Timetable

The RCN and other NHS trades unions submitted evidence to the Pay Review Body by the agreed deadline of 29 September.

The Review Body receives evidence on pay and related issues from a number of organisations including NHS staff side organisations, NHS employers and the Department for Health. It also carries out its own research, which includes the annual workforce survey.

Members of the Pay Review Body also visit trusts and health units to meet staff and managers, to gather information and views on pay and related issues and gain a better understanding of what staff in the remit groups do.

Over the next few months, the Review Body for Nursing and Other Health Professions (NOHPRB) will review all the evidence they have received from the various organisations and make their recommendation for the pay award for the following year. In 2006, the recommendation was made at the end of March, but it could be made earlier next year.

For the first time this year, the evidence will also be evaluated by a new pay gateway set up by the Treasury called the Public Sector Pay Committee (PSPC). The objective of the PSPC is to establish a common set of objectives for pay across government and to extend and strengthen existing arrangements. Its aim is to ensure that all new pay structures are evidence-based, represent value for money and are financially sustainable in the long term. This includes taking account of the implications for pensions of the new pay decisions.