Section 6 – Retirement Planning

Retirement is less likely to be a “cliff edge” event nowadays, with people choosing to move in to this stage of their life gradually and reducing their work commitments slowly over a period of time.

Good age management now includes ensuring that there is a safe and dignified transition into retirement.

This section includes key points to consider, actions to take forward and links to useful information and resources.

Key points

  • It is okay to ask your staff about their future work and retirement plans so long as it is done in a supportive way and could not be misconstrued as expressing a wish for them to leave.
  • The ideal opportunity for this kind of discussion to take place within the normal one-to-one meetings and appraisal reviews.
  • Mid-life career reviews have been found to be a very effective as well as beneficial for staff considering their future plans.
  • The NHS Pension Scheme has a number of flexibilities that allow people to either work differently in the run up to full retirement or to retire and then return to work. However, many staff are not aware of these opportunities.

Key actions

  • Check your local retirement policy and ensure you understand about the process and opportunities it presents.
  • Make sure you understand pension and flexible work options in advance of talking with your staff – and know where to refer them to for further pensions advice.
  • Recommend mid-life career reviews or pre-retirement courses to staff.

Useful information and resources

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