Human Resources and Organisation Development

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.

A link to 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.