Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution) and Employee Benefits
Framework Description
NWUPC's Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution) and Employee Benefits framework (reference PFB3038 NW) covers workplace pensions, group risk insurance and flexible benefits for universities and other members. It has three lots, and applications are closed (it is not a DPS). It started on 1 June 2025 and runs until 30 April 2030 with no extension option. This framework is used by NWUPC, SUPC and APUC.
Context & Use Case
University HR and reward teams use it to set up or move a defined contribution master trust, insure group life and income protection, or launch a flexible benefits platform. These arrangements touch every employee and carry governance duties, so institutions value providers already tested on scheme quality, member communications and administration.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Defined contribution pension scheme (master trust) Lot 2: Group life assurance and group income protection Lot 3: Flexible benefits platform
Lots
Lot 1: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Master Trust); Lot 2: Group Life Assurance & Group Income Protection; Lot 3: Flexible Benefits Platform
Who Can Apply
Relevant to master trust providers, group risk insurers and employee benefits platform operators. The suppliers are fixed until 30 April 2030 and new firms cannot join, so non-appointed providers should plan for the re-tender towards the end of the decade.
Buyer Benefits
Pensions and benefits decisions carry governance risk and long contract lives. Buyers value providers that have already passed due diligence on charges, investment governance and member experience, and a lot structure that lets them buy pensions, insurance or benefits separately or together.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should help member universities plan scheme moves and benefits launches, and support them through call-offs. Others have a long wait: the agreement runs to 30 April 2030. Use the time to build higher education client references, and check the NWUPC framework page for the re-tender timetable as 2030 approaches.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed providers, Athena's bid strategy and writing support helps you win university call-offs, with win themes on member outcomes and charges and a pricing model that stays profitable over a long contract.
For firms aiming at the next round, our framework pipeline planning sets out what to prepare and when, so your references and policies are ready before 2030. Our bid/no-bid analysis checks whether each lot is a realistic target.
