Clinical Nurse Specialist Debbie and a colleague undertook secondment posts with the understanding they would move from band 6 to band 7 once the roles became substantive.
However, this did not happen, and the pair spent 26 months pushing for their pay to reflect the skills and responsibilities of their specialist roles.
Now, after support from the RCN Eastern team, they have both received rebanding and back pay dating to November 2023.
Debbie said she would encourage any member, whatever their band, to take a closer look at whether their job description matches the role they currently perform and not be afraid of challenging it to make sure they are fairly paid.
“This was not a quick process but I was determined to make sure my colleague and I received the pay we had been promised and which reflected the role,” she said.
“It is important that all nursing staff take a look at the work they are doing as many may not realise how much their work has changed and the extra roles and responsibilities they have taken on.
“Having the knowledge of the NHS job evaluation process enabled us to push senior managers to undertake a process that we were entitled to. With a consistent, proactive approach we have now moved this process to a successful conclusion.”
No matter what band you work at, if you feel your role has changed significantly since you started, you can ask for a job evaluation.
The RCN has a wide range of resources to help guide members through the process of having your job evaluated. You might consider job evaluation if, since you started your role, you have for example:
• Taken on additional duties and responsibilities not in your job description.
• Taken courses, study days, or self-directed learning opportunities to gain knowledge that helps you in your role.
• Achieved additional specialist academic qualifications relevant to your role.
• Developed new skills and competencies through your experience.
Debbie said: “It may appear quite daunting when you first start the process, but if people take the time to look at their job description, they may realise it is quite generic and really doesn’t describe the job they do now.”
As well as embarking on the process themselves, Debbie and her colleague were supported by Steve Haynes, RCN Eastern Pay Delivery Officer.
“When Steve became involved he knew the right questions to ask and to challenge the senior managers about why our roles had not moved bands,” Debbie said.
“But as more staff go through this process, I hope employers will do more to speed up job evaluations and more staff will see their pay reflect their job and skills.”
Steve said: “It doesn’t matter at what level of nursing you work, fundamentally you’re selling your labour. The price you’re paid for the level of work you deliver is determined by a contractual job evaluation process.
"If you think you’re working above what you’re being paid for, check your job description, get your matched job report and read the RCN's Know Your Worth guidance. I’d encourage every member to think about what the quality of patient care will be like in 10 years if we don’t act now.”
For more support and advice about job evaluation and the government’s pledges on rebanding, please visit the RCN website.
