The Returner Scheme is designed to assist us in the return of police officers with valuable skills and experience who:

  • would otherwise retire;
  • have retired from the force in the last two years, applications from officers retired in the last 5 years will also be considered.

The scheme allows a police officer to retire from the force but to then return as an attested officer after a short break of service, which must be a minimum of at least one calendar month.

Eligibility to apply

To be eligible to apply you must meet the following criteria:

  • you must spend a minimum of one month and a maximum of 2 years in retirement
  • you must have 30 or more year’s pensionable service and hence be entitled to retire with maximum pension benefits (40/60ths) in order to be eligible for the Returner Scheme
  • you are in service but have reached 30 years’ pensionable service or are approaching the 30 years’ pensionable service.

Please note the following:

  • retired officers will be posted to existing vacancies in line with normal workforce planning practices
  • applications will be considered in line with the normal rules regarding an extension of service beyond compulsory retirement age for their respective rank
  • returning officers will be subject to pension auto-enrolment in line with the Pensions Act 2008, with the option to opt out. 

Some conditions of service change following retirement and re-engagement on the Returner Scheme. Officers must carefully consider the re-joiner scheme guidance. 

Apply

If you are interested in applying for the returner scheme or would like further details please contact our recruitment team.