Pension schemes face governance gap as admin scrutiny intensifies, warns Law Debenture
While 38% of pension schemes are planning or considering an administration review or replacement, most schemes are not taking action.
UK pension schemes are facing a governance gap as admin scrutiny intensifies, according to data from Law Debenture.
The survey revealed that while 38% of pension schemes are planning or considering an administration review or replacement, most schemes are not taking action, which could increase risks for members and regulatory compliance.
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) updated its guidance in December 2025, stating trustees remain legally responsible for administration quality, even when outsourced.
The data showed 16% of schemes are benchmarking, 14% are conducting service reviews, and 8% are actively looking to replace their provider.
Among those seeking a new provider, 80% cited poor service, especially in project delivery, as the main driver.
62% of schemes have no plans to review or benchmark their administration.
Among schemes not planning a review, 37% gave endgame focus as the reason.
Sankar Mahalingham, head of pensions growth at Law Debenture, said: “Member expectations have been fundamentally reshaped by the digital world.
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