Request

can you please provide me with information on what communications NHS Pensions sent out to members in 2013 when the Injury benefits Scheme was close on 30th March 2013 and before March 2018 prior to the sunset clause coming to an end to advise them that the IB scheme is closing/sunset clause 5 years coming to an end respectively. Please send me copies of any communications sent out either directly to members or via NHS employers.

Response

I can confirm that the NHSBSA Injury Benefits website was updated to reflect the changes, however I am unable to confirm what date the update was provided - https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/about-injury-benefits-scheme

As the NHS Injury Benefits Scheme is separate to the NHS Pension Scheme, there was no NHS Pension Scheme member alert done at the time, and no direct communications issued. As such, the requested information is not held by NHSBSA. We did however update all employers in the https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20170405142600/http:/www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/3866.aspx (nationalarchives.gov.uk)

I also refer you to https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20170405151113/http:/www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/3537.aspx(nationalarchives.gov.uk) which alerts employers to the consultation allowing them to provide comments.

Please note, the BMA and other unions had the opportunity to comment and were fully aware of the changes, as were the employers.

It is NHSBSAs responsibility to ensure that all employers are aware of the Injury Benefits scheme, and then for the employers to make their employees aware of it- in particular should they apply for Ill Health Retirement. In order to do this, we send out TNs and update the website.

We also had a dedicated member helpline at that time (01252774957) to assist with direct queries.