Durham University Retirement Savings Plan (DURSP)

The Durham University Retirement Savings Plan (DURSP) is available to staff with an employment contract in grades 1 to 5 from 1 November 2024. The scheme is part of the Mercer Master Trust and is administered by Aviva. This means whilst Mercer run the scheme and it is overseen by the Mercer Master Trust Trustee Board, Aviva currently manages pension savings accounts and investments from day-to-day.

DURSP is a defined contribution scheme with features that include:

• University contributions of at least 10%.  
• Employee contributions starting at 5% with the option to reduce contributions to 2.5% or pay nothing into the scheme.
• The University will increase contributions to 11% if members choose to contribute 6% or increase to 12% if members choose to contribute 7%. 
• Life assurance and income protection benefits.  
• Contributions being made through a salary sacrifice arrangement where earnings allow (to reduce the cost to staff). 
• Staff can request to change their level of your contributions up to two times each year.

Read the DURSP Scheme Guide to find out more.

From 1 November 2024, DURSP will become the auto enrolment scheme for new colleagues who are joining the University with an employment contract in grades 1 to 5.

If you have any queries about this scheme, please email pensions@durham.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

Find out more about the different pension options available at Durham University on Pensions - Durham University.