Sickness absence does not automatically make a performance process disappear. It can change the timetable, the medical evidence needed and whether you are fit to work, attend meetings or respond properly.
On this page
Return to the Civil Service Performance Management Help hub to find guidance for every stage of the process.
Can you be managed while off sick?
A department may continue some management steps during sickness absence, depending on the policy and your fitness to participate. The key issue is whether you can fairly attend, process documents, give instructions to a representative or provide a response, and whether medical or Occupational Health input is needed first.
Do not assume that a fit note ends every performance step. Also do not assume that management can proceed exactly as if you were well. Put the health effect and any request for pause, alternative format or extra time in writing.
Returning to work
A return to work may involve a return-to-work discussion, Occupational Health advice, a staged return, adjusted duties, reduced hours or temporary changes to targets. Ask how the performance process will interact with those arrangements before normal review measures resume.
- Confirm whether the performance process is paused, continuing or restarting.
- Check whether existing targets remain appropriate during a staged return.
- Ask when measurement begins and what work period will count.
- Confirm temporary hours, duties, workload and meeting arrangements.
- Make sure OH recommendations and adjustments are reflected in writing.
- Record any performance conclusion based on a period when you were absent or medically restricted.
Link health to a practical request
Explain what you cannot currently do fairly and what would allow you to participate. This might be a pause, written response, representative contact, shorter meeting, OH referral or a review after a staged return.
Members can unlock the sickness and performance management plan, including how to manage both policies together, request a fair pause or alternative meeting, prepare medical evidence, protect a staged return from unsuitable targets and respond when management continues without properly considering fitness to participate.
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