How do you join the scheme?

To join the scheme, please download, print and complete the Application to Join Form in the downloads section and forward this to your employer's pensions/payroll. Alternatively, please contact your employer for more information.

Who can join?

To be able to join the LGPS you need to be under age 75 and work for an employer that offers membership of the scheme.

The LGPS is offered by Local Government employers and by other organisations that have chosen to participate in it. If you are employed by a designating body, such as a town or parish council, or by a non-local government organisation which participates in the LGPS as an admission body, you can only join if your employer nominates you for membership of the scheme.

Police officers, operational firefighters and, in general, teachers and employees eligible to join another statutory pension scheme (such as the NHS Pension Scheme) are not allowed to join the LGPS.

If you start a job in which you are eligible for membership of the LGPS you will be brought into the scheme, if your contract of employment is for 3 months or more. If it is for less than three months, you can opt to join through your employer.

If you are brought into the scheme you have the right to opt out, however you cannot complete an opt out form until you have started your employment.