Harmonisation and Secondary Transfer

What is Harmonisation?

Harmonisation is the process by which colleagues who remain on their former employer contractual terms and conditions (T&Cs) are aligned to Probation Service T&Cs and pay scales (subject to Trade Union negotiations and member agreement).  This only applies to staff who transferred in from Parent and Supply Chain organisations.

Former CRC staff were aligned to Probation Service T&Cs at the point of transfer but will also have their pay aligned to PS, MoJ or HMPPS pay scales based on the role and department they have been matched to.

What is Secondary Transfer?

Secondary Transfer is the process of transferring staff into business areas outside of the Probation Service where their role has been aligned to, and transferring onto the T&Cs of that business area i.e. HMPPS or MoJ corporate functions. This will be subject to a further consultation process.  This will take place after Harmonisation has been completed.

Why is Harmonisation needed?

On 26th June 2021, staff who transferred from Parent and Supply Chain organisations did so whilst remaining on the pay, terms and conditions of their former employer. This was because these organisations were not part of the original Trade Union negotiations to align transferring staff onto Probation Service terms and conditions via the National Agreement. We now need to align these staff on to PS terms and conditions so all staff are employed under the same pay structures and organisational terms and conditions.

What is the process? 

We will be negotiating with our recognised Trade Unions the harmonisation of Parent Organisation and Supply Chain staff through a process called ‘collective bargaining’. Our objective is to reach an agreement with our Trade Unions – which they will put to their members via a ballot – to align you to Probation Service T&Cs and pay scales.

How does this affect me?

Harmonisation is complex and has different implications and journeys for different groups of transferring staff. There are 5 categories of staff who this will affect who are outlined below – if you fall into one of these groups you will have received a letter detailing what you need to know. If you have not received a letter please contact us using the mailbox at the bottom of this page.

Former PO & SC staff working in Probation Services

Group 1

Former PO & SC staff working in HMPPS

Group 2

Former PO & SC staff working in MOJ

Group 3

Former CRC staff working in HMPPS

Group 4

Former CRC staff working in MOJ

Group 5

The Harmonisation Journey

It is important you know what to expect from the Harmonisation process in the coming months.

Click on the <> arrows to move through the journey

  • Planning & Awareness

    We will give regular updates to help you understand the journey to-date, our approach and timescales

    What do you need to do?

    Consider how you may be impacted and understand how Trade Union consulatation works and how decisions are made. Also consider joining a Trade Union

  • Trade Union Negotiation

    Negotiations with Trade Unions will take place – there may not be much to update you on during this period.

    What do you need to do?

    Familiarise yourself with the existing Probation Service offer and consider joining a Trade Union

  • Trade Union Ballot

    We will confirm details of the final proposals for harmonisation alongside your Trade Union and signpost you to the details and where to get support

    What do you need to do?

    Consider the impact of the proposed changes on your own circumstances. If you are a member of the Trade Union, submit your ballot paper.

  • Implementation

    If the ballot is successful we will begin to implement changes to align terms and conditions, pay, allowances and – potentially – pensions and will let you know in writing.

    What do you need to do?

    Understand the changes and when these will be implemented

  • Secondary Transfer

    Once Harmonisation is complete, we will prepare and plan for Trade Union negotiations for those in MOJ & HMPPS roles

    What do you need to do?

    Consider if/how this impacts you if working in a HMPPS HQ or MoJ corporate function role

We will keep you informed when we have updates to share via the Probation Hub, briefings and virtual sessions and provide support via senior leaders and your managers to help signpost you to information you need.

If you have any generic questions about harmonisation or secondary transfer, they can be submitted to HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk. Please note due to TU sensitives we cannot respond to questions on actual terms, pay or individual situations or circumstances. These are best discussed with your chosen Trade Unions representative.