Durham University Pension Scheme (DUPS)

The Durham University Pension Scheme (DUPS) is available to staff with an employment contract (and contracted hours) in grades 1 to 5 whose continuous employment started before 1 November 2024. Eligible staff that wish join DUPS must opt-in by completing the DUPS application form.

You can join the Durham University Pension Scheme (DUPS) if:

• your employment commenced before 1 November 2024 and you have been continually employed since;
• you’re a grade 1 to 5 University employee with regular contracted hours;
• you haven't reached the State Pension Age yet.

If you choose to join DUPS, you will need to opt-out of any other scheme that you are a member of.

New starters that wish to elect to join DUPS prior to their start date (which must be before 1 November 2024) should contact pensions@durham.ac.uk to request the necessary forms.

Staff with an employment contract in grades 1 to 5 with a start date from 1 November 2024 and onwards, are only eligible to the join the Durham University Retirement Savings Plan (DURSP). More information about this scheme can be found on the DURSP page.

The DUPS scheme guide and other documents relating to the scheme can be accessed from the links below.

The Durham University Pension Scheme (DUPS) (Internal Staff only)

DUPS - Engagement Policy Implementation Statement

DUPS - Statement of Investment Principles

Find out more about the different pension options available at Durham University on Pensions - Durham University.

Useful Links

• Money Helper
• Pension Wise
• GOV.UK
• Pension Tracing Service
• The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS)
• Pensions Regulator
• Unbiased (for Financial Advice)
• Financial Conduct Authority

Get in Touch with the scheme administrators, Barnett Waddingham

Durham University Pension Scheme, Barnett Waddingham LLP, City Square House, 11 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL

Telephone:  0333 11 11 222