Have you "acted up"?

[PeachesMcLeanEatsSprouts]

Our department manager is leaving at Xmas. I've been asked to "act as the conduit / representative" for our department. I got more info about it today and basically they want me to do that on "an informal basis until mid January"

I asked what would happen in mid Jan and they said they'd start to draft a new job descrption at that stage to advertise a new head of department. So, I pointed out, that it could be June before someone joined us (ie period to agree job desc, recruitment, three months notice to be worked out). They didn't really take on board that I could therefore be "acting as conduit in an informal way" for 6 months and this particular meeting wasn't the opportunity to start picking holes.

I had planned to apply for the new job when it was advertised but reading between the lines today, they're looking for someone with experience in an area I don't normally work in (but would be doing by acting as conduit so I'd be in a good position by that stage)

So, should I be talking to them about formalising this arrangement, ie "acting Head of Department" and being paid accordingly?

By pushing this, am I going to prejudice any future application?

How much (%) would you expect for an acting up position?

Am I being unreasonable in thinking I shouldn't do this informally? (cos I'm still going to have to deal with target setting for the next year, management meetings, more travel and representing the company at a higher level, coaching a particular weak member of staff, etc)

[SenoraPostrophe]

I've never been asked to act up, so can't help there, but the informal "conduit" thing sounds terribly unfair: you'll have all of the disadvantages of a management position without the pay, or even the recognition (the fact that they are asking you to be a "conduit" when they know damn well you'll be the de facto manager is telling). I wouldn't do it. responsibility without recognition can be hell.

Is the person who asked you to do this also the person who will recruit the new manager? are you in a union?

[Tinker]

You should certainly be paid more for acting up. How much depends on pay structures in place at your company, I woudl have thought.

[Tinker]

And yes, it needs to be formalised.

[Flame]

I acted up - was paid more. Then the b*stards gave my job (the acting up one) to the two other applicants (3 of us applied for 2 jobs) - one I know was no more qualified than me.

She however was not pregnant

Anyway - get it all in writing and get a rise!

Oh and if your bonus is based on a year's work, make sure that this is included (another thing I got screwed over on - it wasn't my named job so nothing counted and they gave me the minimum amount because of a lack of work in my other job )

[flowerybeanbag]

If I were you I'd consider doing it on an informal basis until mid January. That's all they've asked for at this point and it sounds as though they just want someone to be there for a few weeks over Christmas while they sort themselves out. If they are hoping to commence recruitment then, they will need something more formal in place, so at that point if they want to continue the arrangement you should request a more formal arrangement with appropriate salary enhancement. Some companies have formal methods of working out how much an acting up allowance should be, often related to the pay scales of the two jobs concerned, with percentages and all sorts - there may be something similar where you are.

That's what I'd do anyway, rather than ask for a formal arrangement for a month's work, which is all it is at the moment. If you do that, ensure an end date is set though, or a firm date for review, at which point a more formal arrangement will be discussed. And if it does continue, you could request that any salary enhancement is backdated to include this coming month as well.

[PeachesMcLeanEatsSprouts]

Thank you all. I wondered about going along with it until mid January but then just thought it's going to drift and drift. So, flowery, if I email and say "thanks for chat, pleased to do this informally until mid Jan as you say. Can we meet perhaps on xxx date to review the situation?"

TBH I know they've SAID that it's only until mid Jan but we all KNOW it's going to be much longer than that, and it's the fact that they're not acknowledging that which irritates me - their lack of organisation and future planning.

I've also just thought of an alternative theory - they're all glad to see the back of the current incumbent and by saying mid Jan, they don't have to involve him in any of the planning! Sadly this is quite feasible!

[flowerybeanbag]

Yes I'd do that, then you are showing willing but also showing that you will not be taken advantage of

[woodstock3]

i acted up for my boss for six months and then got the job when he permanently moved on.
being a 'conduit' sounds to me like a cheap way of getting you to act up without paying you for it. would agree til jan to show willing and then as you suggest ask for review.
you should be paid what your boss was paid if you are doing the same job on acting basis, i insisted on this (minus any merit bonus they had in their own right or any allowance for extra responsibilities that you dont have). you shouldnt feel that you are jeopardising your chance of getting the job ultimately by asking for the money, sod it, if they like you they are not going to refuse you the job because of it and it shows you know your own worth (ask yourself, would a bloke in your office do it without asking for the salary? thought not ).
good luck!

[1dilemma]

'Acting up' doesn't get any more pay where I work but then it's public sector!