Within each Agenda for Change band, pay increases happen in defined steps rather than annual increments. Knowing your step dates helps you plan: the jump to a top step is often worth several thousand pounds a year.
The step structure
Bands 2 to 4 have two rates: entry and top. Band 3 staff progress after two years, Band 4 after three. Bands 5 to 9 have three rates: entry, intermediate and top. Progression to the intermediate rate comes after two years, and to the top rate after a further two years (Band 5) or three years (Bands 6–9).
In 2026/27 the Band 5 steps are worth £32,073, £34,592 and £39,043 — so reaching the top step is worth almost £7,000 more than entry. At Band 6 the range is £39,959 to £48,117.
The pay step review
Progression is not fully automatic. At each step date the pay step review checks that appraisals are up to date, there are no live formal capability or disciplinary processes, and statutory training is complete. If the standards are met — as they are for the vast majority of staff — the new rate is paid from the step date.
Time on the step clock usually continues through maternity, adoption and sickness absence. If you are promoted to a new band, you normally start at the bottom of the new band unless your current pay is already higher, and a new step clock begins.