Why it matters
A workplace pension is both a legal duty and a retention tool. Getting the scheme and contributions right — and helping staff understand them — turns a compliance cost into a genuine benefit.
Financial guidance
Workplace pensions & auto-enrolment for charities
Every charity with staff has auto-enrolment duties — and a duty to get value from a stretched budget. This guide explains what workplace-pension duties involve and what to consider when choosing or reviewing a scheme.
The short answer
Charities with employees must auto-enrol eligible staff into a workplace pension and contribute at least 3% of qualifying earnings. A regulated adviser helps you pick and review the right scheme, keep it compliant, and make sure your team actually understands and values it.
The basics
In plain English
- Choosing a compliant, good-value workplace pension scheme
- Auto-enrolment duties and re-enrolment done right
- Contribution structures that work on a charity budget
- Reviews so the scheme stays fit and competitive
- Staff communication so your team values the benefit
How to get regulated advice
If and when you want it
- 1Understand the basics
This page explains, in plain English, what this area involves — so you know the questions worth asking.
- 2Find an authorised adviser
Regulated advice can only come from an FCA-authorised firm. You can search the FCA register, or ask us for an introduction to Equity & General, the firm we have an introducer agreement with.
- 3No obligation
Any introduction is optional and free. If you go on to take advice, the adviser explains any fees before anything goes ahead.
Common questions
Straight answers
Does our charity have to provide a pension?
If you employ eligible staff (generally aged 22+ earning over £10,000), yes — you must auto-enrol them and contribute at least 3% of qualifying earnings. A regulated adviser can advise on the right scheme.
Can we review our existing scheme?
Yes — schemes vary in cost and quality, and a review can improve value for both the charity and your staff. A regulated adviser can assess it.
How do we keep it compliant?
Auto-enrolment has ongoing duties including re-enrolment and declarations. We keep the payroll side right; a regulated adviser can advise on the scheme itself.
General information only. This page explains a topic in general terms. It is not advice, a personal recommendation or a financial promotion, and it does not invite or encourage you to buy any product or service. Everyone's circumstances are different.
Regulated financial advice can only be given by a firm authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority — you can find one on the FCA register (register.fca.org.uk). Buzz Accounting is not authorised to give regulated financial advice. We have an introducer agreement with Equity & General (E&G), authorised and regulated by the FCA (No. 474163); if you would like, we can introduce you — that is entirely optional and there is no obligation.
The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invested. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Will-writing, trusts and some estate-planning services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
