|
Scope
Regrading applies where there is:
- a transfer to a new substantive grade at broadly the same level but in a different grading structure.
- a transfer to a new substantive grade at a lower level (also known as 'downgrading').
The avenues of promotion table identifies the various grading structures within the Service and will help in determining equivalency.
Regrading does not apply to:
- a transfer to a higher grade or payband, where the promotion or progression policy applies
- staff moving to a lower payband within the same grade at either Senior Manager or Manager level
Staff must not be regraded through these procedures:
Staff cannot be downgraded, other than for disciplinary reasons, without their consent.
Examples
Staff are recruited into a specific grade and grading structure, and are subject to its pay and conditions of service. Whilst staff normally remain within that grading structure, there are a variety of circumstances in which regrading may be appropriate, including:
- where a post has been declared surplus and there are no suitable vacancies in the substantive grade - see Surplus Staff for details of how this might apply.
- Where it has been decided to change the grade of a specified post to one that is broadly equivalent but in a different grading structure
- as part of a retention plan, where an individual is unable to perform effectively in the substantive grade due to ill health or a disability
- as part of a retention plan, where an individual is no longer able to fulfil the requirements of the role (e.g. trainee psychologist no longer undertaking training by choice or through being unable to pass the route)
- for compassionate reasons, to support personal or domestic difficulties (see Managed Appointments for guidance on compassionate transfer)
- for career development purposes
- to support effective performance management of an individual.
- a disciplinary penalty resulting from misconduct.
Instructional Officers (IO) are eligible to apply for an advertised post on regrading to Professional and Technical Officer (PTO).
Although not a regrading, opportunities exist for operational staff to move into a specialist area:
- Healthcare
- Catering
- Physical Education
- Dog handling
- Instructional
For information on movement to operational specialists click here.
Key Principles and Responsibilities
Subject to the above, Area Managers, Heads of Group and above have authority to approve a regrading at Prison Service Senior Manager grade and below. Area Managers may delegate the authority to approve regradings at Prison Service Manager level and below to Governing Governors.
There is not an automatic right to regrading but all cases will be considered on their merits. Other than through disciplinary procedures, staff being considered for regrading must be assessed as being competent to perform effectively in the full range of duties appropriate to the new grade. An appropriate record of the reasons, criteria, assessment and recommendation must be kept for 12 months.
Regraded staff are not subject to probation in the new grade but rather, are subject to normal performance management procedures (incl. poor performance) applying to all staff. It is therefore important that relevant training, support and guidance is provided for the regradee.
Regrading has a direct impact on the terms and conditions of employment and the salaries of staff. Staff who regrade must be issued with their revised terms and conditions of service and salary information and asked to confirm their acceptance in writing. In order to ensure that managers and staff are fully aware of the implications of any regrading on their pay and terms and conditions of appointment, Pay and Employee Relations Group must be consulted prior to any formal offers being made.
Mark time pay and transfer expenses are appropriate where the regrading (excluding when awarded as a disciplinary penalty) is at the behest of the Service.
A posting on regrading will be subject to any necessary security clearance and checks: Protection of Children, National Security and mandatory vocational Qualifications as appropriate.
Guidance on security clearance and checks is available from the Security Vetting Website.
Monitoring
The regrading monitoring form must be completed. A copy should be retained locally and one should be emailed to Headquarters. For details of how to complete and submit the form click here. |
