Sickness absence does not automatically end a disciplinary or performance process. The key question is whether you are fit to participate fairly and what adjustments, medical input or alternative arrangements are needed.
On this page
Two issues are happening at once
The underlying allegation or performance concern still needs a response. Health may affect attendance, deadlines, meeting format, concentration and the pace of the process. Keep the medical position and the substantive defence connected without using one as a substitute for the other.
Fitness to work and fitness to participate can differ
Someone may be unfit for ordinary duties yet able to give a short written response, or unable to cope with a long hearing despite some capacity for work. Ask OH or a clinician to address participation where that is the real question.
Members can unlock: a dual-process plan, fitness-to-participate request, options for written or adjusted participation, evidence preservation, meeting controls and wording for pauses, deadlines, OH questions and continuation while off sick.
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