Senior Head of Function Part-Time vs Full-Time Impact Calculator
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Considering part-time or reduced hours? This tool shows how your pay would look at different FTE levels for a Senior Head of Function. See the difference between full-time and part-time so you can make informed choices about work-life balance.
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. Pay is pro-rated by FTE from the full-time band rate in the dataset. Pro-rata and pattern rules vary by employer; check your contract.
- All amounts are gross. Tax, NI and pension are not deducted.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Impact Calculator
You'll see:
- Full-time equivalent pay and your pay at your chosen FTE
- Annual difference vs full-time
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Guide for Senior Head of Function
This guide explains how part-time FTE affects gross pay for Senior Head of Function on Prison Band 8 at Probation & Prisons. Pro-rata rules can vary; check your contract and HR team.
Part-time pay for Senior Head of Function
As Senior Head of Function at Probation & Prisons, part-time pay is usually pro-rated from full-time basic pay on your band or grade (Prison Band 8 on HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation)). Enter your FTE (for example 0.8 for a four-day week) to compare with full-time gross pay. Unsocial hours, HCAS and other enhancements are calculated on actual basic pay where they apply.
Part-time and FTE explained
Full-time equivalent (FTE) compares your contracted hours to a full-time post. 0.8 FTE usually means four days out of five: pay is typically pro-rated to 80% of the full-time salary for the same band. Employers may round or apply local rules, so treat results as a guide.
Progression and pension
Many public sector employers count part-time service at full rate for incremental progression and pension, but not all do. The calculator notes this where relevant. Check your contract for how FTE affects progression dates and superannuation.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Prison Band 8 |
|---|---|
| Full-time gross (example) | £57,398 |
| At 0.8 FTE (example) | £45,918 |
| Annual difference vs full-time | £11,480 |
Frequently asked questions
What does this work patterns calculator do?
It shows how your gross pay changes when you work part-time (e.g. 0.8 FTE). It gives full-time equivalent pay, your adjusted pay at your FTE, and the annual difference versus full-time.
How is part-time pay worked out?
We take your full-time gross salary (from your band and spine point, or a figure you enter) and multiply by your FTE. For example, 0.8 FTE means 80% of full-time hours and pay. Employer rules may differ.
What does FTE mean?
Full-time equivalent. 1.0 FTE = full-time hours; 0.8 FTE = 80% of full-time (e.g. 4 days a week if full-time is 5). Your pay is typically pro-rated the same way.
Does part-time affect incremental progression?
It can. Many employers count part-time service at full rate for spine or incremental progression; others do not. The calculator includes a note. Check your employer’s policy.
As a Senior Head of Function, will my employer pro-rate exactly like this?
Pro-rata rules can vary by employer and contract. Use this as a guide; your contract or HR can confirm how your FTE affects base pay and progression.
Are the figures official?
No. Figures are illustrative. Pro-rata rules and band rates vary by employer. Always check your contract or HR for definitive figures.
Can I compare several FTE options?
Change the FTE field and recalculate. Try 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.6 to see the pay difference at each step.
Do you store my data?
No. Calculations run locally in your browser. We do not store personal information.
Is the result gross or net?
Gross. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted. Your actual take-home will be lower.
What if I work term-time only?
This calculator uses FTE over the year. Term-time or other patterns may be calculated differently by your employer; check your contract.
About this role
What is a Senior Head of Function?
A Senior Head of Function (Fair and Sustainable Band 8) is an operational manager grade that can cover senior Head of Function posts or early Deputy Governor responsibilities, depending on the establishment. Pay is a National range; RHA often applies.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Band 8 posts deepen leadership across larger or more complex functions and are a common step toward Deputy Governor and Governor roles.
What about reduced hours or part-time?
Many public sector roles support part-time or reduced hours. Use the calculator above to compare full-time pay with reduced FTE for your band.
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.