Scope
Description
The proposed arrangement is such that NRS/NDA would utilise an existing commercial MasterTrust to continue providing the necessary pensions arrangements for transferring employees of all the AGR sites that are transferring to NRS. The MasterTrust is a multi-employer pension scheme, unlike traditional schemes which typically serve a single employer or a group of related companies. MasterTrusts are established and managed by a scheme funder that supports the trust financially. An aspect of the management of the MasterTrust will be exempt from application of the Procurement Act 2023, pursuant to paragraphs 15 and 16 of Part 2 of Schedule 2, albeit it is not currently known if that will be the main purpose. To the extent that it is exempt, this notice is published on a voluntary basis.
Contract 1. The provision of an “off the shelf” Master Trust defined contribution (DC) pension scheme administered and operated by Legal & General Resources Limited.
Supplier
Contract value
- £20,000,000 excluding VAT
- £24,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
1 March 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 March 2026 to 31 March 2036
- 10 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 66520000 - Pension services
- 66140000 - Portfolio management services
- 66523000 - Pension fund consultancy services
- 66131100 - Pension investment services
- 66522000 - Group pension services
- 66132000 - Commodity brokerage services
- 66523100 - Pension fund administration services
- 66141000 - Pension fund management services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The existing EDF arrangement with L&G is being replicated by this arrangement as part of the AGR site transfer process and the MasterTrust arrangement may be a direct award for the purposes of Procurement Act 2023. The direct award is therefore being made pursuant to Paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.
NRS considers Paragraph 6 of Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 applies as the services provided by Legal & General Resources Limited have a critical impact on the ongoing operation of Hunterston B, Hinkley B and the remaining AGR sites transferring from EDF to NRS and it would create significant technical difficulties as well as posing unacceptable regulatory risks to NRS for any other supplier to supply the services at the point of the sites transferring. Only Legal & General Resources Limited can therefore currently supply those services, in order to avoid creating significant technical difficulties due to workforce recruitment and retention, acceptance by the employees and their unions, consistency of approach across all transferring sites, an inability to put alternative arrangements in place in time and the creation of a two tier workforce.
Background
As part of the UK’s nuclear decommissioning programme, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) will begin taking ownership of and the responsibility for the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) sites from EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (EDF). This transition, starting with Hunterston B in spring 2026 followed by Hinkley B in October 2026 and the remaining sites over the next few years, marks a key milestone in ensuring the safe, secure and cost-effective decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear legacy.
NRS is committed to transparency and collaboration throughout this transfer process, working closely with stakeholders to deliver a seamless transfer whilst maintaining the highest standards of regulatory, safety and environmental compliance. In line with this commitment, NRS therefore intends to make a potential direct award of a non-exempt service in accordance with Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023.
Supplier
Legal & General Resources Limited
- Companies House: 01417162
One Coleman Street
London
EC2R 5AA
United Kingdom
Email: dcnewbusiness@lgim.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. The provision of an "off the shelf" Master Trust defined contribution (DC) pension scheme administered and operated by Legal & General Resources Limited.
Contracting authority
Nuclear Restoration Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXPQ-2228-DGTY
Hinton House, Birchwood Park Avenue, Risley
Warrington
WA3 6GR
United Kingdom
Email: kelly.capdeville@nrservices.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/nuclear-restoration-services
Region: UKD61 - Warrington
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government