Can Failing Civil Service Probation Affect a Future Job Offer?
Probation Dismissal, Pre-Employment Checks and Future Civil Service Applications
Hello,
I am at risk of being dismissed for failing probation in my current Civil Service role. I have already accepted a provisional offer for a different Civil Service job and the pre-employment checks are in progress.
The new role is in a different area and is much closer to the work I did successfully before joining the Civil Service. My current probation concerns are mainly about performance in this particular job rather than misconduct.
Could a probation dismissal cause the new department to withdraw its offer? If I leave before the final probation decision, would that avoid the problem, or could the circumstances still appear in my employment record or reference?
I want to be honest, but I do not know when or how I should explain the situation.
Quick Answer
A failed probation decision can be relevant to future Civil Service employment, particularly where pre-employment checks or an employment record ask about previous service and the reason it ended. It does not automatically mean every later application must fail, but you should not assume that resigning before the decision will erase the underlying record.
Read our Civil Service Probation Help guide for the records, review and appeal steps that matter before a final decision is made.
Need help with your own situation? Visit Get Tailored Advice or browse more questions in Advice.
What I Would Do If a New Offer Was Progressing While My Current Probation Was at Risk
Unlock the Full Advice
Continue reading to see how I would protect the current probation process, answer recruitment questions accurately and decide when the new department needs to be told.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in