Salary scales and allowances

NJC pay scales

NJC scales are local government pay scales, which are extensively used in the voluntary sector. They are a result of negotiations between trade unions and Local Government Employers.

Please note NAVCA is not involved in these negotiations in any way and cannot provide any further information on pay scales beyond what is on this page.

Current NJC pay scales

There have been no agreed changes to the payscales since since 2009/10. Therefore the NJC scales 2009/10 (Word, 375 KB) are, in effect, the current scales. There are ongoing negotiations for changes to the sclaes for 2013/14. It is unclear when these will conclude and whether there will be any changes as a result.  

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 3349 8920, 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 4 January - 31 March 2011 (Word, 129 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 do not 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.