How long it takes to reach the top of Band 1

Band 1 pay progression timeline

Band 1 is paid at a flat rate of £25,272 for the 2026/27 year. There is no annual step progression within the band. Annual cost-of-living rises agreed nationally are added on top each April.

How step progression actually works

Pay step progression in the NHS is based on time served in post combined with a satisfactory annual appraisal. The system is designed to be predictable: most staff move through their steps on schedule, with the date locked in at the start of employment and reviewed each year. The appraisal must be completed before the progression date for the step change to apply.

If an appraisal raises performance or conduct concerns, the line manager can recommend that progression is paused until the issues are resolved. This is genuinely uncommon in practice: most Trusts handle performance problems with development plans rather than withheld progression. When progression is paused, you stay on your current step and the next review is brought forward.

Continuous service from previous NHS roles counts. If you move between Trusts at the same band, you take your current step with you. If you move to a different band, you usually reset to entry. Some Trusts offer experienced applicants a higher entry step in shortage specialties to attract candidates, but this is a local arrangement rather than a national rule.

Moving up from Band 1 to Band 2

Existing Band 1 staff can apply for Band 2 roles or other vacancies internally. Once moved to Band 2, the usual progression rules apply: a single pay point with no annual increment, but eligibility to apply for Band 3 senior support roles after gaining experience and completing the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship.

On the 2026/27 pay scale, the cash uplift from the top of Band 1 (£25,272) to the entry step of Band 2 (£25,272) is £0 a year at the point of promotion. The top of Band 2 is £25,272, so over your time at the new band you can expect a further £0 of step progression on top of any national pay rises.

Common questions

How long does it take to get to the top of Band 1?

Band 1 has a single pay point, so there is no internal progression. Annual cost-of-living rises still apply: whatever the national pay deal delivers each year is added to your salary. To earn more than the Band 1 rate, you would need to move to a higher banded role.

What if my appraisal is unsatisfactory?

Progression to the next step can be paused if your annual appraisal raises performance or conduct concerns. This is rare in practice. Most Trusts give clear feedback and a development plan before withholding progression, and most staff move through the steps as expected. If progression is paused, you stay on your current step until the next satisfactory appraisal.

Can I bring service from a previous NHS Trust forward?

Usually yes. When you move between NHS Trusts (or between an NHS and HSC role in Northern Ireland) at the same band, you take your pay step with you under continuous service rules. Moving to a different band resets your step to entry, although some Trusts use experience to offer a starting point above entry in shortage specialties. Check the recruitment pack before accepting an offer.

How do I move from Band 1 to Band 2?

Promotion to Band 2 typically requires either additional qualifications, completed competency portfolios, or moving into a more senior role. Existing Band 1 staff can apply for Band 2 roles or other vacancies internally. Once moved to Band 2, the usual progression rules apply: a single pay point with no annual increment, but eligibility to apply for Band 3 senior support roles after gaining experience and completing the Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship. On the 2026/27 pay scale, the cash jump from the top of Band 1 (£25,272) to Band 2 entry (£25,272) is £0 a year at promotion.

Do part time staff progress through the band at the same speed?

Yes. Progression through pay steps is based on calendar time in post, not hours worked. A part time staff member who works 18.75 hours a week on Band 5 still moves from entry to the intermediate step after two years and to the top step two years later, exactly the same as a full time colleague.