What is the Pay Framework Allowance (PFA)?
The Pay Framework Allowance for specified Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) roles offers an additional, non-pensionable and non-contractual allowance on top of your base pay up to a maximum cash target. There are different maximum cash targets according to your grade and the outcome proficiency level of a capability and skills assessment.
What will my base pay be?
Your base pay will depend on your circumstances and the role you’re applying for. If it’s a role that can be eligible for a Pay Framework Allowance, then external candidates joining the Civil Service will always start at the minimum of the pay band range. Existing Civil Servants’ base pay will be subject to the usual rules on transfer or promotion.
How is my Pay Framework Allowance determined?
Once you have been interviewed and have received and accepted a provisional job offer, you will be invited to complete an online capability and skills assessment. This is a self-assessment based on the 6 defined skills listed in the job advert. The evidence you provide will be used to determine your PFA proficiency level. The amount of any capability allowance awarded is payable in addition to the pay range base salary for the role you have been offered.
The total compensation you’ll be offered includes your base salary plus any capability allowance you may be awarded for your Home Office assessed proficiency level and grade, up to the maximum cash target.
Your base pay range is dependent on grade and location as shown in the table below. There are a range of proficiency levels within the cash target range for each grade. For example, the cash target range for Senior Executive Officer (SEO) starts at £46,800 and increases up to £57,400 (full-time equivalent).
| Grade | National pay range min | London pay range min | London Gatwick pay range min | Cash target max** | Maximum value of award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEO | £44,720 | £48,720 | £45,720 | £57,400 | £12,680 |
| G7 | £60,300 | £64,300 | £61,300 | £80,400 | £21,100 |
| G6 | £73,900 | £77,900 | £74,900 | £95,600 | £21,700 |
* Updated pay range minimum to reflect 24/25 pay award
**Base salary and maximum capability award
PFA assessment process (step by step)
- After a successful interview, you will receive your provisional job offer and you will need to accept it to begin the on-boarding process.
- You will then receive a link and guidance on how to complete a Capability and Skills Assessment (CaSA). The assessment will take place alongside your journey through Pre-Employment and Security Checks.
- You will have 10 working days to complete the online assessment, self-assessing and providing evidence against the 6 defined skills listed in the job advert.
- Once complete, you’ll submit your capability and skills assessment for consideration of a capability allowance.
- Your assessment will be considered by the Home Office within 10 working days.
- You will then be advised on the outcome of your capability self-assessment and, as a result, your total compensation for the role.
- You will continue to progress through checks and clearance.
Any additional allowance awarded is neither a contractual nor pensionable entitlement and is dependent on you remaining in a capability allowance qualifying role. This allowance is subject to an annual review, although it could be reduced or withdrawn at any time, in line with our allowance policy.