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Pensions Administration Operational Support Services Framework

The National LGPS Framework for Pensions Administration Operational Support Services provides the LGPS with access to a wide range of specialist services to support scheme administration, including a dedicated Lot for Specialist Pensions Communications and Engagement Services - a first for the Frameworks.

Overview

Contracts awarded under the Framework may be let for a maximum contract length of four years and up to 30th April 2030 at the latest. The Pensions Administration Operational Support Services Framework is available for Further Competition and Direct Award until 30th April 2026. Please remember if you are using a Framework, your contract award must be completed by the expiry date of the Framework (although contracts let under the Framework can be for longer periods).

Lots

The Framework is split across 2 Lots:

  • Lot 1 - Pensions Administration Operational Services
  • Lot 2 - Specialist Pensions Communications and Engagement Services

There are 14 providers on the Framework split across the 2 Lots:

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Provider
Acuity Business Solutions Ltd
Aon Solutions UK Ltd
Aon UK Ltd
Barnett Waddingham LLP
Capita Pensions Solutions
Clay 10 Creative Ltd
EQ Paymaster
Heywood Pensions Technologies
Hymans Robertson LLP
Intellica Ltd
Isio
Landscape
Lumera ITM UK Limited
Mercer Limited

FAQs

Procurement can take significant time and money both for the awarding Authority and the Service Provider. The National LGPS Frameworks are fully compliant with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. It reduces the time and costs associated with the procurement process by offering a facility that has already been competitively tendered. It aims to deliver access at the best possible price to high-quality, efficient and effective Legal Services Providers. Benefits include:

  • Shortened timescales
  • Reduced procurement and legal costs
  • Robust and transparent process with high level of due diligence and specialist support
  • Agreed Terms and Conditions of contract with providers
  • Enable access to specialist providers whose experience and quality has been tested
  • Comprehensive user documentation and support from Frameworks team
  • Provider ceiling prices established
  • Possibility to benefit from cumulative rebates

The Framework may be used by:

  • Any LGPS administering authorities as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2356) (as amended) including the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme and Police pension schemes and any of their participating employing Authorities, or in relation to the LGPS in Scotland, any Administering Authority and any of their scheme employers as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (SSI 2018/141) (as amended);
  • NILGOSC in Northern Ireland and Employing Authorities as defined in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 SRNI/188 (as amended);
  • The Board of the Pension Protection Fund (http://www.pensionprotectionfund.org.uk)
  • Any other Administering Authority or organisation of a public sector pension scheme or any public sector body or that requires pension related services;
  • Any common Asset Pool or Collective Investment Vehicle established by or on behalf of an Administering Authority or group of Administering Authorities; or any bodies, organisations or companies established by them for the purpose of operating on a collective basis.

The Joining fees for this Framework are broken down below:

  • All Lots ( maximum fee) £1,500
  • Lot 1 £1,000
  • Lot 2 £1,000

If you would like to join an additional Lot of this Framework the maximum fee you will be charged will be £1,500 e.g. if you have only Lot 1 it would cost £500 to also join Lot 2. 

As part of the user documentation, a Specification of Requirements is provided. In order to be appointed the Providers have met the quality thresholds for this Framework and have demonstrated they have the right expertise to provide the services detailed within this Specification of Requirements.

While each Provider successfully passed a minimum quality threshold, they are not all the same. It is important that you focus clearly on what your organisation requires to ensure the Further Competition helps you select the most appropriate Provider. The guidance documentation gives you more detail on how to refine your Specification of Requirements and the other supporting documentation required for your Further Competition.

Yes, you can direct award from all Lots of this Framework.

Service Providers are not ranked within the Framework. All Service Providers appointed to the Framework are deemed capable, and therefore should be treated in the same way. The Framework would not oblige you to use any specific Service Provider. If you wished to make an appointment under the Framework you would undertake a Further Competition.

Additional Resources

Access to Framework Documents - PAOSS

This page provides key details on how to access all the documentation for the Pensions Administration Operational Support Services Framework.

Additional Documents

This page provides the Specification of Requirements for the Pensions Administration Operational Support Services Framework, Sample Members Access Agreement and Sample Annex A.