Senior civil servants to receive performance-related pay under new Government reforms

Senior civil servants will receive performance-related pay rises for the first time under new Government reforms aimed at rewarding delivery and improving accountability across the Civil Service.

The Government published its response to recommendations from the independent Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) on pay for the Senior Civil Service (SCS) for 2026-27 on 21st May.

Under the changes, 1% of the total SCS paybill will be allocated to performance-based pay progression, with exceptional performers receiving salary increases linked to delivery outcomes.

The reforms form part of the Government’s Future Civil Service Programme, which aims to modernise the Civil Service and improve performance across public services.

Alongside the performance-related changes, the Government confirmed an overall 3.5% increase to the SCS paybill, although base pay will rise by 2.5%, below the 3.5% increase recommended by the SSRB.

The Government also announced a 3.5% pay award for delegated grades.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said: “The Prime Minister has called for a complete rewiring of the state. In January this year, I set out the need to reward the doers, not the talkers in the Civil Service.

“It’s pretty simple. Those who perform well should be rewarded. Those who fall short should be held to account.”