Agenda for Change
Understand the pay-band framework behind the calculator, how pay points work, and where to check the official rules.
What is Agenda for Change?
Agenda for Change (AfC) is the national NHS terms and conditions framework for non-medical staff. NHS Employers says the handbook applies to staff directly employed by NHS organisations, subject to the stated exceptions.
The framework uses national pay bands and job evaluation. The official handbook explains the structure, progression, terms and country-specific provisions.
Read the NHS Employers Agenda for Change hub.
Pay bands and pay points
The calculator uses the published pay-scale data for the selected UK country where available. A pay band can contain multiple pay points, so the figure you receive depends on the point used by your employer and your circumstances.
For the 2026/27 cycle, NHS Employers published updated annual and hourly pay scales effective from 1 April 2026.
View the pay-band guide on this site or check the official 2026/27 pay scales.
What can change take-home pay?
- Basic salary and contracted hours
- Income Tax and Personal Allowance
- National Insurance
- NHS Pension contributions
- High Cost Area Supplement (where applicable)
- Unsocial-hours or other contractual enhancements
- Student loan repayments
- Salary sacrifice and other deductions
Use the calculator to model these inputs. The result is an estimate rather than a payslip calculation.
Keep the official sources nearby
For contractual interpretation, pay circulars, progression rules or country-specific provisions, use the official NHS Employers handbook and relevant employer guidance rather than relying on a calculator.