EXCLUSIVE: Charity Aspire has rolled out a group personal pension (GPP) scheme in preparation for the 2012 pension reforms, and has launched an online flexible benefits scheme.
The charity’s staging date, to comply with the reforms, is 2014, because it has 59 employees.
Tasha Webster, director of operations at Aspire, said: “I felt it was best to get it in place now and get staff used to saving while it is optional, and have a nice long lead into it.”
The GPP, which is provided by Aegon, was launched at the charity’s annual meeting on 21 September, where its adviser Towergate Financial was available to answer questions.
The charity previously had a GPP scheme in place for five senior managers, and a stakeholder scheme for the rest of its staff, but only four employees had joined.
Aspire intends to carry out financial education to promote the scheme, which began with the staff meeting and will continue with one-to-one sessions for all staff.
The online flexible benefits scheme, which includes the GPP, as well as new perks like bikes-for-work, an employee discounts scheme and a monthly lottery prize draw, is provided by Fair Care.
The scheme was launched to unite Aspire’s benefits in one place, and can be accessed via the internet. It was launched via email and through a staff newsletter.
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