Expert advice for members to prepare for retirement

17 April 2025

Retiring from service is a significant life moment for officers, particularly for those who have spent their career in policing.

For many, it can be an exciting time and an opportunity to do things they could not do before, to try a new pastime, or to spend more time with loved ones. For others, it can be a daunting experience.

They may be worried about what awaits them once they hand in their warrant card.

They might have concerns about adjusting to a new way of life, about their financial future, or about the loss of identity, the loss of routine, and the loss of camaraderie.

Now, Derbyshire Police Federation is highlighting the advice available for members ahead of retirement.

It has teamed up with Reflect Financial to hold a series of pre-retirement seminars throughout 2025.

Reflect Financial is a financial services practice with a specialist team catering for the needs of serving and retired police officers.

The team has more than three decades of experience within the financial services sector.

Financial planning

It is led by senior financial planning consultant Philip Pearson and Tim Jackson QPM, retired chief superintendent and former national secretary of the Police Superintendents’ Association.

Reflect Financial’s pre-retirement seminars cover key topics including:

Managing your finances (fundamentals of financial planning)
Developing a financial plan (including investment strategy and risk)
Wills and estate planning (input from specialist solicitors)
Preparing for retirement (non-financial planning considerations)
Personal taxation (maximising tax-efficiency)
Understanding the Police Pension Schemes, the remedy, and pension-related taxation matters (how and when to optimise your pension).

The seminars are free for Federation members and run from 9am to 5.30pm and take place at the Derbyshire Police Federation office on Wednesday 2 July, and Wednesday 8 October.

They are intended for members who are within two years of retirement. Members with 25 years or more service are also welcome to attend.

Buffet lunch

Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided. To register, please email Derbyshire Police Federation secretary Kirsty Bunn.

Kirsty said: “Retiring or moving on from policing can be exciting and challenging.

“Whether it's imminent or in the distance, planning is key to a smooth transition.

“These seminars with the expert team at Reflect Financial will help you think about your options and make the most of the next stage, whatever that may be.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) recently held a webinar offering information, guidance, and insights into preparing for retirement.

The webinar, titled The Next Chapter, heard from PFEW’s wellbeing leads Hayley Ayley and Paul Williams, plus guests Dr. Ceri Jones, a chartered psychologist, and Stuart Noble, a retired Chief Superintendent.