The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) has urged pension schemes to prioritise data readiness ahead of the dashboards connection deadline, as it published its 2026 Pensions Dashboards Guide.

The guide brings together insights from across the pensions ecosystem to support trustees, administrators and providers as the industry enters what is widely seen as a critical phase of dashboards delivery.

With more than 60 million workplace and personal pension records already connected to the dashboards ecosystem, the PMI called for a shift from connection to ensuring data quality, governance, and member readiness.

PMI chief executive, Gareth Tancred, said dashboards represent a major milestone for the industry and require coordinated preparation across multiple areas.

“Dashboards represent one of the most significant digital transformations the pensions sector has ever undertaken,” he stated.

“This guide brings together expert insight to help schemes prepare with confidence, from data and matching to member engagement and long-term strategy.

"The PMI is committed to supporting the industry through this critical phase.”

In the foreword to the guide, Chris Curry emphasised the urgency of action in 2026, describing it as a “crucial year” for dashboards.

“With connection progressing at pace, it is vital that schemes keep going, get their data ready and take decisions now, including on their matching approach,” he said.

“Dashboards have the potential to transform how people understand and engage with their pensions.”

A central theme of the guide is the importance of data quality, with The Pensions Regulator (TPR) highlighting that accurate and accessible data is fundamental to delivering dashboards effectively.

TPR pensions dashboards lead, Lucy Stone, stressed that data should be treated as a strategic asset rather than an operational afterthought.

She also warned that schemes must address any historic “data debt” and maintain strong governance, including clear audit trails and ongoing data management processes, to ensure compliance and good member outcomes.

The guide further noted that without accurate data, dashboards risk misleading members and undermining trust, particularly given the complexity of pensions information.

It highlighted that schemes must balance accuracy with usability to avoid both missed matches and false positives.

Meanwhile, insights from early testing of the MoneyHelper pensions dashboard revealed that matching approaches will need to evolve over time as real-world usage increases.

Lumera commercial director for data and dashboards, Maurice Titley, noted that the industry is only beginning to understand what works in practice, with user testing providing valuable feedback on matching accuracy and data quality.

The guide also warned that schemes should prepare for a surge in member queries once dashboards go live, with administrators expected to face increased workloads as savers seek to resolve discrepancies or locate missing pension pots.

Legal experts from Sackers, partner, Emily Forrest, and senior associate, Leanne Carter, argued that schemes should use the period between connection and the Dashboard Available Point (DAP) to refine their data, strengthen governance and prepare for heightened engagement.

They also highlighted risks, including member confusion and the potential for increased pension scam activity, and stressed the need for clear communication and robust processes.

Beyond operational readiness, the guide outlines the longer-term impact dashboards could have on saver engagement and the wider pensions system.

Capita Pension Solutions director of pensions policy, Anish Rav, described dashboards as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to reconnect individuals with their pensions, particularly those with lost or forgotten pots.

Meanwhile, Pi Partnership director, Amanda Burden, noted that dashboards could accelerate a shift towards more personalised, digital-first engagement, supported by real-time data and tailored communications.

She suggested dashboards could help move pensions from a “passive, confusing product” to a more active part of people’s financial lives, enabling better-informed decision-making and stronger engagement.

The guide concluded that while dashboards present significant challenges around data quality, security and member understanding, they also offer a transformative opportunity for the industry.

---