NHS Pension Scheme (PO-9858)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Dr Y’s complaint and no further action is required by NHS BSA.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Dr Y’s complaint against NHS BSA is about their refusal to process his transfer request.

Dr Y’s position is that NHS BSA failed to alert him to changes in the Pensions Scheme Act 2015 (the Act), which restricts transfers from unfunded Public Sector Schemes such as the Scheme.  Dr Y believes that NHS BSA have a duty of care to members to inform them when changes affect their benefits.

Dr Y believes that his email and letter of 2 April 2015 is sufficient as an application to transfer under the Act and, as a result, that he should be allowed to transfer his benefits out of the Scheme to an alternative Scheme of his choice.

Dr Y requests adequate compensation for the distress and inconvenience that NHS BSA have caused him, in their refusal to process his transfer and for their failure to alert him to the effect of the Act.