12. Security vetting and criminal record checks
HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
Everyone undertakes work for The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) is expected to successfully complete the BPSS check.
There are four elements of verification and we must be satisfied that evidence has been made available to enable verification of each element. These are:
- confirmation of nationality and immigration status;
- confirmation of identity;
- verification of previous three-year employment history;
- disclosure of unspent criminal convictions by way of a Basic Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The check will be carried out when you have been accepted by TPO as a volunteer.
Applicants should be aware that supplying false information or failing to disclose relevant information either on this application form or as part of the security vetting process could amount to a criminal offence.
Volunteer Code of Practice
This Code of Practice sets out the expectations The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) has of its volunteer advisers. It does not set out to cover every circumstance, and it does not therefore follow that unless a specific action is prohibited under the Code of Practice, it is permissible.
Volunteer advisers need to observe the same disciplines and standards that apply in their other business affairs, in order to maintain and enhance the reputation of the pensions profession and TPO.
We expect volunteer advisers to:
share our aims and values: to be fair, collaborative, open, show respect and build trust;
conduct themselves in a manner which protects the good name of TPO.
TPO volunteer advisers agree to:
Casework
use their skills and expertise to identify resolutions to issues that respond to the needs of the parties concerned;
engage openly and promptly with the TPO office on case administration such as allocation, progress, closure and ad-hoc requests;
handle cases promptly in accordance with the highest professional standards, calling on the help of TPO staff when necessary;
arrange to immediately return work to the TPO office for reallocation if unable to handle it promptly;
ensure all reasonable steps have been taken to obtain the information necessary to satisfy the complainant and facilitate the best possible outcomes;
return all case papers immediately to the person reviewing the case or to TPO when the case is complete or when otherwise requested to do so;
ensure written information is always given on TPO headed paper or with the agreed email footer containing the disclaimer wording, identifying the volunteer as an adviser and not by any other title;
Handling customer information and Information security
ensure the security of our information at all times, by observing TPO’s information security policy and taking appropriate measures whenever handling customers’ data;
maintain the confidentiality of customers, ensuring they always have their written authority to approach any third party before doing so;
declare any conflict of interest or personal connection to respondents, individually or through their employer, and return related case papers to TPO;
delete computer records within 6 months of acknowledgement that the case has been safely received by the person reviewing the case or TPO office;
TPO policies, procedures and requirements
undertake compulsory training such as Induction Sessions and New Volunteer Adviser Training Days;
attend workshops, training events and meetings, with frequency agreed upon with TPO;
maintain a comprehensive knowledge of pensions law and practice;
inform TPO of any change in personal data provided on becoming a volunteer adviser or subsequently (e.g. change of employment or contact details);
keep TPO informed of availability and issues that may affect their ability to fulfil advisory duties;
follow TPO policies and procedures including with regard to professional behaviour;
observe Guidance Notes (and other relevant documents regarding volunteer advisory work) as issued from time to time, clearing any matters of doubt with the TPO office;
learn how to raise concerns or use the “whistleblowing" policy if appropriate;
return any TPO property on ceasing to be a TPO volunteer adviser;
Conduct and standards
act objectively in all work;
never give financial advice;
not meet customers face to face;
conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration towards everyone with whom they come into contact;
remain impartial, not automatically taking the side of the complainant;
not use their status as a TPO volunteer adviser to gain extra credence in the conduct of business affairs, although it can be used for CVs or biographies in a personal context;
not use their status as a TPO volunteer adviser for any financial gain;
ensure that any advertisement or other public announcements with which their name or status as a TPO volunteer is associated will not bring TPO into disrepute;
not make any public comment about TPO, its service or its complainants, without express consent of The Pensions Ombudsman.
Insurance
Adherence to this Code of Practice is a condition of any Professional Indemnity insurance offered by TPO. Failure to follow the Code of Practice may result in a loss of PI cover. TPO does not provide any alternatives to this cover.
Discipline
If TPO receives a complaint of unprofessional conduct, we will make appropriate investigations. If disciplinary action is considered necessary, we will decide on the nature of any action to be taken which may include removal as a TPO volunteer adviser.
