The Government Actuary's Department is headquartered at the government hub at 10 South Colonnade in Canary Wharf
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) has set up a public sector defined contribution pension scheme (PSDC) working group.
The non-ministerial department said colleagues from across the public sector had joined the working group and attended its inaugural meeting – with representatives from organisations including the Cabinet Office, Department of Health & Social Care, Department for Work & Pensions, Department for Education, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, HM Treasury, Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Nest, Great British Energy, Great British Energy – Nuclear, and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.
GAD said membership of the PSDC working group was open to all public sector organisations with an existing or potential interest in DC pension sections or schemes.
It said the purpose of the group was to connect colleagues across the public sector, share knowledge, review approaches and "foster understanding of the challenges".
GAD said the group would also promote good practice for analysis and resilience solutions relating to public sector DC pension schemes – something it said would improve governance of these schemes, supporting better outcomes for members and better value for money from public sector pension contributions.
There are several DC pension schemes used across the UK public sector. These cover a wide range of scheme sizes, including members choosing to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs).
PSDC working group lead Darren Kidd said: "We support policy makers and operational teams with actuarial analysis and advice, helping to ensure DC pension provision is value for money, secure, and supports members as they plan for and move into retirement."
The PSDC working group will meet quarterly to discuss topics related to DC risks and opportunities, reflecting issues raised by members of the group.
The first meeting discussed the annual review of Civil Service DC pension arrangements carried out by GAD for Cabinet Office, and a summary of key defined contribution topics in the current Pension Schemes Bill.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place in May 2026.
