West Midlands police chief ‘quietly' retires before returning in bid to 'protect pension'

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has 'quietly' retired with the understanding he will be rehired next month in a move aimed at protecting his pension. Mr Guildford is taking part in a 'retire and rejoin' scheme.

The scheme looks to overcome a police pension loophole that leads to the longest-serving officers losing out financially. It means he will be able to avoid an unusual feature where police pensions decrease in value for every year an officer serves continuously beyond 30 years.

Mr Guildford's decision was backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, the force confirmed today, Tuesday, November 26. But both Mr Guildford and Mr Foster came under fire amid reported claims of a lack of 'transparency' and keeping the move 'quiet'.

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A West Midlands Police source told The Times: "The PCC has been very quiet about it. It’s not transparent at all and it looks bad.

"Why not just be open about it? And not advertising the position for others to apply seems very unfair."

Mr Foster told the newspaper that using the scheme was in the best interest of the force. He said it allowed others across the country to retain “capable, committed, experienced and knowledgeable officers”.

He added: “While I would prefer that the national police pension system did not create a need for this national retire and rejoin scheme, it is a national problem and not of anyone’s making in the West Midlands.”

A West Midlands Police spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "Acting chief constable Scott Green is currently in charge and leading West Midlands Police for one month after the former chief constable, Craig Guildford, retired on November 15, 2024. Mr Guildford then plans to make an application to re-join as chief constable on December 16 having taken part in the national Retire and Rejoin scheme, supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

"West Midlands Police are committed to continuing to focus on catching offenders and keeping communities safe."