Reasons why I volunteer - A blog by Bronwen Jones
The reason I started volunteering was because I used to work for a large multinational, and part of my job was to explain and clarify pension benefits for people, and this brought home to me that many people are intimidated by pensions and simply assume they cannot understand them. As I enjoyed helping people and demystifying the whole process being a volunteer seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring my skills and knowledge to a wider group who may not have the benefit of a pensions person to help them.
Many problems that are brought to TPO are ones of misunderstanding. Often what is needed is someone like me who understands the processes and procedures and can provide clarification. Sometimes, too, what’s needed is someone who is confident and competent at chasing providers for solutions or compensation. I have the experience and tenacity to do that.
It’s good, of course, to give something back to others. And it’s both satisfying and gratifying to help people understand and find solutions for their issues. Pensions are important – these are people’s livelihoods we’re dealing with – and I understand and appreciate how intimidating they can be. It feels good to overcome the block people often have, and help put them a bit more in charge of their destiny.
It’s good to be organised, particularly if you’re not in a structured 9-5 office situation. To do my volunteering I set aside time each week to read emails and review cases.
Related news
- TPO sets out its position on trustees’ obligations when considering a member’s request to exercise a pre-2021 statutory transfer right from an occupational pension scheme.Date:The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has published a Determination concerning a pension scheme member (Mr D) who transferred from the British Steel Pension Scheme (the Scheme) to a small self-administered pension scheme in 2014. Mr D complained, some years later, that although this was in accordance with his wishes at the time, the transferring trustee (the Trustee) failed to carry out sufficient due diligence to check for scam warning signs, and then communicate the presence of those warning signs to him. As a result, Mr D claimed he had lost valuable retirement benefits.
- Deborah Evans, Chair, reflects on her first month at TPODate:In her first blog, Deborah Evans, TPO’s newly appointed Chair, sets out her thoughts on joining the organisation at such a pivotal time.