What is the role of the Pensions Ombudsman?

• A. To set the official regulatory framework for pensions.
• B. To approve plan designs and contributions.
• C. Investigates complaints from scheme members about pension administration and outcomes.
• D. To appoint investment managers for schemes.

Answer: (C)

The role of the Pensions Ombudsman is to deal with complaints from pension scheme members about how their pension benefits have been administered and the outcomes they've received. They examine whether there has been maladministration or injustice in the handling of a complaint or decision, operating independently to determine what went wrong and what redress, if any, is appropriate. This can cover issues like incorrect or late payments, errors in benefit calculations, problems with transfers, or mishandling of scheme rules.

This function is not about setting rules, designing plans, or appointing investment managers. Those responsibilities lie with regulators and scheme trustees/employers who oversee governance, contributions, and investment decisions. The Ombudsman focuses specifically on resolving disputes and remedying unfair administration for scheme members.