A 24-Hour Retirement allows NHS dental practitioners to access their pension benefits without permanently leaving practice. The process involves retiring from your current GDS/PDS contract over a weekend (usually Saturday to Sunday), before returning to work as normal on Monday.
On your return, you will receive a lump sum from your NHS pension, along with monthly pension payments going forward. This option is available to practitioners aged 55+ who are members of the 1995–2008 Section and 2015 Pension Scheme.
While the concept may sound straightforward, the procedure is complex. If the process isn’t managed carefully, you risk your contract being unintentionally terminated. That’s why tailored advice and professional guidance are essential.
Sole Practitioner with a GDS/PDS Contract
If your contract is in your sole name, you’ll need to temporarily appoint a partner/signatory. This ensures your contract is protected while you step away for the required 24 hours. After your break, you’ll be re-added to the contract, your lump sum will be released, and pension payments will begin.
This process involves several steps with NHS England, so expert guidance is strongly recommended to avoid mistakes.
Do I need to keep the incoming partner afterwards?
- No – you can remove them as soon as you return, restoring the contract solely in your name.
- Yes – you may choose to keep them on indefinitely, offering long-term protection of the contract (e.g. in the event of death).
Both routes are possible but require different approaches.
CQC Considerations
- If you continue with a new partner post-retirement, you’ll need to apply for a new partnership registration with the CQC. The process is often complex and varies by situation.
- If you remove the partner after the 24 hours, no CQC involvement is required making the process simpler.
Existing Partnerships
If you already hold a contract jointly with other practitioners, the process is more straightforward. You can be removed for the 24-hour period and then re-added without CQC involvement, using the simple “add and remove” method.
Incorporated Contracts
If your contract is held in the name of your company, you can still take a 24-Hour Retirement. However, the process differs significantly from the above scenarios and requires a bespoke approach.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Sole practitioner (removing partner afterwards): ~3 months
Existing partnership: ~3 months
Incorporated contract: ~3 months
Sole practitioner (keeping ongoing partnership): 5–6 months
How Carter Bond Solicitors Can Help
Our dedicated 24-Hour Retirement team manages the entire process on your behalf, ensuring everything runs smoothly. We work closely with NHS England and the NHS Dental Pensions Team to protect your contract and secure your pension benefits.
Our services include:
- Liaising with NHS England and the NHS Dental Pensions Team
- Drafting bespoke partnership agreements, deeds of retirement, letters of authority, and formal notices
- Submitting documents to safeguard your contract from termination
- Assisting with re-employment forms
- Providing clear, expert advice at every stage
Ready to Begin?
If you’re considering a 24-Hour Retirement, contact our team by email at info@carterbond.co.uk or call us on 020 3475 6751 for tailored advice and a fixed-fee quote.
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