An introduction to alpha video storyboard

[Start of video]Visuals / graphics (VIS): Logos and text animate on screen.

VIS: The sky fades in and the Civil Service Pensions logo disappears.Voice Over (VO): A new Civil Service Pension Scheme, alpha, is being introduced on the 1st of April 2015.

VIS: Icons of employees appear with a calendar flapping in the wind. Clouds move along.VO: Most members of classic, classic plus, premium and nuvos, as well as those who join after the 1st of April 2015, will move into alpha.

VIS: ‘Some members...’ appears on screen. Caveat appears at the bottom of the screen. Calendar and text move out of shot.VO: Some members close to their Normal Pension Age will not move into the new scheme on the 1st of April 2015. Some will move in at a later date, or not at all.

VIS: Website address appears whilst a laboratory building comes into view.VO: Please see the scheme website for more details about how members are affected by the changes, as well as what will happen to any pension benefits you might have already built up. Please go to: civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

VIS: Shot moves down to reveal a laboratory scene. A speech bubble appears. Test tubes bubble away.VO: So how will my pension be worked out in alpha?

VIS: Shot pans to the right as text appears on a white board.VO: alpha is a Career Average pension scheme. This means the amount you get when you take your benefits will be based on a percentage of your salary that counts towards your pension for each year of active membership.

VIS: Shot changes to an office scene. A speech bubble appears.VO: So how much money will I pay in every month?

VIS: Shot rises up to reveal two clouds in the sky.VO: Both you and your employer contribute to your pension...

VIS: The shot moves down to reveal contribution information.VO: ... and how much you contribute will depend on how much you earn.

VIS: The values in the clouds and chart change to show the various contribution rates for the salary bands listed on the website.VO: You can find more information on the scheme website.

VIS: Shot moves down to reveal an energy scene and a speech bubble appears.VO: So what are the main benefits of alpha?

VIS: The scene moves back up into the sky. VO: As well as your retirement pension, alpha will provide a number of things, such as; the opportunity to exchange some of your pension for a tax-free lump sum...

VIS: The retirement benefits are shown in the clouds.VO: ...ill health benefits should you become too ill to work...

VIS: Each one comes into view as the VO mentions them.VO: ...a lump sum if you die in service paid to whoever you have nominated...

VIS: Clouds continue to move highlighting the benefits included.VO: ...a pension for your spouse, civil partner or nominated partner. Any dependent children can also receive a pension.

VIS: Shot moves down to reveal a forest scene. A speech bubble appears.VO: So can I contribute more to my pension?

VIS: Shot rises up from the trees as an aeroplane flies past pulling a sign for the first pension option - EPA.VO: You can take control of your retirement planning in a number of ways. One way is by paying extra contributions so you can take your full alpha benefits at an earlier age.

VIS: Plane disappears off screen as a helicopter comes into view carrying an AVC labelled crate.VO: Another option is to contribute to the additional voluntary contributions scheme to increase your pension benefits.

VIS: Shot moves down as the helicopter disappears from view. A hot air balloon can be seen above an airport showing the third pension option - added pension.VO: And you can buy added pension in alpha even if you’re already buying added pension in one of the other Civil Service Pension Schemes.

VIS: Shot moves down to the full airport scene. A plane moves along the runway and a speech bubble appears.VO: So when can I take my retirement benefits?

VIS: Shot moves along the runway.VO: The Normal Pension Age in alpha is the later of 65 or your State Pension age. However, you can take your benefits early. If you do so your pension will be reduced because it will be paid for longer. You may also be able to partially retire. If you choose to work longer, and take your benefits later, you will get a late payment addition to your pension.

VIS: Shot moves back up into the sky as the alpha logo appears on screen along with the website address.VO: The scheme website contains more information on everything covered in this video.

VIS: The sky fades out as the Civil Service Pensions logo and disclaimers fade in.[End of video]

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