Pensions dashboards: initial guidance

You will need to have a digital interface in place to connect your scheme to pensions dashboards. You will also need to complete a number of steps before you connect.

Your digital interface could be provided by:

• using an interface built by your scheme’s third-party administrator or software / IT supplier
• building your own interface if the scheme is administered in-house
• using an interface provided by a third-party integrated service provider (ISP)

Talk to your administrator and software / IT suppliers to understand their plans for connecting your systems to dashboards and assess how well prepared they are. You will need to decide whether they can meet your needs or whether to use an interface from an ISP.

If you are considering building your own interface, be aware that connecting to the dashboards system will be a significant undertaking. It will typically require specialist resource and experience in order to meet the standards that the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) sets. It could also deliver a lot of traffic to your systems and these will need to be available at any time. You should carefully consider all these aspects before deciding on the best solution for you.

Whichever approach you take, you remain accountable for ensuring your scheme is connected to dashboards on time and that it remains compliant. You should ensure robust processes are in place for the selection, appointment, management and replacement of any suppliers.

As part of the connection process, and following standards to be set by MaPS, you will be expected to have completed the following steps by your connection deadline.

• Register with MaPS’ Governance Register. This will ensure the dashboards system is kept safe and that the required security and performance standards are met.
• Provide evidence, including through conformance testing, to show that your systems meet the standards and specifications set by MaPS.

You must co-operate with requests made by MaPS about your connection and let them know if you face any barriers or connection issues.

When connection is complete, you should be able to:

• receive personal data on members (‘find requests’)
• use this data to find members’ pensions in your records (‘match’)
• provide pensions information to members via dashboards (‘respond to view requests’)

On an ongoing basis, you will need to:

• remain connected to dashboards at all times and notify MaPS immediately if your scheme disconnects
• keep MaPS informed of any system issues that might disrupt your connection, such as planned maintenance and cyberattacks
• update your systems when MaPS makes any updates or changes to standards
• keep the scheme’s information on the Governance Register up to date

If you fail to meet MaPS’ standards and requests, your scheme could be automatically disconnected. This may have regulatory consequences for you and we may take compliance and enforcement action.