Head of PDU Pay Progression Calculator
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Wondering how pay and progression look for a Head of PDU? This tool shows how your salary could grow over the next few years, whether you're planning a move or just curious where your current band can take you. We've mapped typical pay scales so you can explore the numbers and plan ahead.
Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation). Prison Bands 2–5 and 7–12 use PSPRB National 37-hour base rates from 1 April 2026. Probation scales remain illustrative. Add unsocial hours, RHA or London weighting via allowances where they apply.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- How we model progression: Many UK public sector pay scales use spine points (fixed salary steps within a band). Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection (e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point)). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Pay Progression Calculator
You'll see:
- Current gross pay and pay at the end of your chosen period
- Total gross earnings over the period
- A year-by-year table and chart
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Guide for Head of PDU
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Head of PDU at Probation & Prisons on Probation Band C under HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation). Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for Head of PDU
As Head of PDU at Probation & Prisons, pay is usually set under HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation). Our dataset typically maps this role to Probation Band C; your actual grade may differ. Pay is usually organised in bands or grades with incremental steps or spine points until you reach the top of the scale.
Typical progression for Head of PDU
Typical progression: Senior Probation Officer / Band 5–6 management → Band A–C senior roles → Head of PDU → Deputy / Regional Probation Director. Confirm exact band with HMPPS.
What to enter in the calculator
Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.
What this does not include
The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Probation Band C |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £61,042 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £75,224 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
What does this probation and prisons pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross annual pay over a number of years based on your role and typical pay scales for probation and prison staff. It uses pay points from the dataset.
How is probation/prisons pay progression modelled?
We use the dataset’s pay structure. Progression is often by band or grade. Real rules are set by your employer and pay review. Check your employer or union.
Are these probation and prisons figures official?
No. Figures are illustrative. Pay and conditions change. Always check your employer, HMPPS or union for current rates.
Do you store my inputs?
No. Everything runs in your browser. We do not collect or store personal data.
Is the total earnings figure gross or net?
Gross. The calculator does not deduct tax, National Insurance or pension. Your take-home pay will be lower.
About this role
What is a Head of PDU?
A Head of Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) is a senior Probation Service leader responsible for operational and strategic management of a PDU (formerly Local Delivery Unit). Posts are typically NPS Pay Band C. Our figures are illustrative ranges based on published Justice Jobs advertisements.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Head of PDU roles sit near the top of the Probation Service management structure and involve leadership, resources and partnership working.
Are there progression routes?
Typical progression: Senior Probation Officer / Band 5–6 management → Band A–C senior roles → Head of PDU → Deputy / Regional Probation Director. Confirm exact band with HMPPS.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.