The Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA) has published new data quality guidance, alongside a new data improvement plan template.

The publications are intended to complement yesterday's guidance from The Pensions Regulator (TPR), providing additional practical insight and examples to help schemes build robust data governance frameworks and deliver sustained improvements.

They form part of PASA’s continued programme of support for schemes preparing for regulatory change, technological evolution and growing expectations around data integrity.

In particular, the PASA's Six Data Quality Dimensions guidance takes a close look at TPR's six core data dimensions: accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness, uniqueness and validity, and provides practical detail on how schemes can assess and improve the quality of member data across these areas.

Each dimension is defined and illustrated with examples relevant to scheme operations, emphasising the importance of reliable data for correct benefits, regulatory compliance and saver outcomes.

In addition to this, PASA's accompanying data improvement plan (DIP) template gives schemes a structured framework for planning, documenting and delivering data improvement activity.

The template is designed to be adapted to scheme-specific needs and supports trustees, administrators and advisers in establishing clear and auditable data improvement processes.

PASA Data Working Group chair and PWC director, Kristy Cotton, said: “Yesterday’s update
from TPR reinforced just how essential good-quality data is to scheme governance, operational efficiency and saver outcomes.

"These two PASA publications are designed to give schemes clarity, confidence and practical tools to meet the regulator’s expectations.

"The Six Dimensions Guidance provides a clear framework for reviewing and assessing data quality, while the DIP Template offers a structured, actionable way to plan and deliver improvements.

"Together, they support schemes in turning regulatory requirements into meaningful and measurable progress.”

PASA chair, David Fairs, also emphasised the importance of data, arguing that "data quality underpins everything in pensions administration, from accurate calculations to managing risk and ensuring compliance".

"With TPR’s renewed focus on data and the increasing complexity of administration, it’s vital schemes have both the understanding and the tools to assess and improve their data effectively," he stated.

"PASA is committed to supporting the industry in raising standards, and these new documents provide essential guidance for schemes of all sizes and maturities."

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