Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Internal dispute resolution definition

What does Internal dispute resolution mean? Internal dispute resolution (IDR) in pensions practice is a scheme’s formal complaints procedure for addressing members’ and beneficiaries’ grievances about decisions or maladministration before any referral to external bodies. In the UK, IDR (often called the internal dispute resolution procedure, IDRP) is required for most occupational pension schemes by section 50 of the Pensions Act 1995 (as amended) and related regulations; in Ireland, comparable duties arise under the Pensions Act 1990 and regulations. Usage and purpose are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Typical features include: eligibility for members, prospective members, beneficiaries and, in some...

Occupational pension schemes: internal dispute resolution procedures (IDRP)—legal framework, scope and exemptions, process, time limits, communications, Pensions Ombudsman interface and penalties

Published by a LexisNexis Pensions expert

Practice notes

This practice note applies to occupational pension schemes

The statutory basis for an occupational pension scheme’s internal dispute resolution procedure (IDRP) is found in:

sections 50, 50A and 50B of the Pensions Act 1995 (PA 1995); and
the Occupational Pension Schemes (Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure Consequential and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2008, SI 2008/649

The pensions regulator’s General code of practice also contains a section dealing with dispute resolution procedures within schemes.

Scope of IDRP

Trustees of pension schemes must create, operate and oversee the scheme’s IDRP, and ensure it is properly managed. Through the IDRP, members—and others with an interest—may contest decisions, actions or failures connected to their scheme benefits or the pension scheme itself. Those regarded as having an interest include people who have ceased, or say they have ceased, to be a member or beneficiary of the scheme, as well as prospective members. This extends to widows, widowers and surviving dependants. Complaints that concern the employer fall outside the remit of the IDRP process, and employer‑related grievances are not considered under this procedure...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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