HR query: Can employer change reporting lines without consultation?

[dimsumm]

I work in Higher Education and we have a new director who is making lots of changes (no redundancies planned, but there have been several sudden resignations from people who have been reporting directly to her, which doesn't bode well). My reporting line is mentioned in my job description and is clear. However I have been told I will soon be "seconded" to report directly to the new director. Is this allowed without any formal restructure process or consultation? (My current line manager is consulting HR, but I'd be interested in views from outside).

I don't know about in Education, but in my private sector role, I've had a few people transferred to me as a reporting Manager and they were given no consultation or contract change.

But again - that's private and reporting line wasn't specified in contract.

Yes of course. There's no need to consult on an organisational change. If it's a large change then it would be good practice to, but there's no requirement.

If it's a secondment though that implies it's temporary. Maybe find out more about why it's not being seen as a permanent thing?

Yes of course, why would they possibly consult on this? It’s a management decision not a vote.

Yes, it's allowed

The Job Description is not a legal document, what does your contract say?
Anyway, my company changes organisational structure every second day ( feels like). Very much allowed,

I work in HE (Central admin) and this has happened countless times to me without consultation, as we have the catch all, you may be required to work elsewhere as directed by xx in times of operational need'. Changed manager, changed job role names, even changed what Division we sit under!

It wouldn't occur to me that this is something that needs consultation. Management decides what works for them in terms of responsibilities etc and sets/changes reporting lines accordingly.

What is your specific objection to the new arrangement?

I'm a public sector manager and our direct reports are changed frequently, due to business need or resource issues. We try to consult and be sensitive about it, but at the end of the day it's a management decision.