Regulations Governing The Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP)
The 91热爆 Pension Scheme (the Scheme) is required by law to set down a procedure for the resolution of internal disputes. The following procedure has been adopted by the Trustees, who may alter it from time to time. It applies to disputes with the Trustees and not to disputes with your employer.
Application
The procedure applies to:
- a) Scheme members (active, deferred and pensioners);
- b) spouses, civil partners and dependants of members who have died;
- c) prospective members;
- d) anyone entitled to Scheme benefits on the death of a member who is not a dependant;
- e) anyone who has ceased to be in one of these categories; and
- f) anyone claiming to be in any of these categories.
You can nominate a representative to make or continue an application on your behalf (e.g. a solicitor or trade union official) who need not have any connection with the Scheme. If you are a minor, or for some other reason are incapable of acting for yourself, the application can be made or continued by a family member or other suitable person. If you die, the application can be continued by your Personal Representatives.
If you are making an application under (e) or (f) above, you must make your application to the Trustees within 6 months from the date on which you ceased to be, or claim you ceased to be a person in categories (a) to (d).
Procedure
The procedure is in two stages.
First Stage
Your application must be in writing and signed by you or on your behalf. It must contain the following information:
- your full name and address, date of birth and (if you have worked) your National Insurance number;
- the nature of your dispute and why you are aggrieved;
- if you are, or claim to be, a dependant of a member, your relationship to the member and their details in (a) above;
- if you are represented, your representative’s full name and address and whether that is the address to be used for correspondence in connection with your application.
The application must be sent FAO Internal Disputes Resolution, by post to 91热爆 Pension and Benefits Centre, 3 Central Square, Cardiff CF10 1FT or by email to myPension@bbc.co.uk.
Normally, either the Administration Manager or the Communications and Engagement Manager (or the nearest equivalent to these offices from time to time) will decide on the application and issue a written decision within two months. If this is not possible you will be told why there is a delay, and when a decision can be expected.
The IDRP decision will usually be notified no later than 15 working days after it has been made.
If you are not satisfied, you have six months from the date on which you were given notice of the decision to refer the matter to the second stage.
Second Stage
Your application must be in writing, signed by you, or on your behalf, and ask that the Trustees reconsider the matter. It must contain:
- the same information set out in stage 1 above;
- a copy of the first stage decision; and
- an explanation of why you are dissatisfied with the first stage decision.
It must be sent to the Secretary of the 91热爆 Pension Scheme at the postal or email address above.
Your application will be considered by a Trustee committee (including at least one elected Trustee). Normally, they will issue a written decision within two months of receipt of your second stage application. If this is not possible, you will be told why there is a delay, and when a decision can be expected.
The IDRP decision will usually be notified no later than 15 working days after it has been made.
The decision will:
- explain whether, and to what extent, the Trustees are upholding or overruling the first stage decision;
- refer to any legislation relied on;
- refer to any Scheme rules relied on, and where discretion has been exercised, the rule conferring that discretion;
- include a statement that if members need information and guidance regarding their pension arrangements they can contact MoneyHelper and details of how MoneyHelper may be contacted (see below); and
- include a statement that the Pensions Ombudsman may investigate and determine any application or dispute of fact or law in relation to the Scheme, together with the address (see below).
Further Action
If you are not satisfied with the way in which your application is handled or any decision which is reached you may refer the matter to the Pensions Ombudsman’s Early Resolution Service at any time for assistance and/or support.
If you still have a complaint or dispute with the Trustees concerning your Scheme pension following completion of Stage 2 of the IDRP you should contact The Pensions Ombudsman:
Telephone: 0800 917 4487
Website:
If you need information and guidance concerning your pension arrangements contact the Money and Pensions Service (branded as MoneyHelper):
Telephone: 0800 011 3797
Website: or
Exceptions to the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure
Nothing contained in this procedure restricts your ability or rights to refer the matter under dispute to another agency (e.g. the Pensions Ombudsman, a Court or a Tribunal). However, if the dispute is referred to the Pension Ombudsman for a formal resolution or to a Court or Tribunal, the internal procedure will terminate. It will not be re-opened unless the other agency decides it should be.
In the event that any party to the application wishes to appeal against a decision made by another agency, then that agency’s procedures for the appeal must be followed.