Police and Firefighters’ pension schemes

The Police Pension Schemes and Firefighters' Pension Schemes are subject to increasingly complex rules. These schemes have their own regulations, statutory requirements and guidance, making them distinct in many ways from the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), other public service schemes, and those in the private sector.

Unlike the LGPS and many private sector schemes, which are funded, the Police Pension Schemes and Firefighters' Pension Schemes are unfunded schemes. Benefits are paid out of contributions and Government top-up grants.

Our specialist Actuarial Police and Fire team has over 40 years' experience of advising Police and Fire Authorities in England & Wales and Scotland, with a particular focus on providing accounting information. The team recognise the differences between the Police and Firefighters and other Public Service Pension Schemes and provide a tailored approach suited to these schemes.

How we can help you

• Providing the necessary information for inclusion in your accounts in the form of IAS19 disclosures
• Advising on complex cases and events to be included in your accounts
• Advising on the differences between the different public service schemes
• Providing support on any change in regulations or accounting standards
• Answering queries from auditors

Case study – Firefighters' Pensions (England) Scheme

In December 2021, we were appointed by the Firefighters' Pensions (England) Scheme Advisory Board to support with communications to help members better understand the implications of the McCloud judgment on their benefits. This was a joint project between our Public Sector team and our specialist Member Communications & Engagement team, which resulted in Q&A communications for members in both England and Wales.

Our team ensured that the communications had clear messaging, used inclusive language, included clear direction and instructions, and met any accessibility requirements.

The project needed to be turned around in a short space of time, so we worked closely with the key stakeholders and had regular calls to ensure deadlines were met. We are therefore well placed to help you to draft effective and engaging member communications relating to McCloud, or anything else.

Benefits and Governance support

In addition to our actuarial services, we provide consultancy and support services for Benefits and Governance. Our Benefits and Governance team provide specialist support to Police and Fire Authorities in respect of the Police, Firefighters and LGPS Pension Schemes. This includes pensions tax awareness seminars and related support such as training for staff, calculations and one to ones, presentations and training on aspects of the pensions schemes and the governance of them, and assistance with policies, procedures and so on.

Our team also provide services to local pension boards and their members, including providing support and training to meet and maintain their required levels of knowledge and understanding.