Can My Department Move Me Into a Different Civil Service Role Without My Agreement?
Civil Service Restructures, Managed Moves and Changes to Your Role
Hello,
My manager has told me that I will be moved to another team because of staffing pressures. The new work is very different from the role I applied for and I was not asked whether I agreed.
The grade and office location will stay the same, but the duties, subject area and working pattern may change. I am concerned that the move will damage my development and place me in work for which I have little experience.
Can a Civil Service department move someone between teams without consent? Does it matter whether the move is temporary, a managed move or part of a restructure?
What should I ask for before the change takes effect, and can I refuse if the new role is unsuitable?
Quick Answer
A department may have contractual and management flexibility to move staff within reasonable limits, particularly where grade and core terms remain unchanged, but the answer depends on your contract, mobility or flexibility clauses, departmental policy and the scale of the change. Do not treat the label of managed move or restructure as enough to settle the issue.
Read our Moving to Another Role Within the Civil Service guide to check the appointment type, terms, release and safeguards before the move.
Need help with your own situation? Visit Get Tailored Advice or browse more questions in Advice.
What I Would Check Before Accepting or Challenging a Move Into a Different Team
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Continue reading to see how I would identify the department’s authority, compare the old and new duties and raise suitability concerns without simply refusing the instruction.
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