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This procedure outlines the process for considering a request for an accelerated increment or contribution point.
Contents
Introduction
1. This page sets out the process for considering a request for an accelerated increment or contribution point.
Scope
2. Non-clinical staff in grades 1-9 may be awarded an additional increment or contribution point if they meet the criteria set out in this procedure.
3. The clinical scales are linked to NHS salary points and the accelerated increment/contribution point process does not apply to clinical staff on the Consultant Clinical Academic Pay Scale, the Senior Academic GP (SAGP) pay scale, the Dental Consultant Clinical Academic pay scale and the non-consultant CLIN ACAD pay scale.
4. The procedure for requesting the award of a contribution point does apply to clinical staff on the grade CL7, CL8, CL9 and StR grades which have contribution points. The accelerated increment process does not apply to staff on these grades.
Criteria
5. The following criteria apply to the award of an accelerated increment or contribution point:
• Outstanding performance has been achieved and maintained*.
• The employee has been formally reviewed, either through successful completion of their probation, or an appraisal in the previous six months.
• The objectives set have been stretching, have exceeded expectations and were fully achieved (unless circumstances beyond the member of staff’s control have prevented this).
* Outstanding performance will have been demonstrated in terms of their achievements in the context of work undertaken, efficiency, resourcefulness, dependability and judgment. This performance will have been sustained over a period of at least six to twelve months.
6. If it is felt that the employee in question has achieved the above criteria then consideration may also be given to awarding two increments or contribution points. This must be in recognition of performance that is greatly and exceptionally exceeding expectations.
Request submitted on behalf of the employee
7. Heads of Department/Divisions may make a request for an award of an additional increment or contribution point at any time of the year by completing the Request Form for Accelerated Incremental Progression or Award of Contribution Point Local variations in practice exist to promote equitable treatment for staff, including in the IOE and SLMS– where applications are reviewed at fixed points in the year. Staff should consult their Faculty Intranet pages for details.
8. The form should clearly state how the request fulfils the criteria set out below and provide evidence of formal appraisal. There is also opportunity for this to extend to two increments or contribution points, but this must be under highly exceptional circumstances, as outlined in the criteria.
9. The faculty Director of Operations (if applicable) should acknowledge the support or non-support of the request and give their reasons.
10. The Dean, or, Professional Services Director, should be forwarded the request for consideration. They will consider the request in line with the criteria for award and will approve or reject the request.
11. The Dean/Vice-President (Operations) will return the request, endorsed with their decision, to the HoD/Head of Department or Division.
12. The HoD/Head of Department or Division will send the form to the department HR administrator who will save a copy to the local HR file. If the request is unsuccessful, they will write to the employee to inform them of the outcome.
13. If the request is approved, the department HR administrator will submit a Department Transactions change request form, with the signed-off form attached. The cost will be charged to the current source of funding for the post and the increase applicable from the 1st of the following month. An accelerated increment or contribution point cannot be applied until the employee has at least 12 months service at UCL.
Employee Case
14. Individuals may also make a case for an award of an additional increment or contribution point directly to the Dean/Professional Services Director where their case is not supported by their HoD/Head of Department or line manager.
15. In such cases the Dean/Professional Services Director will:
- obtain written comments from the HoD/ Head of Department or Division, (these comments will be copied to the individual) and also from the Faculty Manager (in Faculty cases).
- consider the request against the criteria for award.
16. The Dean/Professional Services Director will forward the request, endorsed with their decision, to the HoD/ Head of Department or Division.
17. The HoD/ Head of Department or Division will send the form to the department HR administrator who will save a copy to the local HR file. If the request is rejected, the Head of Department or Division will inform the employee of the outcome.
18. If the request is approved, they will submit a Department Transactions Change request form, with the signed-off form attached. The cost will be charged to the current source of funding for the post and the increase applicable from the 1st of the following month. An accelerated increment or contribution point cannot be applied until the employee has at least 12 months service at UCL.
Market Pressures
19. The Accelerated Increment/Contribution Point policy is not intended to compensate for external market pressures. If you wish to make a case for a market supplement then please refer to the Market Pay Policy for further guidance. If you would like to discuss this further please contact Mark Rice, Head of Reward and Pensions for further advice.
HR Employment Policy Team
August 2024