Minister announces review findings and audit of NHS Pensions administration

The Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, has announced the publication of an independent review into the NHS Business Services Authority's (NHSBSA) delivery of the McCloud Remedy for the NHS Pension Scheme, alongside a new independent audit of scheme administration.

The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) has been appointed to lead a comprehensive audit of the scheme’s administration, in light of newly identified scheme administration issues.

The review was commissioned in 2025, after the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) missed the statutory deadline for completion of the McCloud Remedy.

Many scheme members have not yet had the opportunity to make their choice and receive any appropriate compensation.

In her statement, following the publication of the findings of the independent review, the minister explains:

• The independent review recommendations cover both strategic and operational areas within NHSBSA, including changes to governance, leadership and culture, as well as digitalisation, data and customer experience.
• Progress has been made to increase DHSC’s oversight and support for pensions administration services, and a new leadership team is in place at NHSBSA.
• Further action is needed to stabilise scheme administration services and prepare for much needed and long-awaited modernisation.
• New administration issues have been identified, and as a result, the GAD has been appointed to lead an independent audit into scheme administration.

Not everyone is affected

Our understanding is that the administration issues affect a small proportion of scheme members and that whilst some affected members will be receiving the correct pension, others may be entitled to more. NHSBSA are working to identify affected members and assess the impact. Affected members will be contacted directly by NHSBSA and NHSBSA will apply any corrections to members records.

Next steps for employers

• You don’t need to take any action.
• Please reassure staff that they don’t need to take any action and will be contacted by NHSBSA if they are affected.
•  Please encourage members make sure their contact details are up to date.

Keeping you informed 

• Please check the NHS Pensions Service Assurance web page regularly for updates. 
• By checking the web page instead of contacting NHS Pensions, you can help support colleagues at NHSBSA to manage their business-as-usual activities during this busy period.
• We will keep you informed through our regular channels – you can contact our pensions team. 
• NHS England will be writing to all organisations with supporting FAQs.