Government Social Research
On 14 June 2005, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published a research report (Effective means of conveying messages about pensions and saving for retirement (research report no. 239))
The research was designed to explore effective ways of communicating information about pensions and saving for retirement. As part of the Informed Choice programme, the findings will be used to ensure Government communications on pensions are as clear and effective as possible.
This qualitative research was carried out over three iterative stages. The initial stage of the research explored the information needs of members of the public. During the next two stages, information sheets designed to address people’s retirement planning needs were developed and refined. The research was conducted on behalf of DWP by BMRB Social Research and Alan Hedges.
The report raises some important questions about the role of written information in retirement planning and what it can expected to achieve.
The report includes recommendations on what key messages should be conveyed and their style, format and content when doing so.
The report and summary are available free on the DWP website (pdf)