University of Bristol Retirement Association

This University of Bristol Retirement Association is a Social club run by retirees for retirees. We organise talks on a variety of subjects given by speakers often referred to us by members who belong to other groups.

Who?

The group is open to all university retirees and their partners. Our members come from many different departments and carried out diverse roles within the University. In the event of the retiree no longer being able to attend, the partner is still welcome.

We would like to welcome new members so if you are retiring soon why not come along to one of our meetings and see for yourself. Because of data protection issues we are not able to contact people directly and rely on the University web page to tell people about us.

Where?

We meet on the third Wednesday each month from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and now have a new venue in G.06 on the ground floor of the Fry Building on Woodland Rd, behind the Wills Memorial Building.

There is a vending machine on site where we can obtain tea or coffee to complete the social occasion.

Our next meetings are as follows: 

  • Wednesday 18 March: Meal at Brewer's Fayre in Broadmead at 12pm.
  • Wednesday 15 April: The Auctioneer by Andy Stowe  
  • Wednesday 20 May: Medical detection dogs with Neil Smart (note change of venue, Fry LG.20 on the lower ground floor)
  • Wednesday 17 June: What the Frock! with Jane Duffus
  • Wednesday 15 July: off-site excursion, please contact Val for further details
  • Wednesday 19 August: Lunch at the Brewer's Fayre.
  • Wednesday 16 September: Talk on Keynsham Abbey with Elaine Cook.
  • Wednesday 21 October: The history of Lundy Island with André Coutanche)
  • Wednesday 18 November: Barton Hill Great Western cotton factory with Garry Atterton.
  • Wednesday 9 December AGM and Quiz.

How?

There is a small charge of £5 per person which covers a hot drink and helps to fund the cost of inviting Speakers. We occasionally have cake!!

Contact Val Barns to sign up for the next meeting. 

Resources for our staff nearing retirement:

Money worries can be one of the single biggest causes of stress, impacting mental health and physical health if left unchecked. Therefore, as part of the wider wellbeing provision for staff, Staff Development are offering financial wellbeing courses facilitated by Nick Davies & Richard Ellis, local independent financial planning practitioners. This course will support individuals who are at different stages of their financial journey. 

Target Audience

This course is designed for those approaching and planning for retirement.

Course objectives

  • The University of Bristol retirement process – delivered by a member of UoB pensions team  
  • How much is Enough?  
  • Common challenges/pitfalls and how to avoid them  
  • Understanding Pensions and accessing them
  • Your state pension  
  • Tax and investment planning  
  • Wills and power of attorney – delivered by a practicing local Solicitor
  • Inheritance tax considerations  
  • Action planning 

To attend this workshop search 'Financial Wellbeing: Preparing for Retirement' on develop.

This is a workshop for USS members approaching retirement. Do you understand your benefits options and how you can use them to shape your retirement income. We will talk you through the USS scheme, starting with the annual statement, the tools available online and shape them into a retirement plan. 

Target Audience

This course is designed for USS members approaching and planning for retirement.

Course objectives

 To enable delegates to: 
  • Understand the USS benefit statement and retirement projections
  • Use the online benefit modeler and conversion tool
  • Shape your pension to fit your needs
  • Maximise your benefits ahead of retirement
  • Understand the pension Annual Allowance (AA)
  • Manage your tax liability 
  • Understand the pension Lifetime Allowance (LTA)

To attend this workshop search 'Financial Wellbeing: Approaching retirement' on develop.

Click here to view the HR page on accsessing your pension benefits.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) offers a provision which enables eligible members to take "flexible retirement", subject to their employer’s consent. This allows members to take a proportion of their pension benefits while continuing in employment at reduced hours and salary and continuing to build up pension benefits in preparation for retirement.

Click here to read more about flexible retirement requests.