News archive
Annual Benefit Statements are online
and ready to view
28 August 2026
Annual Benefit Statements (ABS) are now available to view online through active and deferred members' Gloucestershire Pension Fund Engage accounts:
See your Annual Benefit Statement
on Engage
Having trouble logging in?
If you've forgotten your login details, or you've received this email but have not yet registered for Engage, help is available on our website:
Need help understanding your statement?
This website has a whole section containing further information and a useful short video explaining ABSs:
LGC Investment Awards 2026:
Gloucestershire Pension Fund is a finalist for the second year running
25 August 2026
We’re delighted to share that Gloucestershire Pension Fund has been shortlisted as a finalist for Fund of the Year (Small) at the LGC Investment Awards 2026.
After being named Fund of the Year (Small) in 2025, we’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted again...
Improving access and fairness in the LGPS
2 July 2026
The Government has introduced changes to the LGPS to make the Scheme fairer for all members. Most changes took effect from 1 April 2026, and some improvements apply retrospectively.
🔹 Fairer survivor benefits
The LGPS provides valuable benefits when you die. Your spouse, civil partner or eligible cohabiting partner will receive a part of your pension – this is paid as a survivor pension. It will be paid for the rest of their life.
From 1 April 2026, survivor pensions are now calculated more consistently to ensure equal treatment regardless of the sex of the member or their survivor.
Some survivor pensions will be increased as more of the member’s service before April 2014 will now count. Some survivor pensions will become payable for the first time – this is most likely to affect male survivors of female members who left the LGPS before April 1988.
The changes apply to deaths dating back to:
- 5 December 2005 for opposite sex marriages and same sex civil partnerships.
- 13 March 2014 for same sex marriages.
- 31 December 2019 for opposite sex civil partnerships.
- Some cohabiting partners’ pensions may also increase if the member died between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2014.
Where necessary, we will recalculate survivor pensions and pay arrears with interest.
Action: If you think these changes could affect you, contact us to let us know.
🔹 Changes to death grants
Removal of the age limit
The age limit for paying a lump sum death grant has been removed. A death grant can now be paid even if a member dies after age 75. This change is backdated to cover deaths from 1 April 2014.
A death grant is only paid in limited circumstances when an LGPS member dies after age 75. We are working to identify any new death grants in respect of members who died after age 75 since April 2014. Where necessary, we will contact the beneficiaries or personal representatives to arrange payment of the death grant. Interest for late payment will be added.
For more information please visit our death benefits page.
More discretion over who receives the death grant
Gloucestershire Pension Fund no longer has to pay late death grants to personal representatives. Instead, it can use its discretion to choose the most appropriate beneficiaries. This means the death grant will be taxed at each beneficiary’s marginal rate of tax, rather than the 45% charge that applies when it is paid to personal representatives. Some older AVC arrangements are excluded from this change.
A ‘late’ death grant is usually one that is not paid within two years of the date of death. Before 1 April 2026, a ‘late’ death grant could only be paid to personal representatives.
🔹 Stronger protection when you are away from work
In the LGPS, women typically receive lower pensions than men – this is called the gender pensions gap. One of the reasons for the gap is that women are more likely to take breaks from work due to childcare and other caring responsibilities. The changes below were introduced from 1 April 2026 to help reduce the gender pensions gap by strengthening pension protection when members are away from work.
Child-related leave
You will not need to buy back lost pension for any period of unpaid additional maternity leave, unpaid additional adoption leave (weeks 27 to 52) or unpaid shared parental leave that starts from 1 April 2026 or later. You will continue to build up pension as if you were receiving normal pay.
Under the existing LGPS rules you do not need to buy back lost pension if you are away from work with no pay because of ordinary maternity or adoption leave (first 26 weeks), as your pension continues to build up as if you were receiving normal pay.
Short authorised breaks
From 1 April 2026, if your employer allows you to take unpaid leave that lasts less than 15 days, your pension will continue to build up in this period. You and your employer will both pay the pension contributions that would have been paid if you were at work receiving your normal pay.
