FOI-03916

##Request ‘To the extent that any relevant documentation does not strictly constitute my "personal data" (and is therefore not covered by Part 1), I request the following structural and policy information under the FOIA: 1. **Policy & Cutoff Directives:** Copies of all internal policy documents, legal opinions, and directive memos outlining the justification for establishing **1 April 2013** as the cutoff or restriction date for retrospective NHS Pension Scheme recognition for HMP prison dental services. 2. **Contractual Data Audits:** Any data, counts, or lists of historic NHS/PDS (Personal Dental Services) contract agreements dating between 2000 and 2015 that carry the identifier or location code **"HMP"** or **"Prison."** 3. **Defensive Strategy Records:** Internal strategy documents, emails, or briefings concerning how the organization handles practitioner disputes regarding prison dental service claims, specifically including communications regarding intentions to "defend claims robustly." 4. **Precedent Frameworks:** Framework documents, settlement parameters, or guidance arising from the successful British Dental Association (BDA) backed challenges where five (or more) dental practitioners secured pension changes for prison-based earnings.’ The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 21 June 2026. We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). ##Our response __Question 1 - **Policy & Cutoff Directives:** Copies of all internal policy documents, legal opinions, and directive memos outlining the justification for establishing **1 April 2013** as the cutoff or restriction date for retrospective NHS Pension Scheme recognition for HMP prison dental services.__ I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. We understand 1 April 2013 was selected as this was the point at which NHS England was set up to have overall responsibility for the commissioning of prison dental services. __Question 2 - **Contractual Data Audits:** Any data, counts, or lists of historic NHS/PDS (Personal Dental Services) contract agreements dating between 2000 and 2015 that carry the identifier or location code **"HMP"** or **"Prison."**__ I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. These are NHS contract agreements, not related to NHS Pension Scheme administration. __Question 3 - **Defensive Strategy Records:** Internal strategy documents, emails, or briefings concerning how the organization handles practitioner disputes regarding prison dental service claims, specifically including communications regarding intentions to "defend claims robustly."__ All complaints and disputes, irrespective of member type or reason for dispute dealt with via our complaints and disputes process https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2024-09/DRP1%20%28V11%29%20Online%20-%2009.2024.pdf. More information can be found in the contact NHS Pensions section of our Member Hub https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/contact-nhs-pensions-members. __Question 4 - **Precedent Frameworks:** Framework documents, settlement parameters, or guidance arising from the successful British Dental Association (BDA) backed challenges where five (or more) dental practitioners secured pension changes for prison-based earnings.__ I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. We understand the framework for remedial action in respect of prison-based earnings was agreed between the British Dental Association (BDA) and NHS England and approved by HM Treasury. __Advice and Assistance__ Having reviewed your request, I believe that it is possible that NHS England may hold some or all of the information you require. They can be contacted at: NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT Telephone 0300 311 22 33 Email: [email protected] Web http://www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/foi/ Following the announcement on 13 March 2025 regarding the disbanding of NHS England, please be assured that at this time they can be contacted for information as normal. More information can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ __Data Queries__ Please contact [email protected] ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data. __Reusing the data and copyright__ If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact [email protected] . This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented. The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2026”. Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence. Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.