FOI-03919

##Request ‘Please tell me how I request an FOI (Freedom of Information request) to find out how many substitution awards you are making and why. I assume there are so many, that this is why mine and others can take up to a year.’ The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 23 June 2026. We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). ##Our response The average processing times for Sub Awards over the most recent 3-month and 12-month periods are set out below. These figures represent averages only, and it is acknowledged that some individuals may have experienced longer waiting times. The service is undertaking a programme of recruitment and workforce development to increase capacity and capability. These measures are intended to support improvements in processing times; however, it is not possible to provide a definitive timescale for when average waiting times may reduce to a specific level. The service continues to monitor performance and seek opportunities to improve timeliness. 12-month average (1 July 2025 – 1 July 2026) – 254 days Last 3-month average (1 April 2026 – 1July 2026) – 270 days Sub Awards can be launched for a number of reasons: * a mistake has been made on the original Award, either by NHS Pensions, or on by the member/employer on the original form submitted * there has been a change to the member's record, for example, the employer made a change to the member's pay * the member has requested a change to their original Award, for example, they may have changed their mind on the lump sum they want to take __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.