This change does not apply if you were unpaid because you were on strike. A strike break does not automatically count for pension purposes regardless of the length.
Unpaid leave of 15 days or more
If your employer allows you to take unpaid leave that lasts 15 days or more, the break will not automatically count for pension purposes.
You can elect to buy some or all of the pension you lost during the unpaid period by paying extra contributions. The contributions can be paid by lump sum or regular deductions from your pay. Your employer will inform you of the cost and your payment options.
An arrangement called a Qualifying Additional Pension Arrangement (QAPA) applies to unpaid leave that starts from 1 April 2026 or later. Improvements include:
- more time to decide whether to buy back the lost pension – the deadline has increased from 30 days to one year after returning to work, or the date you leave the employment you were in during the unpaid leave, if this is earlier. Your employer can allow a longer deadline. If you miss the deadline, the old rules apply.
- contributions are based on your normal contribution rate – and on the pay you would have received if you had been at work. Your employer also pays the contributions they would have paid if you had not been absent.
- the pension you buy mirrors the pension you would have built up if you had been at work – it counts towards the calculation of survivor pensions and is not reduced for early payment if your pension is paid early due to redundancy or efficiency.
- no medical report is required – Gloucestershire Pension Fund or your employer cannot ask for a medical report before allowing you to start a QAPA.
We’re hiring:
Join our Award-Winning Team!
9 June 2026
We have two exciting opportunities to join our award-winning team:
🔹 Senior Pensions Officer (Data & Systems)
Ideal if you enjoy working with data, reporting, and improving systems. You’ll support employer i-Connect onboarding, data quality, and reporting, using tools like Tableau.
📅 Closing date: 21 June 2026
🔹 Senior Pensions Officer (Operations)
Perfect for LGPS professionals with strong technical knowledge, focusing on calculations, casework, and delivering excellent service to members.
📅 Closing date: 28 June 2026
💼 Both roles offer:
✔ Flexible & hybrid working
✔ Career development opportunities
✔ A supportive, collaborative team
✔ Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
📍 Based at Shire Hall, Gloucestershire
If you’re looking to grow your career in pensions and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
2026 Responsible Investment Survey - NOW CLOSED
26 February 2026
We’ve recently contacted Gloucestershire Pension Fund members by email to invite you to take part in our 2026 Responsible Investment Survey.
This is an important opportunity for our members - active, deferred, and pensioners - to share your views on how we approach responsible investment. Your feedback genuinely helps shape our priorities and informs the decisions we make on your behalf.
We’ve also let employers know that we’ve been reaching out to members where we hold a valid email address. While no action is required from employers, they are very welcome to share details of the survey with their staff who are Fund members to help encourage wider participation.
At Gloucestershire Pension Fund, we’re committed to keeping our members well‑informed and involved in the way their pension is managed, and this survey is an important part of that.
If you’re a member, please look out for our email and take a few minutes to complete the survey. Please contact us if you need to update your email address.
Your voice matters, and we want to hear it.
Survey now closed
LGC Investment Awards 2025 - we are Fund of the Year!
02 December 2025
Gloucestershire Pension Fund was named Pension Fund of the Year in the Small Fund category (assets up to £5bn) at the LGC Investment Awards 2025.
Groundbreaking at Cam:
Building communities, delivering impact
26 November 2025
We were delighted to visit the Cam development in Gloucestershire and see first-hand how our investment is helping to create a vibrant, sustainable community. This project represents a significant step in delivering high-quality homes that meet local needs.
During the visit, Gloucestershire Pension Fund Committee Chair, Cllr Colin Hay, had the honour of performing the ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction.
The scheme will provide 266 new homes, including 160 affordable homes funded through the Gresham House Thriving Investments Residential Secure Income LP platform. Delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and supported by Homes England, this development is a great example of how collaboration and place-based investment can accelerate housing delivery.
From shared ownership and affordable rent to open-market homes, this mixed-tenure approach ensures a balanced, inclusive community with excellent transport links and energy-efficient design.
A big thank you to our partners for their commitment and expertise in making this vision a reality. We look forward to sharing more milestones as the project progresses.
