Medical & Dental Retirement Pathways
Thinking about retirement, but not ready to stop working completely? There are several flexible retirement options for Medical & Dental colleagues. This leaflet explains what’s available and what you need to do. This is guidance only. It does not replace Trust policy or financial advice.
1. Overview Flow – M&D Staff (Consultants, SAS, Specialty Doctors)
be submitted at least 4 months before the proposed retirement/change date
where DCC, SPA, on call or emergency activity is affected 5
for Consultants, job plans without on‑call, or reductions affecting clinical activity
MJPCC
if declined
(HR71)
2. Retirement Pathways – M&D‑Specific Guidance
2.1 Retire & Return (M&D)
Key principles:
▪ There is no requirement to reduce PAs on return.
▪ Individuals returning after retirement should normally be appointed on a fixed term contract.
▪ A new job plan must be agreed reflecting the return contract.
1 Retirement notice submitted Allows sufficient time for pension processing
2 AW8 (NHS Pension Retirement Benefits Application Form) completed Required to claim pension
3 14‑day break in employment Mandatory before return
4 R&R Termination and Post Information forms completed Processed by Recruitment
5 New job plan agreed No automatic reduction in PAs
6 Core and additional activity clearly defined SPA and DCC reflect the new contract
7 MD/Deputy MD sighting Required for Consultants
8 Doctor returns under new payroll number Service impact reviewed
2.2 Partial Retirement / Draw Down (M&D)
Key principles:
▪ Pensionable pay must reduce by at least 10%.
▪ Core sessions must be able to stand alone as a permanent contract.
▪ On call, emergency and out of hours activity must be included in core PAs, as these are fundamental to the consultant role.
▪ Additional Programmed Activities (APAs) are non pensionable, discretionary and may be ended with 3 months’ notice by either party.
▪ Core and APA sessions must be clearly identified in Allocate. Step Requirement Notes
1 Active NHS Pension Scheme member Required for draw down
2 Minimum age 55 (or 50 with protected MPA) NHS Pension rules
3 Pensionable PAs reduced by ≥10%
Contractual requirement
4 Core job plan agreed Must be sustainable on a permanent basis
5 APAs (if agreed) treated as temporary, non pensionable Subject to 3 months’ notice
6 Emergency and on‑call duties included in core PAs Core consultant responsibilities
7 Job plan recorded clearly on Allocate Core and APA sessions identified
8 No break in service Unlike Retire & Return
Note: The pensionable PA that is reduced cannot be re created as a pensionable APA. Any additional work beyond the reduced contract must be a non pensionable APA, or a separate employment arrangement with pension opt out.
2.3 Step Down (M&D)
2.4 Wind Down (M&D)
2.5 M&D Specific Retirement Process Table (Combined View)
3. Job Planning and SPA Allocation
▪ Job plans must meet the Medical Job Planning Policy (HR71)
▪ SPA allocation equivalent to approximately 25% of total PAs, unless there is exceptional justification.
▪ Minimum SPA required for appraisal and revalidation must always be maintained.
▪ Narrow scope or single session contracts may reasonably attract proportionately reduced SPA.
▪ All SPA time must be evidenced and aligned to job planning requirements.
4. Additional Clarification – Private Practice
Questions about private practice are commonly raised in peri retirement discussions.
▪ Standard contractual provisions continue to apply.
▪ Provisions relating to offering additional PAs before undertaking private work are primarily linked to pay progression.
▪ These provisions are unlikely to apply where a consultant is Partially retired or Retired and returned under a fixed term or reduced contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
▪ Do I have to reduce my PAs if I retire and return?
No. There is no requirement to reduce PAs on return. A new job plan is agreed based on service need.
▪ Will my return-to-work contract be permanent?
Usually no. Doctors returning after retirement are normally placed on a fixed-term contract.
▪ What is partial retirement?
Partial retirement allows you to take some pension while staying in work. Your pensionable pay must reduce by at least 10%.
▪ Can I keep additional sessions after partial retirement?
Yes, but your core job plan must stand alone permanently. Additional sessions (APAs) are temporary, non-pensionable and can end with 3 months’ notice. Emergency and on-call work must be in core sessions
▪ What is AW8 processing?
AW8 is the NHS Pension Retirement Benefits Application Form. It must be completed to trigger pension payment.
▪ Do I have to take a break if I retire and return?
Yes. There is a mandatory 14-day break between contracts.
▪ Who needs to sign off my job plan?
For Consultants: Clinical Director, Operational Manager and Medical Director or Deputy MD (mandatory).
▪ How much notice do I need to give?
At least 4 months before your proposed retirement or flexible retirement date.
▪ Can I appeal if my request is declined?
Yes. You can appeal in writing within 14 days. An independent manager will hear the appeal.
Need more help?
▪ Speak to your Clinical Director or Operational Manager
▪ Contact Medical Staffing or HR for process queries
▪ Pensions teams can help with pension specific questions
