AN academy trust – which includes Wilsden Primary – has introduced a fair-pay policy for support staff across its schools.

The Focus Trust scheme means that everyone who does the same job at its 15 member schools now receive the same pay, irrespective of which local authority they come under.

Plans for the new salary banding for the schools' 680 support staff were first presented to the trust senior leadership team in 2017, and were approved by the board in the spring of last year.

A National Joint Council system was used to evaluate all staff roles across the trust.

The move has been backed by the Unison and GMB unions.

Natalie Harris, chief operating officer at Focus Trust, said: "Whilst with a project of this nature there are always lessons to be learned, I am delighted with the overall outcome.

"To have achieved a fair and consistent pay and grading structure for all members of support staff across all schools within the trust has not been without its challenges, but it has certainly been worth every small collaborative step taken to reach this point.

"Feedback from the vast majority of staff has been complimentary, and the support we have felt has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I would like to extend huge thanks to all colleagues involved."

Liz Davison, the executive headteacher at Wilsden and Thornton primary schools, was part of the job evaluation advisory group.

She said: "Focus Trust is committed to providing its employees with the very best support and conditions.

"It recently undertook the huge project which has seen the review of all job descriptions, working practices and pay for every member of support staff.

"As a member of the advisory team, it has been clear that not a stone has been left unturned in so much as all questions have been considered and all staff have felt involved – and the project has been successful as a result.

"It has resulted in employees being treated more equitably across the trust, which covers seven local authorities."

Helen Rowland, the trust's chief executive officer, said: "Two of our trust values are care and fair. When we initially considered job evaluation we agreed it was the right thing to do, but it seemed like an enormous undertaking.

"I'm delighted to say we've achieved what we set out to achieve – fairness and consistency with pay for all our support staff."