As Napo opens an indicative ballot on the 2025–2026 Probation Pay Offer, many members are asking an important question: what exactly is an indicative ballot and how is it different from a formal industrial action ballot?
The short answer is this: an indicative ballot is about listening to members and setting direction, while a formal ballot is about taking legally protected action.
What is an indicative ballot?
An indicative ballot is a way for the union to ask members their view on a specific issue, in this case, whether to accept or reject the employer’s pay offer.
It is not governed by the same legal requirements as a statutory industrial action ballot. That means:
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it can be run electronically, rather than by post
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it requires a simple majority of those voting
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it does not authorise industrial action
This makes it faster, more accessible and more inclusive. It allows members to express their view without immediately being asked to vote on action.
Basically, it is a powerful way to temperature-check the mood of members.
What is a formal (statutory) ballot?
A formal ballot, sometimes called a statutory or industrial action ballot, is very different.
It is tightly regulated by law and must:
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be conducted by post only
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meet strict turnout and voting thresholds
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ask members to vote on industrial action or action short of strike
Only if a formal ballot is successful can the union lawfully organise industrial action.
We lost the last ballot last year because we unfortunately didn’t meet the voter turnout required to make it legal.
How the two are linked
The indicative ballot is what informs what happens next.
If members accept the pay offer, the matter is settled.
If members reject the offer, that sends a clear message to the employer and Government that the offer is unacceptable. It strengthens Napo’s mandate to:
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demand improved negotiations
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and, if necessary, move towards a formal ballot on industrial action
In other words, this vote shapes the road ahead.
Why this ballot matters
This indicative ballot is only about pay, not industrial action.
Members are being asked to respond to a below-inflation offer that follows:
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more than a year of delay
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rising workloads and staffing pressures
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continued pay erosion across the Probation Service
Napo’s Probation Negotiating Committee has unanimously recommended rejection of the offer. But the decision ultimately rests with members.
Your voice comes first
By running an indicative ballot, Napo is asking members how they want to proceed.
That’s why it’s vital to:
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watch out for ballot emails
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make sure your details are up to date
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and take part in members’ meetings to ask questions and share your views
This is your opportunity to be heard and to shape what comes next.
