Civil Service probation is a structured assessment period for new entrants. Your department may assess performance, attendance, conduct and behaviour before deciding whether to confirm your appointment, extend probation or end employment.
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How long Civil Service probation lasts
A six-month probation period is common, but it is not universal. Check your appointment letter and department policy. Some roles or departments use different periods, and extensions may be possible where more time is genuinely needed to assess suitability or where absence has reduced the assessment period.
What is assessed during probation
- The quality, accuracy and timeliness of your work.
- Whether you meet attendance and reliability expectations.
- Your conduct, behaviour and compliance with instructions.
- Your progress through required learning or accreditation.
- How you respond to feedback and improve after support.
Possible probation outcomes
The usual outcomes are successful completion, an extension or failure of probation. The policy should explain who makes the decision, what evidence is considered and whether you can appeal. A routine review should not be confused with a meeting that can decide failure or dismissal.
Unlock the detailed probation process map below, including what should happen at each stage, the documents to request, the questions to ask and the warning signs that the process is moving towards extension or failure.
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