Pension update - Mandatory notice of intention to retire

The McCloud Regulations will be introduced from 1 October 2023 which include mandatory notification periods within UK Policing and other public sectors. One part of the Regulations will require officers to give 3 – 6 months notice of intention to retire in order to allow Pensions Branch time to complete the increased administration of pension awards following the implementation of the McCloud Regulations.

The NI Health Service Pensions have just changed their mandatory notification period from the existing 4 months to 6 months.  Civil Service Pensions are expected to do the same.  The Met also introduced a 6 month period of notification and other UK Police Services will likely follow.

Following consultation with Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Pensions Branch have decided to introduce a mandatory notice period of intention to retire of 3 months effective from 1 January 2024.  This means you must give Pensions Branch a minimum of 3 months notice of your intended date of retirement.  This is only required for officers retiring from 1 January 2024 onwards. You will note 3 months is the least amount of notification required.

By Regulations officers can resign/retire with 28 days’ notice however the payment of any pension will be subject to the 3 month turnaround (unless it’s an IHR).

Please note this is only notice of intention to retire.  You have the right to withdraw it if you so wish. Any officer leaving under ill health is exempt from this mandatory notice period as their retirement is compulsory and issued by NI Policing Board.

PFNI requested this matter is clearly communicated by PSNI to all pension members as quickly as possible so that they can plan accordingly.