How will I receive the AAS questionnaire?
We’ll send the questionnaire to the individual(s) in your organisation who will complete the Annual Assurance Statement, via email.
What should I do if my organisation’s firewall blocks the AAS questionnaire material?
You can request a copy of the non-macro-enabled AAS questionnaire by emailing us. Alternatively, if you use a secure transfer method (for example, Egress or Connect), let us know and we will upload your questionnaire using this method.
When does the AAS questionnaire need to be completed by?
Please see this year's AAS EPN. This year’s deadline was Friday 18 July 2025.
What should I do if I cannot meet the deadline?
Contact us. They will contact the Scheme Manager (Cabinet Office) on your behalf to agree an extension.
Is there an additional information pack available to help me complete the AAS questionnaire?
No, but pop-ups containing additional information are embedded in the AAS to help you complete it.
Who needs to sign the declaration?
Your organisation’s Accounting Officer (AO) (if you are a Civil Service employer) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (if you are a New Fair Deal employer).
Question 1a – Employer name: What do I do if my employer is not on the drop-down list?
If your organisation is not listed, select “Other (not listed below)” and add your organisation’s name in the field below.
Please let us know of any changes, and they will add/delete them for next year’s questionnaire.
Question 1b – Additional Civil Service agencies or NDPBs : How do I add additional names?
If you are using the macro-enabled version, answer “yes” to Q1b and then add the name(s) in the rows that appear.
If you are using the non-macro version, answer “yes” and add the name(s) in the rows below.
Question 2 – Contributions and allowances a) We have not been able to correctly deduct and pay over our contributions by the due date. How do I report this? b+c) How do I know if we have elements of pensionable pay where only the employer/employee makes contributions? d) How do I know if we have any new pensionable allowances?
a) Answer “no” to the question, then detail the reasons why and the proposed corrective actions.
b+c) Please consult with your Payroll Team if you are in doubt as to the pensionable status of a pay element.(Note – do not include Partnership employer only contributions)
d) You will have needed Cabinet Office approval to set up a new pensionable allowance. Your Payroll Team should be able to help.
Question 3 – AVC, Concord and Partnership schemes a) We have not been able to correctly calculate and pay over contributions and associated data. How do we report this? b) How do I obtain a certificate to certify that the Partnership/Concord scheme meets the automatic enrolment quality standards?
a. Please answer “no” and provide details of the issue, when it was noticed, and how it is being corrected with the provider.
b. Please refer to EPN 576 and Section 5.13 of the EPG.
Question 4 – Data Compliance a) We use the full interface, does this apply to us? Our monthly interface submissions aren’t compliant with the Data Validation failure target. How do we report this? b) We don’t use a Cabinet Office approved method. How do I report this?
a. No. If you use a full interface, only a submission within the agreed timescale applies. Please answer “no” and state “full interface” as the reason. If your submission is not compliant, please answer “no” and give details of how you plan to address any errors and warnings.
b. Please answer “no” and give details of the method you are currently using, as well as the steps you are taking to move to an approved method as soon as possible.
If you need more information, please refer to the Employer Pension Guide - Section 8 for information on Compendia payroll and data responsibilities.
Please refer to EPN 655 for information on data interface transfer methods.
Question 5 – Stakeholder charter/admissions agreement a) Where do I find more information on the Stakeholder Charter/Admission Agreement? b) Where do I find information on the online Employer Administration guidance?
a. Please refer to the Employer Pension Guide, Section 2: CSPS Stakeholder Charter
b. Please refer to EPN 736 for further information on Employer Administration Guidance Online Modules.
If you have not completed all the modules, please explain why, and when this will be completed.
Question 6 – New Fair Deal a) What is a sponsoring body for a New Fair Deal (NFD) employer? b) We are a New Fair Deal (NFD) employer, what confirmation do you require?
a. As a government department, you may have applied to the Cabinet Office to be the sponsor of an arm’s length public body (e.g., outsourcing services and TUPE transfers).
b. Please confirm that you have supplied Cabinet Office with a list of all eligible employees as at 31 March 2021, and you have agreed to indemnify the Minister and Cabinet Office for any losses arising from ineligible members.
Refer to the list of the NFD employers for more information.
