- consultation has opened on the mandatory design standards for how pensions dashboards present pensions information
- dashboards must present information in a clearly and in a comprehensible manner, and must also be accessible and inclusive
- design standards apply to dashboard providers but will be of interest to pension providers and schemes
- pensions industry is urged to share feedback up to 16 February 2023
- webinar on design standards will take place on 8 December 2023 between 2pm and 3pm
The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) has opened a consultation on the mandatory standards for how data will be presented to ensure adequate consumer protection on pensions dashboards.
The consultation, which will run until 16 February 2023, is seeking feedback from the pensions industry on a set of mandatory design standards. Design standards outline how the pensions information must be clearly presented to the user in a comprehensible manner that is accessible and inclusive. These standards will also help ensure a consistent user experience. The draft design standards follow a call for input in July and August.
Dashboards that have been developed by an organisation and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – known as qualifying pensions dashboard services (QPDS) – will need to follow the design standards. The design standards consultation will run alongside the FCA’s consultation on its proposed regulatory framework for dashboards: https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp22-25-proposed-regulatory-framework-pensions-dashboard-service-firms.
Pension providers and schemes will begin compulsory connection to the dashboards ecosystem from April 2023. This consultation will also be of interest to them as it explains how the pensions information they return to dashboards is being displayed.
The MoneyHelper dashboard being developed by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), which will be available to any user, will also be adopting the design standards framework as far possible.
The Pensions Dashboards Regulations 2022 recently approved by Parliament, empower MaPS, through PDP, to set standards for dashboards. PDP has now published the November 2022 versions of standards, apart from design standards, which will come into force once they are approved by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
PDP will host a webinar discussing the design standards in more detail on Thursday 8 December 2022 from 2pm to 3pm. You can sign up here: https://www.pensionsdashboardsprogramme.org.uk/event/standards-design-consultation/
Chris Curry, PDP’s Principal, said:
“This consultation on our proposals for the QPDS design standards represents another major step forward for dashboards. The appropriate presentation of a user’s pensions information on dashboards is vital for the success of dashboards. Design standards are vital for consumer protection which is at the heart of making dashboards a success.
As we approach April 2023, when the first mandatory connection window opens for pension providers and schemes, it will be important that PDP is able to produce a robust and secure set of design standards. Your input is vital to achieving this, and I urge you to share your feedback in this consultation.”
ENDS
About PDP
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has established the Pensions Dashboards Programme team, led by Principal Chris Curry, to design and implement the ecosystem that will make pensions dashboards work and which will enable individuals to view all their pensions data via their chosen dashboard. Pensions dashboards will enable individuals to access their pensions information online, securely and all in one place, thereby supporting better planning for retirement and growing financial wellbeing. Dashboards will provide clear and simple information about an individual’s multiple pension savings, including their State Pension. They will also help them to reconnect with any lost pension pots.
The Pensions Dashboards Programme has its own website where news, blogs and reports will be published regularly.
MaPS’ role in developing pensions dashboards
Government has committed to facilitating the pensions industry to develop this initiative and have given specific responsibilities to the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) which include:
- bringing together a programme team to lead the implementation of pensions dashboards
- appointing an industry steering group to set the strategic direction of the programme
- beginning work to create and run a non-commercial pensions dashboard – the MaPS dashboard
About the Money and Pensions Service
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) vision is: ‘everyone making the most of their money and pensions.’
MaPS is an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and it has a joint commitment to provide access to the information and guidance people across the UK need, to make effective financial decisions over their lifetime. The organisation also engages with HM Treasury on policy matters relating to financial capability and debt advice.
MaPS brings together the free services previously delivered by the Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. MaPS offers customers guidance and appointments over the telephone, online and in person.
For further information visit the Money and Pensions Service website.
Consumers can continue to access free guidance about their money and pensions via the MoneyHelper website.