The DWP has agreed to fund the TUC’s Pensions Champions project for another year. This means that we will be able to build on the progress already made, significantly increasing the number of Champions. More Champions will mean assistance for many more working people in unravelling their pensions and, where necessary, taking steps to improve their retirement income.

Recruitment and training

The TUC now has a database of over 450+ individuals who want to become Pensions Champions, built up through leafleting and promotion on TUC and trade union websites. We aim to substantially increase that number through further publicity. Around 200 individuals have already attended the 3-day Pensions Champions at work course, provided through Unionlearn and offered at Trade Union Education Centres around the country. This is a free course for individuals nominated by their trade union. A number of courses have also been run for members in a single union or employer and further such courses are planned in local government, rail and nuclear industries.

Further developments

A long-term aim of the project is to build a TUC network of Pensions Champions similar to those of Union Learning Reps and Member Nominated Trustees. Through this network we would support Champions with information, materials and further training. We also want to build the use of the website, encouraging Champions to communicate with others about issues that arise and problems they are facing.