Following its set up in early 2019, our online advisory group Platform has had a fantastic success with 400 members joining and sharing their feedback on communications products and concepts.  
 
The purpose of the group is to provide an opportunity for members of the railway pension schemes to play a more active role in the development of the communications they receive.  
 
The group comprises active and preserved members of the defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements, as well as pensioners, who provide invaluable insight and opinions.  
 
To date, we have asked members to take part in four surveys on different topics. 
 
In May, we asked them what their rail pension means to them. Around 76% of respondents told us that by saving into their pensions, they are ‘saving for life after work’, while ‘saving for the future’, ‘security’ and ‘the benefits’ are what matters most to them about belonging to the Scheme. 
 
In July, we asked members of the British Transport Police Force Superannuation Fund (BTPFSF) to share their views on investment factsheets. Half of respondents told us they have never used a fund factsheet before, and the majority of respondents told us they prefer to see more visual rather than factual charts that explain their pension. 
 
Our third survey sought members’ opinions on a revamped version of the investment factsheets and the language and visuals we use to communicate key messages about their pension. The majority of respondents said the information we include in the factsheets is ‘about right’; the language and visuals were easy to understand; and that if they had to choose an investment fund, the factsheets would help them make a decision.  
 
In November, we asked members what they think of the Railways Pension Scheme brand. Members were familiar with the logo generally and think it is ‘trustworthy’ and ‘friendly’. Most respondents said they instantly know what we mean by the ‘RPS’ and know that it stands for the Railways Pension Scheme. 
 
If you would like to know more about the Platform initiative, please email stuart.mackintosh@rpmi.co.uk.