Pension dashboards – what to do right now

Pension dashboards – what to do right now

If you’re set to connect to the pension dashboards in the next few months, you’re likely knee-deep in planning, decision-making, and liaising with your administrator. But for schemes connecting later in the year or even into 2026, the question we’re hearing time and again is: what should we be doing right now?

While administrators and technology partners need some space to focus on early connections, later schemes shouldn’t take this as a signal to sit back and wait. There’s plenty that can – and should – be done in advance to ensure a smoother connection when the time comes.
 

1. Work with your administrator on data readiness

One of the biggest early tasks is ensuring your data is ready. Work closely with your administrator to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the data that will be required for the dashboards. Data matching accuracy is critical for members to find their pensions easily, so now is the time to address any quality issues and commission any necessary data cleansing work.
 

2. Decide how data will be displayed

Trustees and administrators should start discussions on how data will be presented on the dashboards. What level of detail will be shown? What legal considerations need to be factored in? These decisions require trustee input and possibly legal advice. Getting these agreements in place early and sharing them with your administrator ensures they have a clear understanding of the scheme’s position when it’s time to connect.
 

3. Member communications strategy

Don’t underestimate the importance of a clear communications strategy. Members should hear about the dashboards from you first—not via a generic industry update. Engaging with members early will help ensure their data is up to date, making it easier for them to connect with their pensions when the time comes. If your scheme already offers an online portal, use it to your advantage—encourage members to register and check their details well in advance to reduce the risk of a flood of queries upon connection.
 

4. Effective budgeting for dashboard preparedness

Connecting to the dashboards comes with financial implications, and budgeting early is crucial. Trustees should work with administrators to consider the costs associated with data cleansing, system upgrades, legal consultations, and ongoing maintenance. Getting a clear picture of expected costs early on will help avoid surprises and ensure the scheme is financially prepared for connection. Setting aside contingency funds can also help manage any unexpected expenses that arise during implementation.
 

5. Governance structure and trustee education

Trustees play a critical role in ensuring a smooth dashboard connection, so it’s important to have a clear governance structure in place. Work with your administrator to define roles and responsibilities early, ensuring there is oversight of decision-making and compliance requirements. Additionally, consider whether trustees need further education or training on dashboard requirements, data security, or regulatory obligations. Providing training well in advance will help them make informed decisions and support the process effectively.
 

Final thought

Being proactive now will make all the difference when your scheme’s connection date arrives. Trustees who work closely with their administrators—on data preparation, display decisions, member communications, budgeting, and governance—will be best placed for a successful and stress-free connection to the pension dashboards.

The key takeaway? Preparation isn’t just for those going first. The work trustees do with their administrators now will determine how smooth their connection is later.
 
 
This blog first appeared in Pension Funds Online on 26 February 2025.