CNC Pension Scheme (CPS)

The UKAEA transferred pension administration services from Aon Hewitt to Equiniti with effect from 1 April 2018. UKAEA invoices the CNC for its share of the administration costs for the UKAEA pension schemes, and these funds are passed directly to Equiniti.

The monthly administration fee for the 2026/27 financial year is based on membership data each month, covering active, pensioner and deferred members. It includes the CNC's proportion of the annual administration fee and the Treasury fee. Under the UKAEA contract with Equiniti, these fees increase annually in line with an agreed inflation rate. The fee covers all routine administration activities for individual members.

In addition, Equiniti now applies charges for Backdated Pay Awards where pension contributions are due on arrears. These costs are agreed in advance between Equiniti and the CNC.

From 1 October 2026, active members of the UKAEA CPS will transfer to the Alpha Civil Service Pension Scheme. The UKAEA CPS will close to new members; however, benefits accrued up to 30 September 2026 will remain in the CPS unless an individual chooses to transfer them. As a result, employees will hold two separate pension arrangements - one in the CPS and one in Alpha - and pension administration costs for the UKAEA CPS will continue to apply after 1 October 2026. UKAEA is currently reviewing the longer-term employer charging arrangements under Alpha.

The administration of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary Pension Scheme (CPS) is the responsibility of UKAEA, not CNC. CNC has no influence over the appointment, management or tendering of pension administration services for the CPS.

Following UKAEA's review of the administration service, Equiniti was appointed as the sole administrator from 1 April 2018. As a result, CNC cannot competitively tender these services, as Equiniti is the only provider appointed by UKAEA and operates outside CNC's control. A direct award is therefore necessary and justified.