HR Business Partner

Main Purpose

Providespecialistleadershipandgovernanceforallpensionandmedicalretirementprocessesandrelatedmattersacross Essexand Kent Policetoensurefair ,timelyandcompliantdecisionsunderthe

Police Pension Scheme sand LGPS,managecomplexcaseworkandsupport

Scheme

Managerswithstatutoryresponsibilities,andmaintainseffectiveoperationofthe

Pension

Boards.

Representbothforcesinmedicalappealsandcomplaints,developandrefinepoliciesandoperatingmodels,andprovideexpertinsight,regulatory compliance,andnationalliaison.

Theroleoverseesdata,reportingandrequiredchangeactivity,includinglegislativereform,whilemanagingthe

HR&Pension Advisertoensureconsistent,high-qualityservicedeliveryonadaytodaybasis.

• Act as the Essexand Kent Pension Authority  and lead for both forces on managing and delivering the medical health retirement process for both officers and staff, ensuring compliance with all Police Regulations, employment law, Police Pension Regulations ,2015) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulation to ensure fair, accurate, and timely decisions on retirement and injury benefits, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and organisational policies.
• Manage and resolve complex pension and medical retirement casework, ensuring full compliance with Police Pension Scheme  and LGPS regulations including overseeing medical appeals, discretionary pension decisions, forfeiture cases, IDRP complaints, and ill-health retirement assessments. Develop, apply and promote effective policies, procedures and governance standards to deliver a consistent, equitable and professional HR and pensions advisory service for both officers and police staff.
• Maintain Pensions Boards for Kent and Essex forces and in conjunction with the Head of Payroll and Pensions and the Chair of the Boards, act as principal liaison to ensure all the requirements and responsibilities of the Board are discharged appropriately.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to the Chief Constables of Kent and Essex ensuring compliance with the Police Pensions Scheme ,2015) regulations. This extends to compliance with The Pension Regulator (TPR) code of practice and respond on behalf of the Chief Constable to any requests/directions made by the TPR.
• Provide authoritative advice and guidance to Scheme Managers, delegated scheme managers and senior stakeholders on all aspects of medical retirement and pension related policy, procedures, and governance, ensuring full compliance with statutory responsibilities and Police Pension Scheme regulations. Work closely with the Head of Payroll and Pensions to supply accurate information required for regulatory compliance, including alignment with The Pensions Regulator's Code of Practice.
• Act as the force representative for Essex and Kent Pension Authority in respect of medical appeals (PMAB), work with and act as a key contact for the pension administrators for the Essex and Kent Pension Authority regarding medical retirement and on behalf of the delegated scheme manager (Essex and Kent) investigate and medical retirement pension complaints pertaining to the Police Pensions Scheme and in respect of LGPS complaints (IDRP either stage 1 or
  2) ensuring professional and appropriate support to the Delegated Scheme Manager.
• Lead the development and refinement of medical retirement and pension related processes, policies and operating models for Essex and Kent, providing clear direction, communication, and change leadership across both forces. Act as an advocate for effective practice through engagement with stakeholders including staff, staff associations, and trade unions, while maintaining robust communication channels and shared resources. Oversee statutory responsibilities, including the statutory review of medical retirement pension allowances, and provide accurate reporting and assurance to the Scheme Manager on progress and outcomes.

• The post holder will act as the professional lead for Public Sector Pension Governance and Compliance across the Essex and Kent Police Pension Authorities, requiring substantial expertise in public sector pensions and the capability to address complex governance…