Pensions Bulletin 2026/34
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This edition: Pensions dashboards connection is just the start of the journey and TPR clarifies DB surplus flexibilities statement.
Pensions dashboards: connection is just the start of the journey
The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) has reminded schemes and providers that connection to the pensions dashboards ecosystem is not a one-off exercise. Once connected, there are ongoing responsibilities to maintain connectivity, data quality and security.
For schemes using a third-party connection provider, much of the day-to-day technical management will sit with the administrator or integrated service provider. However, the scheme remains legally responsible for meeting its dashboards obligations. In particular, member data must be kept accurate, complete and up to date.
For organisations connecting directly, the PDP highlights a broader set of additional operational responsibilities, including:
- Managing user accounts and access rights;
- Notifying the PDP of material technical changes, including changes to endpoints or technology providers;
- Completing an annual IT Health Check or penetration test; and
- Notifying the PDP of planned downtime at least five working days in advance and reporting unplanned downtime or incidents as soon as possible, even if resolved quickly.
Comment
The key message from PDP is that dashboards should now be treated as an ongoing operational and governance responsibility, rather than a project that ends at connection. Trustees should be clear on which responsibilities sit with them and which have been delegated to their administrator or connection provider, and should have appropriate oversight of data quality, security, changes to the technical solution and service availability.
This is particularly relevant as the 31 October 2026 final connection deadline approaches. Organisations that have connected should already be considering how they will maintain compliance once the connection project has formally closed.
TPR clarifies DB surplus flexibilities statement
TPR has updated the statement it issued when the Government published its consultation on draft regulations setting out the detail of the new DB surplus flexibilities regime (see our News Alert 2026/02). The update clarifies that “figures used within the case studies are not intended to be benchmarks” and that TPR has “not set expectations regarding the sharing of surplus or the level of value that may be released”.
The statement – which outlines TPR’s “early views” on the principles which pension scheme trustees should consider before releasing surplus – will be replaced by more detailed guidance, which TPR will consult on towards the end of year, timed to support the enactment of the regulations, the consultation on which closes next week.
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