Data Collection Methodology

This data is collected via a manual process. The number of RSS and choice decision forms is physically counted by operational and administrative colleagues in the NHS Pension Service, who then log the totals in our NHS Pensions Compendia case management system. We then export this information to our data dashboard for publication.

Data Revisions and Amendments

The information reported in this publication is a snapshot of live data, exported on the second Tuesday of each month. Data can be updated, revised, and amended after its initial publication. Users should always use the latest data available.

For example, for the purposes of this data publication, an RSS is counted as “Sent” once it has been passed on to our print and post service for fulfilment. On some occasions an unforeseen delay at the final fulfilment stage of issuing a completed RSS has meant that, after we have taken the monthly snapshot of the data for publication, the RSS is not posted to the member within the same intended reporting month. In this instance, the RSS may be counted as sent one month, and the date of issue will need to be corrected later. The backdated RSS will therefore be removed from the original count for the intended reporting month and instead added to the count for the actual reporting month.

Interpreting Totals

The figures in this dataset represent different stages of the RSS process. This means the numbers in related columns will not always add up exactly to the totals recorded in other columns.

For example, a form is logged as returned before the point in the process where the member’s benefit choice is recorded, and both of these occur before the case is fully enacted. As a result, the totals for CHOICE_A, CHOICE_B, may not add up exactly to the number RETURNED. The number ENACTED will also likely be lower.

This reflects the normal progression of a case through the RSS process and should not be interpreted as data quality issues.

This also means it is not possible to derive additional data points by adding or subtracting the published figures. These numbers should be interpreted as standalone counts rather than components of a single calculable total.

Understanding Net RSS Required

The number of net RSS required reflects members who still require and have yet to receive an RSS. This figure may naturally increase over time as more members reach a trigger point for requiring an RSS (for example, retirement, leaving the NHS, redundancy, or death). This upward movement is expected and reflects normal scheme activity, not a change in policy or data quality.

Using the Data in the Media

Please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk if you plan to publish content or a media story based upon this data. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.