Published 31 July 2025 | Last updated 31 July 2025
We’ve created a series of guidance documents for the Interface process that you will need to use from 1 December 2025 when administration of the Scheme changes. We want to share them now so you can familiarise yourself and colleagues in advance.
The interface process, file, format and data set are not changing. The only change is the method of sending the interface file to us, which will be via the new Employer Portal.
It’s therefore important that you whitelist the URLs as soon as possible, to ensure you can access the portal when it’s available.
The documents are summarised below. If you have any questions, we are hosting a series of drop-in sessions in August. Please register your place through our booking tool (where you’ll find a list of all available dates). These sessions will be an open forum for you to ask anything amongst other employers (and help us generate additional information that could help you all).
Business Scenarios Guidance – From 1 December 2025
The Business Scenarios Guidance is intended to assist you in developing accurate and efficient payroll interfaces. It provides structured guidance on handling complex business scenarios within payroll data interfaces. As a living document, it will evolve to address new queries and scenarios, ensuring clarity and consistency in data structuring. We encourage you to contact us for any undocumented cases after 1 December 2025 to avoid rework and ensure compliance with best practices.
Data Validation Guidance – From 1 December 2025
The Data Validation Guidance supports you in understanding and resolving data validation issues identified during the interface process with us. It explains each Data Validation Check (DVC) and should be used alongside the Data Validation Reports generated after processing Standard or Manual Interfaces. By addressing validation failures promptly and accurately, you can help maintain high-quality member data and ensure a positive member experience. It provides guidance on resolving common issues, while emphasising the importance of collaboration with our Interface Team for complex or context-specific cases. We have highlighted all validations that will change or been added from the 1 December 2025, to make it easier for you to see what is changing.
Manual Interface Guidance – From 1 December 2025
The Manual Interface Guidance provides you with detailed guidance on the data requirements and file structures for Manual Interface files. It supports the development of compliant HR payroll interfaces by outlining key expectations and validation standards. While it serves as a reference, please remember that you are responsible for ensuring your interface meets Scheme rules and our validation criteria. As mentioned above the current manual interface is not changing.
Standard Interface Guidance – From 1 December 2025
The Standard Interface Guidance provides you with essential guidance on the data requirements and file structures for Standard Interface files. It supports the development of compliant HR payroll interfaces by outlining the necessary standards and validation expectations. Again, while this serves as a reference, you are responsible for ensuring your interface aligns with Scheme rules and our validation criteria. As mentioned above the current standard interface is not changing.