We are pleased to present the results of our eleventh annual survey of the assumptions adopted by UK universities for determining the value of their pension liabilities for accounting purposes.


The subject of this survey remains the “Self-Administered Trusts” (SATs) – standalone defined benefit schemes operated by a number of universities for non-academic staff. 

The survey looks at the significance of these schemes in the context of the overall finances of the university, as well as at the assumptions used in their FRS102 disclosures as at 31 July 2021.

"The size of pension deficits reduced slightly over the year to 31 July 2021, which may reflect a partial recovery in financial markets....However, the pandemic continued to have a significant impact throughout society during 2021, including within the higher education sector."

Results are based on data in the published accounts of universities with financial years that ended on 31 July 2021. The figures in this survey are based on a sample of 37 universities whose accounts showed they operate SATs, based on data in their published accounts with financial years that ended on 31 July 2021.

 

A digital presentation slide features a smiling woman in a beige shirt holding a tablet. The background includes abstract shapes, with text discussing a survey on university pension costs by Barnett Waddingham.

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