54. This Part applies in relation to retirement benefits payable in respect of a continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme.
55.—(1) In these Regulations, “qualifying service” means the total of—
(a)any continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme;
(b)if a transfer value payment has been received by this scheme in respect of a member's accrued rights under another occupational pension scheme, the member's pensionable service under that scheme; and
(c)for a transition member with continuity of service, the member's pensionable service under an existing scheme before the transition date for that member.
(2) None of the following counts as qualifying service—
(a)any pensionable service under this scheme in respect of which a person's rights under this scheme are extinguished;
(b)any pensionable service under an existing scheme in respect of which a person's rights under that scheme are extinguished;
(c)any unauthorised absence from qualifying judicial office.