GP Retirement Process

If you’re just thinking about retirement, it’s totally normal not to have told anyone yet. You might still be figuring things out or waiting for the right moment. That’s ok. Here’s what you can do quietly in the background:

• Get an updated NHS pension statement
• Speak to an independent financial adviser (IFA) who understands GPs
• Start listing what you’d like your next chapter to include
• Book a confidential call with someone outside your practice (like Archvale)

The more you know before you speak to your partners, the more confident you’ll feel when you do.

‍

When should you start planning your retirement?

Ideally, 12-24 months before your preferred retirement date. This gives you time to:

• Explore all your pension and tax options
• Plan your handover properly
• Give your partners and team the respect they deserve
• Avoid rushed decisions or regret down the line

Even if you don’t stick to the timeline exactly, starting early gives you options.

‍

The 10-step GP retirement process

1. Decide your target retirement date

Think about:

• Notice period in your partnership agreement
• Tax year boundaries
• NHS pension scheme rules
• Emotional readiness, not just financial

2. Speak to an NHS pensions adviser or financial adviser

• Get your Total Reward Statement or pension forecast
• Ask about early retirement penalties and lump sum options
• Understand the 1995, 2008 or 2015 scheme implications
• Check for annual allowance or Lifetime Allowance tax issues (if relevant)

3. Review your partnership agreement

• What’s the required notice period?
• What happens to your drawings and capital account?
• Are there rules about retiring partners selling their property share?
• Is there a clause covering retirement or step-back?

4. Notify your partners

Once you’re ready:

• Give formal written notice, including your GP partner resignation letter
• Suggest a joint plan for your handover and exit
• Be transparent and supportive - it builds goodwill
• Offer to help recruit or onboard your replacement

5. Begin legal and financial planning

• Settle your capital account and confirm drawings
• Review property ownership or leases
• Update your will or power of attorney
• Plan for any one-off payments or tax events

6. Submit your NHS pension forms

• Submit AW8 and other relevant forms 4-6 months in advance
• Use PCSE Online or work with your accountant
• Confirm deadlines for 24-hour retirement if needed
• Track progress to avoid payment delays

7. Plan your practice handover

• Start transferring roles and projects
• Share key clinical information and admin knowledge
• Agree a final “handover checklist” with your PM
• Avoid leaving loose ends

8. Communicate with your staff and patients

• Don’t just disappear - people appreciate clarity
• Share a brief message in team meetings and in writing
• Publish a respectful patient notice online or in the waiting room
• Decide whether you want to say a proper goodbye or keep it low-key

9. Finalise your last day and wind down

• Book your last clinics and any remaining annual leave
• Clear your inbox, finish referrals, assign results
• Give yourself space to reflect (and maybe even celebrate) - you’ve earned it!

10. Enjoy your new chapter

• You can work again if you want, but you don’t have to
• Stay in touch through mentoring, appraisals or PCN roles
• Or simply enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build

‍

NHS pension process - what to expect?

• Submit your forms 4-6 months in advance
• First pension payments usually arrive about a month after your retirement date
• Delays are common, so check progress and follow up if needed
• Keep all documentation and correspondence handy

‍

Plan what’s next

Ask yourself:

• What do I want my mornings to feel like?
• Do I want to keep using my skills, just in a different way?
• Am I retiring from general practice, or to something different?

Some GPs:

• Take up writing, travel or new hobbies
• Do project work, short-term consulting or local roles
• Focus on family, volunteering or lifestyle changes

‍

Common pitfalls include:

❌ Leaving too late to give notice
❌ Underestimating the admin involved
❌ Not preparing your pension forms early enough
❌ Forgetting to tie up clinical and management tasks
❌ Thinking “retirement” means “I’ll never work again”

‍

How Archvale can help

We support GP partners who want to retire with confidence, care, and continuity. We help by:

• Stepping in to manage your practice as you step out
• Offering flexible exit options (now or in 12+ months)
• Buying or managing your premises
• Helping your team feel secure during the transition

‍

Retiring from general practice is a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or rushed. Start early. Plan well. And know that help is available.

👉 Talk to Archvale about your next chapter

Disclaimer - This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. We’ve done our best to ensure it’s accurate at the time of writing, but rules and guidance may change. Always seek advice from qualified professionals before making decisions. If you spot an error or something that needs updating, please contact us.

Thomas has dedicated his 20-year career to making NHS primary care more sustainable. In his roles at Push Doctor, Medloop, GPCA, and Archvale, Thomas helped practices improve efficiency and quality of care, ultimately leading to happier clinicians, GP partners, and patients.

He works closely with clinical governance, operations, recruitment, and product teams to help GP partners seamlessly transition into salaried or locum roles, achieving the work-life balance they deserve. By introducing GP partners to trusted surveyors, lawyers and accountants, Thomas also helps GP partners unlock the equity in their property and transition lease liabilities to new partners.

‍