Aim of this survey
The Financial Survey of Pension Schemes (FSPS) is a quarterly survey that gathers information about income and expenditure, transactions, assets and liabilities of UK-funded occupational pension schemes. The information you supply forms part of the UK National Accounts and balance of payments, which are widely used within and outside of the government.
What you need to know
To complete the FSPS, you will need to gather information regarding your:
- pension scheme benefits for employees
- pension scheme contributions for employers and employees
- income from investments
- expenditure relating to your members and their dependents, as well as expenses
- transfers in and out of your pension scheme
- information on balances (assets and liabilities) and transactions
All information you provide is strictly confidential.
Survey information
Selection criteria: UK-based occupational pension schemes on The Pensions Regulator’s register
Population: approximately 8,000
Sample: approximately 900
Frequency: quarterly
Dispatch dates
Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar): 25 March
Quarter 2 (Apr to June): 24 June
Quarter 3 (July to Sept): 23 September
Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec): 19 December
Return-by dates
Quarter 1: 20 May
Quarter 2: 19 August
Quarter 3: 18 November
Quarter 4: 17 February
Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change because of national holidays and weekends.
How to complete this survey
If your scheme is selected, you will receive enrolment instructions on how to access the survey. You will be asked to complete the survey using a spreadsheet-based questionnaire. Please download this questionnaire from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Business Surveys website and upload it when complete.
You can view a copy of the spreadsheet-based questionnaire (which includes definitions and extra information) in the Related downloads section.
Additional guidance to help complete the FSPS can also be found in the You might also be interested in section.
You will have eight weeks to complete the FSPS. Reminders are issued automatically, so you may receive one if you submit data just before or after the return date.
The FSPS is conducted under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Once selected, your scheme is legally obliged to comply. You cannot appeal your selection.
If you need help
If your question is not answered above, you may be able to find the answer on the About ONS business surveys page.
You can call us on 0300 1234 931. Please enter the three-digit survey ID 093.
From outside the UK: +44 1633 810495.
Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.