XPS Pensions Group launches new technology to improve understanding of pensions for all pension scheme members
XPS Pensions Group launches new technology to improve understanding of pensions for all pension scheme members
16 Nov 2023
- Complex pensions documents are ‘turning members off’ engaging with their pensions
- 27% of members don’t understand their pension, with long documents considered ‘overwhelming’*
- XPS Pensions Group launches Syntax, a free-to-access online tool to allow schemes to test readability of their communications
XPS Pensions Group has introduced a new technology based on-line tool, XPS Syntax, to simplify pension communications.
The tool is designed to address the issue of complex pension documents that deter members from engaging with their pensions. According to Citizens Advice, 27% of pension scheme members do not understand their pension plan*, often due to lengthy and complicated documents.
XPS Syntax, a free service, allows pension scheme trustees and administrators to assess the readability of their communications, aiming to improve understanding and outcomes for pension scheme members. It generates a report for individual documents rating three key areas of readability, accessibility and inclusivity.
Steve Leake, Partner, XPS Pensions Group said: "We know that long, jargon-filled, and unreadable pensions documents are turning people off from engaging with their pensions. When members are more engaged with their pensions, they are more likely to make sound financial decisions. Our new technology will for the first time allow those running pension schemes to see how understandable, accessible and inclusive their communications are, and help more people get active in managing their money."
Oliver Payne, International Pensions and Data Analytics Manager, Ford Motor Company Ltd said: "XPS Syntax is fantastic. It’s an innovative and powerful tool that uses data and analytics to digest any pensions communication and create an independent review of its quality. It’s great to see this kind of innovation and I hope to see it benefit members by raising the standard of pensions communications across the industry."
*Statistic from Citizens Advice research: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/about-us/about-us1/media/press-releases/citizens-advice-reveals-pension-jargon-baffling-consumers