Retirement FAQ's

Retirement is a significant milestone in a police officer's career, marking the transition from active service to retirement. As you prepare for this next stage, there are a number of important decisions and practical arrangements to consider. Hampshire Police Federation continues to provide support, information and access to a range of services for retired members, helping them stay informed and connected.

This page brings together useful guidance and resources for officers approaching retirement and those who have already retired. The information provided is intended as a general guide and should not replace official advice from the Force, pension administrators or professional advisers.

Preparing for Retirement

Preparing for retirement well in advance will help ensure a smooth transition from police service. It is important to take the time to understand the retirement process, consider the options available to you, and make informed decisions regarding your pension, benefits and future plans.

Hampshire and Isle Of Wight Constabulary provides comprehensive guidance for both line managers and officers leaving the organisation through the Force Leavers pages on the intranet. These pages contain key information, timescales and actions that should be completed before retirement.

Please note that the Force Leavers pages are only accessible from a Force-issued device via the intranet.

Force Leavers Guide

Retirement Benefits and Services

Retirement can bring new opportunities as well as new financial and practical considerations. A number of organisations offer products, services and events specifically designed to support retired police officers and their families.

Through the links below, you can access information on retirement planning, financial advice, wills and estate planning, member benefits, and retirement-focused events and resources.

• Police Friendly – financial products, retirement resources and events.
• Accord Legal Services LTD – will writing, lasting powers of attorney and estate planning services.
• McMillan Financial Services – independent financial advice and retirement planning support.

Please note that Hampshire Police Federation does not provide financial advice and members should ensure they are satisfied that any products or services meet their individual needs.

Police Friendly Retirement Events

Police Friendly offers a range of free retirement seminars and webinars designed specifically for police officers approaching retirement. These events provide practical information to help officers understand their options and plan for the transition from service.

The seminars are aimed at officers who are approaching retirement and cover a variety of topics, including:

• Police pension options and retirement considerations
• Tax implications and lump sum choices
• Savings and investment planning
• Wills, trusts and estate planning
• Financial planning for retirement
• Preparing for life after policing

Events are delivered by experienced professionals and are designed to provide clear, practical guidance to help officers make informed decisions about their future. Partners and spouses are also welcome to attend.

If you are considering retirement in the coming years, attending one of these sessions can be a valuable part of your retirement planning.

View upcoming Police Friendly retirement events and seminars:
https://policefriendly.org.uk/events/retirement

Retirement Gifts

As a token of appreciation for your service, Hampshire Police Federation offers retiring members a retirement gift to mark this important milestone.

We work with Script Engraving to provide a choice of commemorative gifts featuring the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary crest. Current options include:

• Crystal decanter and two whisky glasses
• Crystal plaque
• Pair of crystal wine glasses

Gifts can be personalised with your name, rank, collar number and dates of service. For example:

PC 1234 John Smith
Hampshire Constabulary
1970 – 2000

If you would prefer not to have your gift engraved, this can also be arranged.

To arrange your retirement gift, please contact the Federation Office at Hampshire@polfed.org with your preferred gift option, engraving details and delivery address. Delivery is usually made directly to your chosen address.

View the available gift options from Script Engraving

Group Insurance

Upon notification of your retirement, members of our Group Insurance Scheme will automatically be enrolled onto the Retired Members' Scheme with the below benefits:

Officers are only eligible to enrol into the retired scheme when retiring from service. If you opt out, you cannot join at a later date.

Benefits vary by age band but can include access to services such as travel insurance, legal expenses cover, home emergency assistance, motor breakdown cover, GP24, Health Hero Assist and gadget insurance. Full details of cover, eligibility and subscription rates can be found in the scheme booklet.

Before retiring, members should also ensure their beneficiary details are up to date and familiarise themselves with the options available under the retired members' scheme.

Please note – if you are coming back as Police Staff you may be eligible to join the Staff Scheme. For more information contact the office at hampshire@polfed.org. 

Further information and full details of the Retired Members' Scheme can be found in the Group Insurance Scheme booklet.

Federation Support & Staying Connected 

Although retirement marks the end of your police service, Hampshire Police Federation remains available to provide support and guidance on Federation-related matters.

Retired members may wish to contact the Federation for assistance with:

• Group Insurance Scheme enquiries
• Retirement gifts
• Updating personal or beneficiary details
• General Federation queries
• Information on services and benefits available to retired members

We also encourage retired members to keep in touch with the Federation and to ensure their contact details remain up to date so that they can continue to receive relevant news, updates and information.

If you are unsure whether the Federation can help, please get in touch. We will be happy to assist or direct you to the most appropriate organisation.

Contact Hampshire Police Federation

📧 Hampshire@polfed.org
📞 02380 478920

We value the contribution made by our retired members and remain committed to providing support and information throughout retirement.

Flint House

Flint House Police Rehabilitation provides world-class physical rehabilitation and mental health support to retired police officers in receipt of a police pension. For a minimum donation of just £5 per month, eligible retired officers can apply for treatment and access specialist services designed to support their wellbeing and recovery.

Whether you're recovering from an injury, post-operative surgery, cancer treatment, or managing long-term conditions such as back or knee pain, Flint House offers expert care to help you get back on track. Dedicated mental health programmes are also available, supporting retired officers experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression. To find out more or check your eligibility, visit Flint House or call 01491 874499.

NARPO

NARPO (the National Association of Retired Police Officers) is an independent membership organisation that represents and supports retired police officers, former police staff, their families and survivors.

NARPO provides information and guidance on a range of issues affecting retired officers, including pensions, welfare, wellbeing, financial matters and member benefits. Members can also access local branch networks, events and opportunities to stay connected with former colleagues.

For more information about membership and the support available, visit the NARPO website.