Career Progression

Health Band 5 vs Band 6 vs Band 7 — Simple Explanation for 2025

If you're new to the Health or planning your career progression, understanding the Banding system is essential. Bands determine your salary, responsibilities, and career pathway.

This guide breaks down Bands 5, 6, and 7 in simple terms.

What Are Health Bands?

Health Bands are part of the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay structure. They range from Band 2 (support roles) to Band 9 (senior leadership).

Most clinical roles start at Band 5, with progression to Band 6 and Band 7 as you gain experience and take on more responsibility.

Band 5: Newly Qualified Professionals

Typical Roles: Staff Nurse, Junior Physiotherapist, Junior Occupational Therapist, Newly Qualified Radiographer

Salary Range (2025): £28,407 - £34,581

Responsibilities:

• Delivering direct patient care
• Working under supervision (initially)
• Developing clinical skills and competencies
• Contributing to team meetings and audits

What It's Like: Band 5 is where you build your foundation. You're expected to be competent in core clinical skills, but you're still learning and developing.

Band 6: Experienced Practitioners

Typical Roles: Senior Staff Nurse, Team Leader, Specialist Nurse, Senior Physiotherapist

Salary Range (2025): £35,392 - £42,618

Responsibilities:

• Leading a team or shift
• Mentoring Band 5 staff
• Taking on specialist areas (e.g., wound care, diabetes)
• Leading audits and quality improvement projects
• Making autonomous clinical decisions

What It's Like: Band 6 is about leadership and expertise. You're expected to manage complex cases, support junior staff, and contribute to service improvement.

Band 7: Senior Practitioners & Team Leaders

Typical Roles: Ward Manager, Clinical Lead, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Senior Specialist

Salary Range (2025): £44,806 - £53,134

Responsibilities:

• Managing a ward, department, or service
• Budget and resource management
• Leading service development and transformation
• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Supervising Band 5 and Band 6 staff

What It's Like: Band 7 is senior leadership. You're responsible for the overall performance of a team or service, not just individual patient care.

How to Progress Between Bands

Band 5 to Band 6:

• Gain 2-3 years of experience
• Complete relevant training and CPD
• Demonstrate leadership and mentoring skills
• Apply for Band 6 roles (you won't automatically move up)

Band 6 to Band 7:

• Gain 3-5 years at Band 6
• Lead projects and audits
• Develop management and strategic thinking skills
• Consider postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc, leadership courses)

Key Differences at a Glance

Band 5: Practitioner | Band 6: Senior Practitioner/Team Leader | Band 7: Manager/Clinical Lead

Band 5: Supervised initially | Band 6: Autonomous | Band 7: Strategic

Band 5: Learning | Band 6: Leading | Band 7: Managing

Final Thoughts

Understanding Health Bands helps you plan your career and know what's expected at each level. Progression isn't automatic — you need to actively develop your skills, gain experience, and apply for higher Band roles.