Formal Consultation on the Introduction of the RHN Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

Consultation Period: 4 September – 3 November 2025

1. Introduction

This consultation document sets out the proposals to introduce a Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme for RHN employees. The consultation document outlines the scheme and the benefits for employees and sets out the rationale for the proposals, the consultation process and timetable.

This consultation document is being sent to all RHN employees, regardless of whether they are currently in an RHN Pension Scheme or not.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this consultation document is to inform employees of the introduction of the Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme.

3. Rationale

Currently the RHN operates a defined contribution pension scheme whereby employees pay an amount into the Scheme from their salary before tax and National Insurance (NI) deductions.

The proposal is to introduce a Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme whereby employees agree for their current contributions to be reflected as a reduction in their salary and in return they will receive the benefit of the RHN making additional contributions to boost the employee’s pension pot. The RHN will continue to make employer contributions into the employee’s pension pot as it currently does in the defined contribution scheme.

The proposed Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offers employees the opportunity to increase the value of their pension pot for the same level of contribution that they are currently making.

4. Additional Information

All employees who currently pay into the RHN Pension Scheme will be automatically enrolled into the Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme. Employees will have the option of opting out after enrolment into the proposed Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme at any time.

Whilst an employee can increase their pension contribution via the salary sacrifice scheme, they can only make salary sacrifice pension contributions to a cap so that their residual salary does not fall below the National Minimum Wage.

5. The Consultation Process

The formal consultation period will commence on 4 September 2025 and will conclude on 3 November 2025. Throughout the formal consultation period all employees will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals and to ask questions or raise queries/concerns.

All employees will have the opportunity to meet with Aviva, the RHN pension provider, to discuss how this proposal will affect them. Staff may be accompanied by a Trade Union representative or work colleague at these meetings.

During the consultation period further information will be circulated to all employees. This will include updated Frequently Asked Questions and Responses. These communications will be on the RHN intranet and through briefings.

Following the end of the consultation period, a response to the consultation document will be circulated.

6. Consultation period

Formal consultation will commence on 4 September and conclude on 3 November 2025.

7. Proposed consultation timetable

A schedule of the proposed consultation timetable is below.