asking for rebanding/promotion

[MaybeMavericks]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster here.

for a bit of context, i currently work in the NHS down south, im a band 5 and my line manager (hes been on long term sick since sept 2021) is a band 6, there's only 2 of us (we are part of a wider team that works on all sorts of projects) as we have specialist knowledge on referral systems.

Here's the issue i have, for 90% of the last 12 months, ive been doing both my role and my line managers and whilst i get the occasional pat on the head, im quite frustrated (as i have ambitions of going up to band 6) in terms of recognition and pay, and i want to raise this/escalate with my seniors, i guess my question is, is there any tips or advice from anyone on how i should approach this?

They are unlikely to give you the same grade as your manager, as only one of you can be 'the manager'.

What you could ask for, is an acting up allowance on the basis that you have been covering, in your managers absence for quite a long period of time.

The key, is that you need to demonstrate that you have taken on the full remit of the role a not just kept things ticking over. So give examples of longer term planning that that you may have had to take on, strategic planning etc.

They won’t reband your job …..you could ask for acting up pay though

Don’t expect anything, they like everything on the cheap.

Start applying for Band 6 roles, in your CV state the elements of the Band 6 role you have been covering.

At the same time email your manager, cc in HR, and ask for acting up pay for covering the Band 6 role. Point out that you have been covering the role with no respite for nearly 12 months. As pp said make it clear you have been doing the strategic elements too. The worst they can say is no.

Is he likely to be off for much longer or back in September? I’d ask if there’s a more official secondment opportunity.

Is there a band 7 manager above? They should be absorbing the management side of things but it’s great you’ve stepped up so that’s something to add to your cv.