Pensions regulator inspections

How to be prepared for when The Pensions Regulator (TPR) pay a visit and carry out an inspection

Why the regulator makes these inspections

As the UK’s regulator for workplace pensions, it’s TPR’s role to check that you’re complying with your workplace pension duties and any other legal requirements, such as paying contributions on time.

They’ll normally ask for evidence of this during an inspection and, unless it’s an unannounced inspection, you’ll normally be sent a written ‘Notice of Inspection’ containing the information and documents that you’ll need to provide the inspector with.

How to prepare for an inspection

We’ve developed a handy guide to support you when you’re preparing for an inspection from TPR.

The aim is to give an overview of what the regulator may ask for during the inspection and includes a checklist you can work through and record comments on.

Download
Download

What might the regulator ask to see?

The regulator may request to see some of the following:

  • Copies of opt-out notices
  • Copies of opt-in and joining notices
  • Evidence of enrolment into a relevant pension scheme
  • Evidence of contributions paid
  • Any other relevant records about your workforce

By managing your workplace pension scheme through us, you’ll already have most of the information that The Pensions Regulator may ask for.

What happens after an inspection?

Once you’ve had your inspection, The Pensions Regulator will then review the information that you’ve provided and may make further enquiries.

They’ll aim to be in contact within 4 weeks of the inspection to confirm whether they’re satisfied with how the inspection went or whether they need additional information.