Sorting workplace pensions after a career change

Career moves leave a trail of pension pots. Some are defined contribution schemes with differing charge structures; others may include guaranteed benefits that should not be disturbed lightly.

Start by listing every scheme, the provider, the approximate value, and whether any safeguarded benefits apply. Request a transfer pack only after you know whether a guarantee or protected tax-free cash exists. Compare ongoing charges and the investment choices available in your current workplace scheme before moving money for convenience alone.

If you are within ten years of drawing income, sequence matters. Consolidating may simplify paperwork, yet it can also close doors to options you later need. A written map of each pot’s role—emergency buffer, early retirement bridge, or long-term growth—helps you decide what to leave alone and what to review with regulated advice.