Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC)

Q: What is the JNC?

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for Youth and Community Workers is the body which sets the national framework used to grade and pay youth work jobs. The function of the JNC is to agree the salary scales, yearly pay increases and other terms and conditions of service. You may see job adverts which state JNC qualified and to which level (there are two pay ranges: youth and community support worker ranges and professional range).

The second function of the JNC is to endorse youth and community workers’ qualifications which have been professionally approved by the Education and Training Standards (ETS) Committee of the National Youth Agency (NYA). Two NCVYS members sit on this ETS committee which considers applications from higher education institutions for the professional validation of qualifications. The National Youth Agency also endorses youth support worker qualifications, and these are also recognised by the JNC. By selecting a course recognised by the JNC you ensure that the course is fit for purpose.

The JNC is served by organisations which represent employers and employees (staff). For example, NCVYS is a committee member on the employers side and the Community and Youth Workers Union is a committee member on the staff side. Both sides negotiate pay and employment issues, which are then set within the ‘JNC for Youth and Community Workers handbook (pink book)’. Within the handbook are also terms and conditions, lists of those courses which have been professionally validated and JNC pay scales and allowances.

Many local authorities subscribe to the handbook (national framework). The JNC recommends that the handbook should also apply to all voluntary organisations employing youth and community workers.

Q: Why was the JNC set up?

It was established in 1961 as a result of the Albemarle Report to provide a voluntary collective bargaining process regarding pay and conditions for youth and community workers in local education authorities. The voluntary youth sector was heavily involved in the lobbying process which led to the establishment of the Albemarle Committee, the publication of the report, resourcing of the local authority youth service and the subsequent creation of the JNC.

Q: Why should the voluntary youth sector subscribe to the JNC?

At present many voluntary youth sector organisations refer to the salary scales set by the JNC and use these as a benchmark. However, very few members actually subscribe to the JNC and take advantage of the services on offer. The benefits include the following:

• If you adopt the JNC salary scales then a fair pay system will be provided (negotiated already by representatives of employers and employees). This may help to retain and recruit staff. You will receive annual updates of the salary scale changes.

• By adopting an established set of employment terms and conditions for youth workers it means that as an employer you are more protected e.g. employers who operate without any terms and conditions are more vulnerable to legal challenges in employment tribunals.

• As a result of your annual subscription, expert advice is available from the Employers’ Secretariat of the JNC regarding the application and interpretation of the pay scales and employment terms and conditions.

• Receive updates of the list of endorsed professional qualifications by the JNC.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the list of JNC recognised youth and community work higher education courses?

Go to the National Youth Agency's web site at www.nya.org.uk or follow this link.

Q: What is the 2009 pay settlement?

An increase of 1% on all salary points and allowances with effect from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010 (the pay settlement was reached in January 2010). Also there is an agreement to continue to press for key worker status for youth and community workers.

Q: What are the current pay scales?

The pay scales can be accessed via the Community and Youth Workers' Union web site (the 2009 pay scales have not been uploaded as yet, to request a copy by email contact nichola@ncvys.org.uk)

Q: How much does subscription cost and how can I find out more?

Costs of subscription are detailed on the LGE web page

To find out more please email the LGE or go to the LGE web site. Alternatively contact James Mensah on 020 7187 7331 or Allison Wheeler on 020 7187 7330.

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