LGPS Pension Managers’ Conference 2025
21 November 2025
This week, senior managers from Gloucestershire Pension Fund joined their peers in beautiful Torquay for the LGPS Pension Managers’ Conference 2025. Under the autumn sunshine, they heard inspiring speakers and shared ideas with Funds from across the UK.
In the LGPS, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We share ideas, support each other, and work together to deliver the best possible service for our members. We’re proud to be part of such a strong and forward-thinking community, and moments like these remind us why partnerships matter.
From soil to supply chain:
Insights on natural capital and regenerative farming
12 November 2025
Gloucestershire Pension Fund officers were joined by Committee members Councillor Colin Hay (Chair) and Councillor Chloe Turner (Vice Chair) earlier this week for a site visit, following an invitation from Savills Investment Management, to explore investment opportunities in natural capital – with a particular focus on regenerative farming.
The visit centred on the practical implementation of regenerative agriculture at scale, demonstrating its potential to deliver profitable outcomes for both people and the planet.
The group toured a leading regenerative farm in Ampney St Mary, Cirencester, managed by Ed Horton of SS Horton and Sons. This was followed by a visit to Matthews Cotswold Flour in Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, offering insights into a supply-chain business and the broader long-term market benefits of improved soil management and high-quality regenerative yields – building sustainable resilience and value.
We look forward to continuing our journey towards sustainable investments that deliver long-term value for our members and the environment.
For deeper insights into natural capital and sustainable investment strategies, head over to Savills Investment Management .
Committee and Board training day:
Collaboration in action!
30 October 2025
Gloucestershire Pension Fund had the pleasure of co-hosting a joint training day with our friends at Oxfordshire Pension Fund at the beautiful De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
It was a fantastic opportunity to come together, share insights, and strengthen our collective understanding of the evolving pensions landscape.
The programme was packed with engaging and thought-provoking sessions:
🌐 Hymans Robertson – Climate Change Modelling and Scenarios
- Insightful and forward-thinking – helping us navigate the complexities of climate risk.
🧠 Aon – Being an Effective Pension Committee or Board Member
- Interactive and practical – a great reminder of the value of diverse perspectives and good governance.
🤝 LGPS Central – Introduction to Our New Pension Investment Pool
- Comprehensive and welcoming – we’re excited about the journey ahead with our new pool.
🌱 Savills Investment Management – Natural Capital
- Highly informative, entertaining, and enthusiastic – especially about soil!
A huge thank you to all our speakers and attendees for making the day such a success. Collaboration like this strengthens our ability to serve our members and meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Consultation launched:
Scheme improvements (access and protections)
13 October 2025
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched the LGPS: Scheme improvements (access and protections) consultation .
They are proposing changes to the following areas:
- The normal minimum pension age: Changing the minimum age from 55 to 57 with effect from 6 April 2028 but with protections in place for members with scheme membership before 4 November 2021.
- Pension access for councillors and mayors: Allowing both to join the scheme (this is not possible at present).
- Academies in the LGPS: Seeking to streamline the approval process whereby Multi Academy Trusts, which span more than LGPS Fund, could seek to consolidate their LGPS arrangements within one LGPS Fund (subject to the agreement of the Funds concerned).
- New Fair Deal: To seek to streamline the outsourcing process by removing admitted body status, including the need for admission agreements, and replace them with deemed employer status and automatic pass-through arrangements. The intention is to reduce costs, complexity and the subsequent delays in putting these arrangements in place.
A draft set of regulations for the proposals on pension access for councillors and mayors, as well as new Fair Deal, have also been published for comment.
The LGPS Minister, Alison McGovern, issued a written ministerial statement alongside the consultation. The consultation is open for ten weeks, closing on 22 December 2025.
The statement confirms that the Government will respond to the LGPS: Access and Fairness consultation later this year.
Gloucestershire Pension Fund is currently reviewing the proposals and we intend to respond to the consultation from a Fund perspective.
Gloucestershire Pension Fund publishes second TCFD Report
26 September 2025
We’re pleased to share our latest Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report for the year 2024/25.
Covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, this second edition reflects our ongoing commitment to managing climate-related risks and opportunities across our investment portfolio.
Although TCFD reporting is not yet mandatory for Local Government Pension Schemes, we believe transparency is essential. By voluntarily publishing this report, we aim to empower our stakeholders – employers, members, and the wider community – with clear insights into our climate strategy and progress.
We remain committed to annual TCFD reporting as part of our broader journey toward sustainable and resilient investment practices.
Together, we’re investing in a future that works for our members – and the planet.
Gloucestershire Pension Fund selects preferred pooling partner
22 September 2025
Gloucestershire Pension Fund selects LGPS Central as preferred pooling partner.
The Pension Committee of Gloucestershire Pension Fund met on Thursday 18 September and selected LGPS Central as its preferred pooling partner, marking a significant step forward in response to the UK Government’s “LGPS: Fit for the Future” initiative.
Following a comprehensive review of pooling options and strategic alignment, the Committee unanimously agreed to accept an invitation to join LGPS Central. This decision reflects the Fund’s commitment to collaboration, cost efficiency, and enhanced stewardship across its investment portfolio.
Matthew Trebilcock, Head of Gloucestershire Pension Fund, commented:
"This is a pivotal moment for our Fund. LGPS Central offers a strong cultural and strategic fit, and we are confident that this partnership will deliver long-term value for our members and employers. We look forward to working closely with our new partners to shape the future of pooled investment within the LGPS."
Pension Awareness Week 2025
15-19 September 2025
This week marks Pension Awareness Week 2025 at Gloucestershire Pension Fund – a timely opportunity to shine a light on your LGPS pension and take control of your retirement planning.
Whether you're just starting your career or approaching retirement, our dedicated poster* is your gateway to clarity, offering direct access to answers for all your LGPS questions.
It features a link to our official website, the Engage pension portal for managing your benefits, and our Linkedin account where you can stay updated and connect with us.
Don’t miss the chance to get informed, empowered, and pension smart – your future self will thank you.
Feel free to print the poster and stick it on your wall! - plus it's relevant all year round, so no need to take it down!
*The poster has been superseded by a newer, updated version, which we hope you and your colleagues will find helpful:
LGC Investment Awards 2025:
Gloucestershire Pension Fund among finalists
27 August 2025
We’re proud to announce that Gloucestershire Pension Fund has been shortlisted for Fund of the Year (Small) at the LGC Investment Awards 2025!
This recognition reflects the dedication of our team in delivering strong governance, responsible investment, and long-term value for our members. We’re honoured to be considered among such outstanding peers in the LGPS community.
We’re also pleased to share that William Moffat, our Pension Group Leader for Communications, has been shortlisted in the LGPS Rising Star category. His leadership and commitment continue to make a visible and meaningful impact across the Fund.
Thanks to the Local Government Chronicle for this recognition – we look forward to the awards ceremony in November and celebrating the achievements of the sector.
Gloucestershire Pension Fund becomes a Signatory to the UK Stewardship Code
19 August 2025
We are proud to announce that we have been accepted as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to responsible investment and high standards of governance.
Administered by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the UK Stewardship Code sets a benchmark for asset owners and managers in delivering sustainable value for beneficiaries, the economy, and society, setting high standards for how institutional investors engage with the companies they invest in – promoting long-term value, transparency, and sustainability. Becoming a signatory demonstrates our dedication as a Fund to transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation through effective stewardship.
Matthew Trebilcock, Head of Gloucestershire Pension Fund, commented:
"This recognition reflects the Fund’s ongoing efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment strategy. It reinforces our commitment to acting as a responsible steward of our members’ assets and to aligning with best practice in the industry."
Our successful application follows a rigorous assessment of our Fund stewardship policies, practices, and outcomes over a 12-month period. As a signatory, we will continue to report annually to the FRC, ensuring continued alignment with the Code’s principles.
Read the Gloucestershire Pension Fund
2024 Stewardship Code Report
For more information about the UK Stewardship Code, visit the Financial Reporting Council website .
