Group Pension Schemes and Auto-Enrolment
Providing a competitive pension scheme is not only a regulatory requirement, it is also one of the most valued employee benefits you can offer.
Whether you already have a group pension scheme in place or are looking to establish one, it is essential to ensure full compliance with auto-enrolment legislation. Simply having a pension scheme is not sufficient; ongoing assessments, record-keeping, and minimum contribution standards must all be met.
At Patterson-Mills, we provide expert guidance to employers of all sizes, helping you design, implement, and manage group pension schemes that meet both regulatory obligations and your company’s wider objectives.
If you are looking for a proactive, supportive adviser to help manage your group pension responsibilities and provide real value to your employees, we are here to help.
How we work with you – Elevating your company pension scheme
Comprehensive scheme review
We begin with a full assessment of your current pension arrangements, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities to enhance employee benefits and engagement.
Tailored scheme design and enhancements
We design practical updates to create a scheme that is compliant, competitive, flexible, and attractive to your workforce.
Seamless implementation support
We manage the process of updating, implementing, or transitioning your scheme, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Employee communication and engagement
We help clearly communicate the benefits of your pension scheme, boosting employee understanding, participation, and appreciation.
Ongoing governance and expert support
We provide regular reviews, contribution monitoring, and proactive updates to keep your pension scheme compliant and effective.
Long-term partnership approach
We view your pension scheme as a long-term asset for your business, supporting you as your company and workforce evolve.
How to get started
Tell us about your company and workforce
We begin with a conversation to understand your business, employee demographics, existing benefits, and any challenges or goals you are aiming to achieve. This allows us to tailor our approach specifically to your organisation.
Receive a full scheme review and gap analysis
We will conduct a thorough review of your existing pension scheme (if applicable), checking for compliance with current legislation, efficiency of contribution structures, employee engagement effectiveness, and benchmarking your scheme against market standards.
Implement tailored recommendations to elevate your pension scheme
Based on our findings, we will provide a clear, actionable strategy to enhance or establish your group pension offering. We manage the implementation process with you, liaising with providers and ensuring your scheme is fully optimised, compliant, and positioned to support your business and employees.
You can contact our team directly at: employeebenefits@pattersonmills.com.
What makes us different?
No service we provide is a ‘one-and-done’ exercise.
We believe that a great pension scheme is only part of the solution. Ongoing personal guidance for your staff is enormously valuable.
At Patterson-Mills, we go beyond setting up and managing your company pension scheme. Every year, we meet individually with your employees to review their pensions, answer personal financial questions, and provide tailored guidance on savings, investments, and more.
Employees also have access to a dedicated email address and our phone support line throughout the year, ensuring they always have someone to turn to whenever they need help.
This ongoing support not only helps your team make better financial decisions, but also demonstrates your company’s commitment to their long-term wellbeing and success.
Understanding Group Pension Scheme Compliance
Employer Duties
Under the Pensions Act 2008, all UK employers must assess their workforce, automatically enrol eligible employees into a Qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme, and contribute towards it. Ongoing duties include monitoring eligibility at every pay period, maintaining detailed records, and re-enrolling eligible employees every three years.
Qualifying Scheme Requirements
To qualify, a pension scheme must meet minimum standards for contributions or benefit accrual. As of the 2025 tax year, minimum contributions are 8% of qualifying earnings, of which at least 3% must come from the employer.
Adjusting Existing Schemes
Many occupational and group personal pension schemes can qualify if adjusted appropriately. Changes may involve widening scheme membership, amending contribution structures, or updating scheme rules to meet regulatory requirements.
Why Expert Advice Matters
Compliance is not optional and errors can lead to fines or reputational damage. Navigating pension regulation requires specialist advice from advisers who understand auto-enrolment in depth, not just basic pension advice. Patterson-Mills offers the expertise needed to meet your duties with confidence.