Separate acting, temporary and substantive promotion
A substantive promotion changes the contracted role. Temporary promotion or acting arrangements cover a defined need without necessarily creating permanent status. Read the letter or authorisation carefully because the label affects the expected pay point and end date.
Audit the gross payment
Keep the roster and written authorisation. Identify the higher role, the period worked and whether the service uses a development or competent point. Compare the gross line before interpreting PAYE deductions.
Check downstream effects
Higher pensionable earnings can affect contribution bands and CARE accrual. Regular temporary pay can also change tax during the year. None of that makes the temporary appointment permanent, so keep baseline and acting income separate in long-term planning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I automatically receive the full higher-role salary?
Not in every circumstance. Check the Grey Book, local agreement and written authorisation for the applicable point and trigger.
Can acting-up pay affect pension contributions?
It can if the payment is pensionable and changes actual pensionable earnings; the administrator can confirm.