* These rates are effective from April 2025 and are based on a standard 37.5 hour working week.

Band 2 is the primary entry-level band for NHS support staff, covering a wide range of essential clinical and non-clinical roles:

Band 2 is an excellent starting point for an NHS career, with clear progression pathways to higher bands:

Agenda for Change (AfC) is the National Health Service's comprehensive pay and grading system, implemented in December 2004 to standardize pay scales and ensure fair, consistent compensation across the NHS. This landmark framework covers over one million NHS staff members, providing a clear structure for career progression and development.

The Agenda for Change system applies to most NHS employees including nurses, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants, therapists, and administrative staff. However, it excludes doctors, dentists, and some very senior managers who have separate pay arrangements. The framework encompasses nine pay bands (Band 1 through Band 9), with each band containing multiple pay points that reflect increasing experience and responsibility.

A key component of Agenda for Change is the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), which supports personal development and career advancement. The KSF ensures staff members are equipped with the necessary competencies for their roles and provides a structured pathway for progression. Pay progression within each band typically occurs annually based on satisfactory performance and the achievement of relevant KSF competencies.

The system was designed to eliminate outdated pay practices and create equity across different NHS roles and regions. By establishing transparent pay bands linked to job evaluation, Agenda for Change ensures that staff performing similar roles with comparable responsibilities receive consistent pay, regardless of their specific job title or location within the NHS.

In May 2025, the UK government announced a 3.6% pay increase for all Agenda for Change staff for the 2025/26 financial year, backdated to April 1, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of above-inflation pay rises for NHS workers, following a 5.5% increase in 2024/25. These pay awards demonstrate the government's commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of NHS staff and addressing the challenges posed by inflation and rising cost-of-living expenses.

The cumulative impact of recent pay awards has been significant. For example, the starting salary for Band 2 positions has risen to £24,465 in 2025/26, representing an increase of over £4,000 since the 2022/23 period. This substantial rise reflects the government's recognition of the vital role that Band 2 staff play in delivering frontline NHS services.

These pay increases apply uniformly across all Agenda for Change bands, ensuring that all NHS staff—from healthcare support workers to senior nurses and allied health professionals—receive fair recognition for their dedication and service. The government has worked closely with NHS Employers and trade unions to negotiate these settlements, balancing the need to reward staff appropriately while maintaining fiscal responsibility.