Join Our Free Retirement Readiness Workshop This September & October
- Chamber Pension Plan
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions. For many of us, the thought of moving from earning a monthly salary to living off our pension can feel daunting. How do you know when you’re ready? What choices will you have when you reach your pension entitlement age? And what steps should you take now to make the journey into retirement smoother?
These are exactly the kinds of questions the Chamber Pension Plan’s Retirement Readiness Workshops are designed to answer. The sessions are free, in-person, and tailored for individuals who are approaching retirement or beginning to think seriously about their future.
Why Retirement Readiness Matters
Planning for retirement is more than just building savings. It’s about understanding:
When you can retire – The law provides clear guidelines, but your personal circumstances may shape your options.
How you can access your pension benefits – From Retirement Savings Arrangements (RSAs) to annuities, knowing the difference helps you make the right choice.
What decisions to make in advance – Whether it’s preparing documents, considering Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), or learning about property withdrawal benefits, a little preparation goes a long way.
Without proper guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Attending a workshop ensures you receive clear, practical information explained in straightforward terms.
What You Can Expect
The workshops follow a structured course that blends presentation, discussion, and breakout activities:
An overview of the Chamber Pension Plan and the support available to members.
A session on retirement options – when you can retire, and how your pension income might look.
An introduction to Retirement Savings Arrangements and life annuities, explained simply and with examples.
Guidance on optimising retirement through AVCs, with a look at the online retirement calculator.
Practical steps to take before retiring, including a review of property withdrawal benefits and FAQs.
Importantly, there is always time for questions and answers, so you can raise topics that are unique to your circumstances.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are especially useful if you are within 5–10 years of retirement, but anyone curious about planning ahead will benefit. Attendees often include:
Members nearing retirement entitlement age.
Individuals who want to better understand their options.
Employers or HR professionals helping staff prepare for retirement.
Even if retirement feels a long way off, having the knowledge early helps you avoid last-minute decisions later.
When and Where
All workshops take place at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Centre, Governors Square:
Tuesday, 23 September 2025 | 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Wednesday, 24 September 2025 | 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Thursday, 02 October 2025 | 9:00AM – 10:30AM
Thursday, 23 October 2025 | 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Learning Together
One of the most valuable aspects of these workshops is the chance to learn alongside others. Retirement is a shared experience, and many people face the same questions and concerns. The sessions also give you the opportunity to hear from experienced moderators, including Saskia Stevenson and Randall Fisher, who bring decades of knowledge in pensions and financial services.
Why You Should Make Time
It’s easy to postpone thinking about retirement until the last possible moment. But making informed decisions now could mean the difference between simply “getting by” and enjoying a retirement with peace of mind.
These workshops aren’t about selling products or services — they are about education. They provide a safe space to ask questions, clear up confusion, and take away practical steps for the years ahead.
So, if you’re approaching retirement age, or even if you just want to feel more confident about your future, set aside time to attend one of these sessions. It might be the most important classroom you sit in this year.