DC pension audits

Independent compliance and governance reviews for your defined contribution scheme

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Whatever type of defined contribution (DC) pension scheme you run, regular reviews help you spot risks early, protect members and avoid costly issues.

Our DC pension audits are led by experienced workplace pension consultants and supported by detailed data analysis. We tailor each review to your needs, whether you’re looking for a high-level check or a more detailed investigation into specific concerns.

Common areas we review include pensionable pay definitions, taxation of pension contributions, salary exchange arrangements, employer contributions during parental leave, and auto-enrolment compliance.

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Due to the complexity of our DC pension compliance issues and lack of in-house resource, the team supported us via an employee secondment. Their expertise has proved invaluable in identifying and resolving issues, liaising with providers and regulators, and helping us implement lasting process changes. We would not have been able to resolve these issues without their technical expertise and support.
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The risk of audit errors

The risk of errors can increase during periods of change, such as scheme transitions, updates to scheme design, payroll system changes or changes in key personnel. Corporate transactions are another important point to carry out due diligence, helping ensure any pension arrangements you take on are being run correctly.

Identifying and addressing issues early makes a significant difference. We support you in reviewing compliance, identifying gaps and putting practical steps in place to resolve them. This can include developing remediation plans, supporting member communications, liaising with providers and, where appropriate, working with The Pensions Regulator. 

Our DC audit services

We offer three core types of DC audit, each tailored to your needs. Strategic or implementation audits can often highlight areas that would benefit from a more detailed targeted review.

Our approach and experience

Our approach is collaborative, practical and focused on outcomes. We combine technical expertise with data-led insight to highlight both risks and opportunities for improvement.

We understand that identifying errors can be sensitive. Our team has experience in carrying out detailed impact analysis, including assessing the effect of missed investment returns. We also work closely with pension providers to manage any required corrections.

Where needed, we can provide additional support through project management or secondments to strengthen your internal resource.

The benefits of working with Howden

  • Independent audits with no provider or product bias
  • Data-led analysis to clearly highlight risks and opportunities
  • Flexible support, from high-level reviews to detailed investigations
  • A collaborative approach across your teams, providers and regulators
  • Better outcomes for members and greater confidence for employers and trustees 
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As your trusted partner, we leverage our deep pensions expertise to find the solutions you need to thrive, ensuring long-term value for all.

Want to find out if we're the right choice for you? Talk to us today.

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