Some providers require the old workplace scheme to be closed before transfers can start. In a few cases, Penfold can do this for you. In others, we'll tell you exactly what to do.
What you need to do
Provider | Who can close it? | What you need to do |
Penfold (with access) | Give us delegate access + confirm your exit/start date with us | |
Employer / adviser | Email NOW: Pensions | |
Employer / adviser | Submit final payroll with leavers + £0 contribution to your current provider | |
No closure needed | Stop contributions | |
Employer / adviser | Call or email Scottish Widows | |
Employer / adviser | Mark leavers with Smart Pension + email Smart Pension | |
Employer / adviser | Call or email Standard Life | |
Employer / adviser | Submit final schedule + notify TPP |
If your provider isn't listed, please get in touch with your current provider to confirm next steps.
Providers where Penfold can close the account for you
NEST
We can initiate the closure of your company's NEST account on your behalf.
What we need from you
Give Penfold delegate access in NEST
Confirm your preferred:
Exit date from NEST
Start date with Penfold
Delegate details to use
Organisation name: Penfold Technology Ltd
Delegate organisation ID: TPA017813884
Access type: Full Access Delegate
Email: workplace@getpenfold.com
Once access is granted, we'll handle the closure. NEST typically takes 28 days to process this. After that, we’ll submit the transfer requests.
Providers where you need to take action
NOW: Pensions
NOW:Pensions only allow employers or their advisers to close schemes.
What to do
State that you wish to close the company workplace pension scheme as you are fulfilling auto-enrolment requirements elsewhere
Include your 4-digit NOW:Pensions employer code
Options UK
Options UK only allows employers or their advisers to close schemes.
What to do
In your next payroll submission:
Add a leave date for all employees
Set contributions to £0
Royal London
No formal account closure is required.
What to do
Stop contributions
Employees can request transfers once contributions have ceased
Scottish Widows
Scottish Widows only allows employers or their advisers to close schemes.
What to do
Call 0345 600 4401 or
State that you are closing the workplace pension scheme as auto-enrolment is being fulfilled elsewhere
They will email the scheme manager at your company with next steps.
Smart Pension
Smart Pension only allows employers or their advisers to close schemes.
What to do
Mark all employees as leavers
Exit date: last day before you start with Penfold
Exit reason: employee left employment
Follow Smart Pension's guide for updating employee details
Once complete, email closingaccounts@admin.smartpension.co.uk to confirm scheme closure
Standard Life
Standard Life only allows employers or their advisers to close schemes.
What to do
Call 0800 634 7479 or
State that you are closing the workplace pension scheme as auto-enrolment is being fulfilled elsewhere
They will provide further instructions.
The People's Pension (The People's Partnership)
Employers must give notice in writing and submit a final payroll.
What to do
Email support@peoplespartnership.co.uk to notify them you are closing the scheme
Confirm which payroll period will be your final submission
Mark all active members as scheme leavers in the final submission
Once the final schedule is settled, The People’s Pension will begin the closure process. Accounts are usually kept open for up to 3 months for adjustments, but employees can transfer to Penfold as soon as they are marked as leavers and contributions are allocated.
Need help?
You can contact us by emailing autoenrolment@getpenfold.com, by starting a chat in the Penfold Platrofm, or by calling 020 8003 5908 (Monday to Friday, 9 am–6 pm). We're always happy to help!