Salary scales and allowances

NJC pay scales 2010/11
The pay scales are not yet available for 2010/2011. The unions put in a claim for 2.5% or £500 (whichever is greater). The Local Government Employers have announced that they are unable to offer any increase in pay for 2010/2011. It is unclear when agreement between the union and the employers will be reached and therefore when the scales will be published.

NJC pay scales 2009/10

Final agreement has been reached on the scales for 2009/10. In general, they represent a 1% increase, but there is a higher increase for some of the lower scale points. NJC scales 2009/10 (Word, 375 KB)

NJC pay scales 2008/09
An interim award was made in November 08 (backdated till April 08), whilst the award went to arbitration. The arbitration panel has now given an additional award of 0.3%. The new figures represent a 2.75% increase on the 2007 figures, with an extra £100 for the lowest paid (SCP 4-6), and not an increase of 0.3% on the previously published April 08 figures.

NJC scales for 2008/09 after arbitration decision (Word, 92 KB).


NJC scales and particular roles
NAVCA does not produce guidance on aligning salaries to particular points on the scale. Several factors can determine the appropriate scale. These include:

  • other salaries paid within the organisation

  • the local market - what similar posts are paid in other groups in the area
  • the particular role - jobs with similar titles can have significantly different roles and responsibilities

London VSC's Personnel, Employment Advice and Conciliation Service (PEACe) has produced a CD Rom job evaluation toolkit. This:

  • helps voluntary sector organisations set realistic pay levels for their staff
  • is especially useful for deciding what salary amounts should be included in funding bids
  • can provide second-tier and umbrella groups with a very useful tool that will enable them to support groups with job evaluation.

It costs £99 (incl. VAT), although it is available at £64.35 (incl. VAT) for NAVCA members. For more information contact: PEACe, tel 020 7700 8147, email peace@lvsc.org.uk

NJC scales above point 49
Official NJC scales only go up to point 49. London councils negotiate scales above that but these are advisory not official. The figures for 2007/08 can be downloaded from the London Voluntary Services Council website. Alternatively you could contact your local council and align your organisation to their practice above point 49.

Mileage rates


HM Revenue and Customs mileage rates 2010/11 (Word, 55 KB)
The rates payable under the approved mileage allowance payment are unchanged from 2003/04. If these rates are used for volunteer drivers the HMRC guidance for volunteer drivers.

Local Authority mileage rates 2010/2011 (Word, 130 KB)

HMRC produce guidance on tax relief for business mileage and fuel. This is aimed at paid employees who use their car for business use.

Subsistence, meals and accommodation
NJC no longer publish subsistence rates. These rates allowed an amount to be claimed regardless of the amount spent. It is now regarded as good practice to only repay against actual expenditure. However maximum levels may be set. Organisations may wish to link in with the maximum levels used by their local authority. Alternatively NAVCA's maximum rates are published below.

NAVCA's rates for meals and accommodation

  • Bed and Breakfast - £72.50
  • Bed and Breakfast London - £94.00
  • Breakfast taken separately - £7.00
  • Lunch - £7.50
  • Evening meal - £17.40
  • Hospitality allowance - £12.80
Please note these were last amended in November 2009.

NAVCA's rates should be seen in combination with NAVCA's subsistence and travel claim policy. This includes information on when rates can be exceeded.