Terms of reference

Terms of reference for the NHS Pay Review Body, as set out by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) is independent. Its role is to make recommendations on the remuneration of all staff paid under Agenda for Change and employed in the NHS to:

  • the Prime Minister
  • the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
  • the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government
  • the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Health of the Northern Ireland Executive

In reaching its recommendations, the NHSPRB is to have regard to the following considerations:

  • the need to recruit, retain and motivate suitably able and qualified staff
  • regional and/or local variations in labour markets and their effects on the recruitment and retention of staff
  • the funds available to the health departments, as set out in the government’s departmental expenditure limits
  • the government’s inflation target
  • the principle of equal pay for work of equal value in the NHS
  • the overall strategy that the NHS should place patients at the heart of all it does and the mechanisms by which that is to be achieved

The NHSPRB may also be asked to consider other specific issues.

The NHSPRB is also required to take careful account of the economic and other evidence submitted by:

  • the government
  • trades unions
  • representatives of NHS employers
  • others

The NHSPRB should take account of the legal obligations on the NHS, including anti-discrimination legislation regarding age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and belief, and disability.

Reports and recommendations should be submitted jointly to:

  • the Prime Minister
  • the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
  • the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government
  • the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Health of the Northern Ireland Executive