Insights, innovation and what’s next for workplace pensions

In workplace pensions, the pace of change isn’t slowing, and employers are increasingly being asked to play an active role in shaping outcomes, not simply overseeing provision.

That was the focus of our recent employer event in London where we brought together senior employers to look ahead to the rest of the decade and ask a straightforward but important question: what needs to change now if member outcomes are genuinely going to improve?  

Under the theme ‘Future view: driven by member insights,’ the discussion was deliberately forward looking. This wasn’t about replaying familiar challenges or revisiting last year’s agenda. It was about moving the conversation on. And exploring what’s becoming clearer, where pressure is building, and where employers and providers need to lean in next. 

Across the afternoon, we shared perspectives on developments in scheme administration, the evolving role of technology and AI, and the investment strategies emerging to support better long-term outcomes. Just as importantly, we created space to listen to employers’ experiences, questions, and priorities and to focus on how change can be translated into practical action for busy organisations.

Time for change

To help frame the discussion, we were joined by Guy Opperman, former Pensions Minister, and an influential voice in UK pensions. Known for challenging convention and focusing on outcomes, he encouraged the room to think beyond incremental change and to consider what a transformed pensions landscape could realistically look like by 2030. 

A key theme was the demographic shift already underway, with ageing populations and fewer younger workers entering the workforce. Alongside this, the forthcoming Value for Money framework will move the conversation beyond simple price comparison between pension schemes to a broader assessment of value, encompassing outcomes, service, and long-term sustainability. 

For employers, the message was clear: governance conversations are evolving. Scale, adequacy and value are increasingly interconnected, raising important questions about contribution strategies, engagement approaches and how value is evidenced over time. 

Turning insight into engagement 

While adequacy remains a persistent challenge across the industry, one area of real progress is engagement, driven by better insight into how members behave and what they respond to. 

Technology is playing a central role here. At scale, digital tools are providing a clearer picture of member needs and behaviours, creating new opportunities for timely nudges and more personalised support. What’s changing is not just the technology itself, but the role employers can play in using these insights to shape engagement strategies earlier and more effectively.  

As visibility improves, employers are better placed to support members in understanding what they have, what they might need, and what actions they can take. Long before retirement decisions feel urgent.  

Preparing for what’s next 

Pension dashboards were another important focus of the day, with updates from the Money and Pensions Service on progress and testing. Dashboards are widely seen as a step change for engagement, giving individuals a consolidated view of their pensions, including their State Pension.  

For employers, dashboards will raise new considerations, from how pensions sit alongside wider financial wellbeing support, to how communications land once visibility increases, and how organisations respond when engagement spikes. Preparing for those moments will be key. 

A shared commitment

What came through strongly from all the discussions was a shared willingness to move the system forward through partnership, innovation, and practical action. 

Employers are not just observers of change; they are central to making it work for members. Our focus now is on building on these conversations, working closely with employers through governance discussions, proposition development and targeted initiatives that support better outcomes and long-term confidence for members.

Partnership and innovation will shape the pension system we want, not the one we inherited.