NJC pay spine for conservation officers
The NJC (National Joint Council) spinal column runs from SCP 3 to SCP 43 (SCP 1 was deleted in April 2023 and SCP 2 from 1 April 2026); conservation officers in local authorities typically sit SCP 18 to SCP 38. The point values below are the 2025/26 spine; the 2026/27 award of 3.30 percent was agreed in August 2026 (after UNISON's strike ballot closed on 6 August 2026 below the turnout threshold for industrial action) and applies from 1 April 2026, backdated, so current pay is the 2025/26 point plus 3.30 percent.
Typical SCP ranges for the role
- Assistant Conservation Officer: SCP 18-22
- Conservation Officer (planning or nature): SCP 23-28
- Senior Conservation Officer / Senior Planning CO: SCP 28-33
- Principal / Team Leader: SCP 33-38
- Conservation Team Manager: SCP 38-43
How SCP is applied
Most authorities use a spot-point or narrow-banded application of NJC (e.g. "SCP 23-26 on appointment, progression to SCP 28 over 3-5 years subject to performance"). A few use broad-banded grades that span 5-8 SCPs without automatic increment progression.
Market supplements
Where recruitment is difficult (often planning conservation officer roles in inner-London boroughs with backlog), authorities apply a market supplement on top of SCP, typically £2,000-£5,000. Market supplements are time-limited and reviewable; they are not a permanent uplift on the spine.