Ofsted
UNISON represents staff working for Ofsted in early years and social care inspection
Who we represent
Ofsted inspectors play a vital role in ensuring and enhancing the quality of care and education in social care and nurseries.
UNISON leads on negotiations for the pay and conditions of staff working for Ofsted and on workload and other professional issues.
Ofsted pay negotiations 2025/26
UNISON and the other trade unions, FDA and PCS met Ofsted management for pay negotiations for 2025/26 pay in August 2025. The headlines of the offer received from Ofsted are:
- An increase of 3.25% to grade 6/7 equivalents (SHMI/SA/PO to HMI/RIM/Band A).
- An increase of 4.25% to all SEO and below (B1 inspector/B1 and below).
- An increase of 3.25% to London weighting.
View details of the proposed revised pay spine.
Ofsted also agreed to:
- Continuation of the inspector overtime provision which allows overtime where there is an acute and unforeseeable risk to inspection delivery.
- A one-off mid year and year end award for SC B1 inspector/RIM.
UNISON members were consulted and agreed to accept the offer. The pay award was implemented in September 2025, with backpay to April 2025 where appropriate.
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