Intro to FPS and the Reserve presentation:

 

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit, membership funded organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community. Their pension enquiry service empowers members to make better informed decisions about their pension, Campaigning is at the very heart of the Society’s ethos, history and reputation. Their group briefings help serving members of the Armed Forces better understand their pension, and they aim to keep their community informed with a constant flow of topical Armed Forces Pension related news and content.

 

During the presentation, Neil will cover the following topics:

• Background and Stakeholders of the AFPS
• Introduction to Forces Pension Society
• Key Features of AFPS 15, including ill health and death benefits
• Added Pension (optional personal contribution)
• The Milroy Case, background and where are we now
• 2015 Remedy (McCloud) background, eligibility, and decision making
• Tips on checking the state pension, forecasts, how the pension increases and when and how to claim a deferred pension.
• Taking Ownership/Further Guidance
• Questions

 

HEAR FROM

 

Major Lewis Hartman

 

Maj Lewis Hartman joined the Army Reserves in 2017, after leaving the regular army with 18 years of service. He joined the Too Good To Leave (TGTL) campaign in early 2025 and has been involved in several projects, mostly in the G4 area:

• Investigating and trying to improve the Army Reserves’ access to Combat Body Armour and associated load carrying equipment
• Administering and delivering the TGTL Project BUSTED FLUSH funding for Army Reserve units’ betterment projects
• Administering the TGTL ongoing webinar series

 

Neil Skipper
Forces Pension Society Roadshow Manager

 

Neil Skipper served 33 years in the Regular Army, retiring in 2024 as Director of Music to the Irish Guards. He travelled extensively during his military career representing UK Defence interests and supporting Diplomacy as part of HQ London Districts’ State and Ceremonial and Defence Engagement strategy.

He served in the Middle East for a total of 2 years and has represented the MOD in Russia, USA, Canada, and across Europe. Upon completing Regular Service, Neil undertook a FTRS role with Wales UOTC before starting his first civilian role. He now manages the delivery of a pension awareness and education programme to the Armed Forces Community on behalf of the Forces Pension Society.