News

TPO closes more cases than ever before The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) today publishes its Annual Report and Accounts  for 2024/25. During this period and following the successful implementation of its Operating Model Review (OMR) programme, TPO has closed more cases than ever before.

Permanent Chair appointed at TPO

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today announced the appointment of Deborah Evans as the new Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO).

TPO’s Pensions Dishonesty Unit pilot comes to an end As funding for the pilot Pensions Dishonesty Unit (PDU) comes to an end, The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) looks back at the pilot’s achievements and reflects on the learnings as the work of the pilot is wound down.

Operating Model Review – Delivering further OMR improvements during 2025/26 In our first blog of 2025/26, our Chief Operating Officer, Robert Loughlin, reflects on the success of the programme in year one and the key focus of the programme for the year ahead.

Volunteering in retirement - A blog by Les Andrews This week is Volunteers’ Week. To celebrate, we’ll be sharing testimonials from current volunteers and shining a light on their excellent work.

Reasons why I volunteer - A blog by Bronwen Jones This week is Volunteers’ Week. To celebrate, we’ll be sharing testimonials from current volunteers and shining a light on their excellent work.

Giving back whilst working full time - A blog by Scott Bamber This week is Volunteers’ Week. To celebrate, we’ll be sharing testimonials from current volunteers and shining a light on their excellent work.

Becoming a Volunteer Adviser - A blog by Anne Harris This week is Volunteers’ Week. To celebrate, we’ll be sharing testimonials from current volunteers and shining a light on their excellent work.

Management of cases affected by the Boots Pension Scheme dispute regarding the removal of an option to retire at 60 on an unreduced pension The Pensions Ombudsman is aware of the ongoing dispute between the trustee of the Boots Pension Scheme and some members of the Scheme concerning the ability to take an unreduced pension at 60. We have been in discussions with the relevant parties and are taking a ‘lead case’ approach in respect of this dispute, due to the number of members potentially affected by the issue.

TPO upholds complaint about pension increases promised 18 years ago The Pensions Ombudsman has published its Determination on a complaint concerning a pension scheme member (Mr H) who transferred to the Olivetti UK Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme, with promises that his benefits would "mirror" those from his previous scheme.

Operating Model Review: Reflections on our achievements this year In the latest in our series of blogs, The Pensions Ombudsman, Dominic Harris, reflects on the organisation’s progress over the last year and updates on the latest developments on our Operating Model Review. He also shares more about our focus on older complex cases, as well as our lead case approach – both examples of how we’re tackling our high caseload. 

Trustees facilitating pension liberation found liable for £5.2m repayment by The Pensions Ombudsman’s Pensions Dishonesty Unit An extensive investigation conducted by our Pensions Dishonesty Unit (PDU) into three occupational pension schemes, a pension administration company and the appointed trustees of the Schemes has resulted in directions that the trustees, including Mr Kaigh and Mr McNally in their personal capacities, should repay in total over £5m into the Schemes.