circumstances.
Michelle talks us through the partial retirement process step by step, with tips and advice on what to consider if you’re exploring this option.
Listen to this episode using the embedded player on this page, or by searching 'Civil Service Pensions Podcast', wherever you get your podcasts.
Useful links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/media/rpmk4gry/podcast-s3m5-quick-guide-to-partial-retirement-transcript-final.pdf">Full transcript of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/_i10OjncWr0">Accessible version of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/planning-for-retirement/what-are-my-options/partial-retirement/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="3cdfae77-f2e6-460f-bae2-11b641ccd2c9">Partial retirement</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/planning-for-retirement/what-are-my-options/partial-retirement/abatement/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="3a59171c-a270-4736-89e0-c669992d14bd">Abatement</a></li>
<li><a href="https://members.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="6d4be087-a26b-4223-825f-e0e09a36cb1f">Pension Portal</a></li>
</ul>

 A quick guide to partial retirement

This week, Emily and Rob sit down with guests to explore the impact that a break in service – whether it’s a career break or a job opportunity outside the civil service – can have on your pension. 

Karen returned to the Civil Service in 2014 after a short break. She came back to a new role, and a new pension.

Karen tells us about her decision to come back to the Civil Service, and how the Civil Service Pension was part of that decision. A change in personal circumstances while she was away meant that, more than ever, she needed stability, and she knew that the Civil Service could provide it. With a new role and new terms and conditions, she felt she needed to start paying more attention to her pension.

Louise Kaplan, Employer Relationship Manager, talks us through the more technical aspects of what a break in service could mean for your pension, and how the length of your break can influence this. Some members in this position may find that they ultimately reach retirement with more than one pension from the Civil Service.

Useful links:

Full transcript of this episode
Accessible version of this episode
Leaving the pension scheme before pension age
Redundancy
2015 Remedy (McCloud)
Pension Power webinars
Increasing your pension
Pension Portal
Pension Tracing Service

This week, Emily and Rob sit down with guests to explore the impact that a break in service – whether it’s a career break or a job opportunity outside the civil service – can have on your pension. Karen returned to the Civil Service in 2014 after a short break. She came back to a new role, and a new pension.
Karen tells us about her decision to come back to the Civil Service, and how the Civil Service Pension was part of that decision. A change in personal circumstances while she was away meant that, more than ever, she needed stability, and she knew that the Civil Service could provide it. With a new role and new terms and conditions, she felt she needed to start paying more attention to her pension.
Louise Kaplan, Employer Relationship Manager, talks us through the more technical aspects of what a break in service could mean for your pension, and how the length of your break can influence this. Some members in this position may find that they ultimately reach retirement with more than one pension from the Civil Service.
Useful links: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/media/n0vmxbbp/podcast-s3e5-returning-to-the-civil-service-transcript.pdf">Full transcript of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/618oBaZpDZ4">Accessible version of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/retired-left-or-leaving/leaving-the-pension-scheme-before-pension-age/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="9237922b-0086-44fb-b1bd-3e4817d47a9a">Leaving the pension scheme before pension age</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/your-pension/work-life/redundancy/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="f9f19a3a-0dec-47f9-871f-923e2defb3aa">Redundancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/your-pension/2015-remedy/2015-remedy-mccloud-updates/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="64d5a261-5f2e-4d64-aced-154e49cdb10d">2015 Remedy (McCloud)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/knowledge-centre/resources/pension-power-webinar/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="d372bf54-507b-466c-92c4-b8db5133cf3b">Pension Power webinars</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/your-pension/managing-your-pension/increase-your-pension/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="bf4a5f54-7187-4442-9600-1f63cfe35ede">Increasing your pension</a></li>
<li><a href="https://members.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="86239f4d-7ded-41aa-a94d-1c7c20b444b4">Pension Portal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="5ff1590f-8aa4-481c-ae0f-b8573003ac03">Pension Tracing Service</a></li>
</ul>

A break in service: what does it mean for your pension?

In this minisode, Helen Shrimpton, Training Consultant, talks about why it’s never too early to be thinking about your pension, even if retirement feels decades away.

We know that some of our younger, millennial members are less likely to be thinking about this part of their financial future, which is unsurprising given that pensions can feel complicated and not relevant at their stage in life.

Helen breaks down the benefits of the Civil Service Pension in plain-English terms, and why pensions are still relevant for millennials, even amongst other financial priorities. 
Read the alpha or partnership? page for more information about the different schemes.  

If you’re interested in transferring an old pension into the Civil Service Pension scheme, you can find more information on the ‘Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension’ page. Please consider all the benefits in the scheme you are transferring from and to, before making your decision.

Useful links:
Full transcript of this episode
Accessible version of this episode
alpha or partnership?
Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension
Pension Portal
Pension Power webinar sessions
Benefits for your loved ones
Illness and injury

In this minisode, Helen Shrimpton, Training Consultant, talks about why it’s never too early to be thinking about your pension, even if retirement feels decades away.
We know that some of our younger, millennial members are less likely to be thinking about this part of their financial future, which is unsurprising given that pensions can feel complicated and not relevant at their stage in life.
Helen breaks down the benefits of the Civil Service Pension in plain-English terms, and why pensions are still relevant for millennials, even amongst other financial priorities. Read the <a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/alpha-or-partnership/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="9b44f4c9-6b30-414c-82e7-bc193310e6e4">alpha or partnership?</a> page for more information about the different schemes.  If you’re interested in transferring an old pension into the Civil Service Pension scheme, you can find more information on the ‘<a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/transfer-an-old-pension-into-your-civil-service-pension/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="4e22af88-a36c-4542-b619-514ca6f3ecfe">Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension</a>’ page. Please consider all the benefits in the scheme you are transferring from and to, before making your decision. Useful links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/media/o4igvjw1/podcast-s3m4-pensions-for-millennials-transcript.pdf">Full transcript of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/WJKBqfWmEFU">Accessible version of this episode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/alpha-or-partnership/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="603dd1ab-8ce9-48f9-896f-bb2bbcfeba42">alpha or partnership?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/joining-the-pension-scheme/transfer-an-old-pension-into-your-civil-service-pension/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="0b0c2ef9-adb0-47ea-a398-c099ca917762">Transferring an old pension into your Civil Service pension</a></li>
<li><a href="https://members.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="158f3d21-df49-4160-be88-12d9b4af17e1">Pension Portal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/knowledge-centre/resources/pension-power-webinar/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="e225926f-4f33-48df-9c78-e3a44b1930f1">Pension Power webinar sessions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/your-pension/personal-life/benefits-for-your-family-and-loved-ones/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="7ae03b1d-5c82-4c93-befa-008f02f10dd9">Benefits for your loved ones</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/your-pension/work-life/illness-and-injury/" data-ogsc="" data-outlook-id="e4714243-08f6-4151-a48d-25e6247bb833">Illness and injury</a></li>
</ul>

Riding for life: Patrick’s story

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