Introduction to the LGPS
Welcome to the LGPS!
The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is offered by local government employers and by other organisations that have chosen to participate in it.
It is designed to provide financial security in retirement for all members, and includes a range of flexible and protective benefits:
A secure, inflation-linked pension.
Tax relief on contributions.
Flexible payment options to suit your financial situation.
Protection for your family in case of death or serious illness.
Retirement flexibility, including early, late, and phased retirement.
Support during redundancy or business efficiency retirements.
Pensions made simple: What is a pension?
In this video, we explain how the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered by Gloucestershire Pension Fund, helps you build a secure pension through contributions from both you and your employer, while offering valuable tax benefits and simple enrolment options.
Having trouble seeing the video? Click here to watch it on YouTube
Eligibility
If you are a new employee who is eligible to join the LGPS you will automatically be entered into the scheme when you start, provided:
- you are under the age of 75, or;
- you work for an employer in a role that allows you to join the scheme.
If your contract is for less than three months you can opt to join by completing an Opt In form .
If you are unsure if your role is eligible for the LGPS, please refer to your contract of employment or speak to your HR adviser.
![]() |
Starting your new roleYou will receive a welcome pack from us through the post after we have received your set up details from your employer. You will also be given an activation key to set up an account on our online Engage portal and provided with some additional details of the scheme (which can also be found across this website). |
Pensions made simple: video collection
We have a collection of short, easy-to-follow videos explaining how your pension works, the support available to you and your family, and the important decisions you'll make throughout your LGPS membership with Gloucestershire Pension Fund.
