Research Services for Pensions illustrations: presenting uncertainty and variability

Buyer

THE FINANCIAL REPORTING COUNCIL LIMITED

Estimated value

£125k

Location

London

Deadline

7 December 2026

Published

5 November 2026

Category

Research and development services and related consultancy services

Trade

Research and development

Suitable for SMEs

Not flagged

View the official notice on Find a Tender

In plain English

The Financial Reporting Council seeks research services to examine how uncertainty in defined contribution pension income can be clearly communicated to savers, involving literature reviews, behavioural science development, and empirical testing. The contract runs from January to October 2027, and bidders must refer to the Invitation to Tender for full details and submission instructions.

Description from the notice

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulates auditors, accountants and actuaries and sets the UK's Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. As the Competent Authority for audit in the UK, we set auditing and ethical standards and monitor and enforce audit quality. The FRC requires Research Services to examine how uncertainty and variability in estimated defined contribution pension income can be communicated clearly and effectively to savers. The contract will cover three work areas: • A targeted review of relevant academic and professional research. • Development of evidence-based wording, narratives, presentation formats and visualisations, informed by behavioural science. • Empirical testing with DC savers, using an appropriate balance of quantitative and qualitative methods and inclusive research design. The supplier will be expected to understand saver behaviour and key pension-planning risks, including investment, inflation and longevity risks. Deliverables will include interim outputs, communication mock-ups and a concise final report setting out the methodology, analysis, results, conclusions and limitations. The anticipated contract period is January to October 2027. The FRC has undertaken preliminary market engagement for this procurement. The findings from the preliminary market engagement is contained in the Appendix within the Invitation to Tender (ITT). PLEASE REFER TO THE INVITATION TO TENDER (ITT) FOR FULL DETAILS INCLUDING HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR TENDER