PMI launches retirement diploma for pensions newcomers

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has created a diploma in employee benefits and retirement savings (DEBRS) to help payroll, human resources and auditing staff prepare for auto-enrolment.

DEBRS follows on from the PMI's retirement provision certificate (RPC) and can count towards the advanced diploma, the PMI said.

"[DERBS] is particularly relevant for those working on the margins of pensions, who need to understand the area in the wider savings and employee benefits context," said Neil Scott, head of qualifications and student services at the PMI.

"Having the qualification demonstrates holders have an in depth understanding of the issues surrounding retirement provision, and is especially relevant before auto-enrolment next year when a significant number of non-pension professionals will be dealing with pensions for the first time.

"Typically, this is likely to be given to human resources, payroll, auditing or company secretary type roles."

The first round of exams for the new diploma will be in April 2012.