A TUPE bulk transfer is a special arrangement where enhanced transfer terms are agreed between the NHS Pension Scheme and a prospective new scheme.
It allows members to transfer their accrued pension benefits to their new employers' pension scheme. They’ll receive pension benefits of equal value to those earned in the NHS Pension Scheme immediately before the transfer.
Members have a 3 month period to decide if they want to take part in the bulk transfer arrangement. This is known as the option period.
Once we’ve received the information from the employer, pension information packs will be sent to the receiving pension scheme to be forwarded to the member. They include:
- a statement of the pension, lump sum and survivor's benefits up to the last day of NHS pensionable membership
- a statement of the membership up to the last day of NHS pensionable membership
- an option form to be signed by the member to confirm if they wish to take part in the bulk transfer
- notes covering the alternatives to the bulk transfer.
Once we receive the completed option form, we’ll send the data to the Government Actuary's Department (GAD). GAD will calculate the bulk transfer amount payable, which will be paid by us to the receiving scheme.
If you have a query about TUPE bulk transfers, contact the Bulk Transfer team at bulktransfers2@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.