Our practical consultations course has been aligned to the scenario where an independent school wishes to leave the Teachers Pension Scheme. We can align this course to other situations.

Background

Independent Schools are not automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). The school you work for may have opted to join the scheme, as part of their pension requirement or they may have made alternative pension arrangements.

From September 2019 schools faced a significant increase in the level of contributions they were required to pay into the TPS and many are finding ongoing membership commercially unviable and are now looking to implement alternative arrangements. Schools in the Independent Sector participate in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme voluntarily, consequently they are permitted to leave the scheme at any time.

Changing pension schemes, especially moves to lower cost options often lead to a changes in a the benefits provided to staff at their retirement. To maintain employee motivation and good will it is important that schools engage pro-actively with union officials and employee representatives.

This one day course is designed to help employee reps understand the background drivers behind the need to withdraw from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, understand the legislation that relates to such changes, together with the general pros and cons that alternative schemes typically offer. Building on this it considers the role of the employee rep when participating in collective consultations, and liaising with the employees they represent.

Content

Stock Taking – How we got here and what next

Introduction
Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS)
September 2019 changes to the TPS
Drivers behind the need to change
Relationship to employment contracts and state pensions

2. Key Definitions and Terms

What is a Pension Scheme
Pensions Regulator
Pensions Dashboard
Defined Benefits Schemes
- Final salary
- Career Average
Defined Contribution/Money Purchase Schemes
- Pension Funds
- SIPP
- Annuities
- Drawdown
Deferred Pensions

3. Differing Pensions Schemes Pros and Cons

Defined Benefit
Defined Contribution

4. The Legal Framework

Pension Enrolment
Contracts of Employment
Inferred conditions of employment

5. Consultation on Changes to Pension arrangements

Changes to contracts of employment – the legal position
Collective consultations

6. Definitions and scope

rules, hints, tips

7. Further resources and support

8. Action Points

The role of the employee rep in collective consultations
The activities and tasks that reps may be involved in during collective consultations
Signposting skills needed

9. Skills Development – Hints and Tips

Active Listening
Assertiveness
Communication
Presentations and Public Speaking
Meetings – planning and process
Negotiations – planning and conduct
Observation
Questioning Techniques
Working well with others

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about this Training

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Why should you use Concrew Training?

Specialist HR, Employment Law & Compliance training provider
We reference to official Government bodies such as ACAS, ICO, EHRC
Content tailored to your policies and procedures
CPD certificates included
12 months of post-course support
UK-wide delivery
Online and face-to-face options
Open and transparent pricing

What information is available on course content?

We publish detailed course overviews for all courses. These provide indicative content based on the course learning plans. Final content is tailored to each client’s individual requirements.

What other information is available on individual courses?

Free reference guides and resources to help employers evaluate training quality and improve workplace compliance

Downloadable resources available via our website
Customer feedback and testimonials published on our website

Can you include our company policies and procedures in the training?

Yes. We actively encourage this approach. Including your policies and procedures helps demonstrate how, where, and why good practice applies within your organisation. This contextualises the learning, improves engagement, and increases the practical value of the training. There is no additional charge for incorporating your policies and procedures.

How long do Concrew Training courses last?

Standard courses: 6 hours of learning (approx. 7 hours including breaks)
Condensed 3-hour sessions available
Extended sessions or multi-day programmes available

How many people can attend each course?

Online courses: up to 15 participants
Face-to-face courses: up to 20 participants
Whole workforce awareness sessions: available for larger groups

Where does Concrew Training deliver training?

Online: via your preferred video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) across the UK
Face-to-face: on your premises in England, Scotland, and Wales

How much does your training cost?

Typical prices range from £800 to £2,000 excluding VAT. Final cost depends on course duration, location, number of participants, and payment terms.

Full pricing details available on our website
No hidden charges
Formal quotations remain valid for 30 days

What are your courses like?

Our courses are delivered as interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures, and typically include:

Subject specialist input
Interactive quizzes
Group discussions
Practical exercises
Real-world case studies

We incorporate your organisation’s policies and procedures wherever possible to ensure the learning is relevant, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Who delivers the training?

Training is delivered by experienced subject specialists with extensive knowledge in their field. Our trainers:

Have significant practical experience
Can answer most participant questions during the session
Provide follow-up responses for complex questions
Are skilled facilitators who make technical subjects engaging

Do you issue CPD certificates?

Yes. All participants receive a CPD certificate detailing learning hours completed and headline course content.

Who uses your training services?

We work with organisations of all sizes, including:

Large international organisations
Public sector employers
Charities and not-for-profits
SMEs and local businesses

Attendees commonly include directors, senior leaders, HR professionals, operational managers, line managers, employee representatives, and staff teams. Customer feedback and testimonials are available on our website.

Why should I book a Concrew Training course?

Our training is:

Delivered live by subject specialists
Designed for real-world application
Suitable for teams of up to 20 participants
Available face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales
Available online across the UK
Practical, engaging, and immediately applicable
High-quality and competitively priced

Suitable for directors, senior leaders, HR teams, operational managers, line managers, staff teams, and employee representatives.

How far in advance should we book training?

We recommend booking training 2–3 months in advance. Availability is generally good with a three-month lead time. Dates are only reserved once a booking is confirmed. Short-term bookings may be limited.

How do I book a course?

Complete our quote request form
Receive a formal quotation and provide any delivery details
Confirm your booking
Receive a formal Delivery Confirmation and “What Happens Next” guidance

Is there anything else I will need to do?

For online courses

Schedule the event on your video conferencing platform
Share joining details with attendees
Provide the trainer profile and course overview

For face-to-face courses

Book the room/venue and required equipment
Share trainer details and course overview with attendees
Print and provide handouts to the trainer prior to the session

After the course

Distribute post-course handouts and CPD certificates

How does your 12-month post-course support service work?

Email us with any training-related questions that arise following the course. We provide guidance and support relating to the training content covered.

Note: This service is not a substitute for legal advice.

What happens if I have more questions?

We’re here to help. You can contact us at any stage before, during, or after your training programme, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.