RIBA Pension Solution

RIBA has partnered with Smart Pension to create a market-leading auto enrolment pension solution tailored for architects' practices and their employees.

The RIBA Pension Solution is only available via RIBA. You must apply directly to the RIBA Pension Team to be able to access the specially negotiated RIBA Pension Solution rates.

The RIBA Pension Solution is open to all types of UK employers, including sole traders, limited companies and partnerships, regardless of their size, number of employees, or location. RIBA Practices can join the scheme at any time, and we are happy to help them switch their scheme from other pension providers.

Working with Smart Pension means we can offer a simple-to-use workplace pension solution that leads the market on key criteria including investment performance, cost, quality of service and ease of management.

Smart Pension is one of the largest UK workplace pension providers and offers a defined contribution master trust. It is fully regulated by The Pensions Regulator and investments are overseen by independent trustees whose job is to put members’ best interests first. A digital-first member experience makes it easy for both employers and employees to stay close to their pension whenever and wherever they are.

What RIBA offers

The RIBA Pension Solution provides administrative support and guidance, helping you to lessen the burden of auto-enrolment. We provide information and digital guides for both the employer and your employees that explain how auto-enrolment works, what must be done and how to do it. We are also able to assist with questions and queries. If the practice or an employee needs financial advice, we recommend you contact an independent financial advisor.

For a small annual fee, our service is open to businesses of every size and their employees and covers:
• Administration support for employers getting set up and ongoing
• Guides for employers
• Guides for employees

What Smart Pension includes:
• It's open to businesses of every size and their employees
• Online access and management 24/7 for scheme members and employers
• Scheme members can choose to remain in the default fund or select from 16 alternative funds including Shariah funds (it is recommended that you seek independent financial advice regarding investments)
• Among the lowest charges in the UK pension marketplace
• The scheme is overseen by a fully independent trustee board and regulated by The Pensions Regulator
• The scheme's default investment fund has an environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategy and looks to invest in companies that recognise the importance of a sustainable and responsible approach

Employer and member support is available from both a dedicated team at RIBA and the experts at Smart Pension, by phone, email, web chat, and video tutorials. You can find further details for employers and employees below.
Applications are to be made directly to our RIBA Pension Team. Email the team to find out more.
Read useful information from us about pensions made easy and how to boost staff take home pay and save the company money.

RIBA does not provide financial advice. We provide support to practices and factual information on the Smart Pension auto-enrolment qualifying scheme. If you require advice, we suggest you engage an independent financial advisor such as Corpad Ltd.