Is it worthwhile putting in a grievance against my manager (NHS)

[Intothedeep44]

My line manager is not a very nice person, cannot approach her, moody, blows hot and cold etc. She appears to be this way with everyone.
she is very unsupportive- does not allow staff to take professional and learning opportunities (professional development is an expected part of my profession). She makes it hard to approach her to discuss things we are interested in doing.
but more recently she has singled me out. As per policy our work should be reviewed every 6 months, this rarely happens in reality however she has made sure to actively review only mine. She reports there is no issue with my work but that she is “just following policy” but I’ve spoke to other colleagues and they haven’t been reviewed in years. It is causing me a lot of stress because I don’t know what’s behind it. I’ve asked her and she said she is following policy. I’ve said about no one else getting reviewed and her has ignored me. I’m very qualified in my field and am afraid to go against her but it’s making me want to leave the job

Surely, the fact that you have evidence to say there are no issues with your work strengthens your position, not weakens it.

Before raising it as a formal grievance, could you raise it with their manager?

Explain your concern and ask for this to be looked into informally. Be clear you’ve tried to address this directly.

Grievance’s have their place but it’s not likely to improve the relationship between you and your manager. Informal action could do.

The formal process of would still be open to you if it doesn’t feel resolved or escalates.

However, it’s not really clear what you want investigating in a grievance and the outcome you’re expecting. They won’t confirm other employee’s processes or performance measurements due to confidentiality.

Thank you,
there’s many other examples or things she had said etc that I have let go over my head but this reviewing my work under the guise of ‘policy’ when the policy states everyone’s work needs reviewed but I know no one else’s is just is getting to me. I know my work is good and there’s been no reason for extra reviewing other than to single me out

I don't quite understand what ‘reviewing your work’ means? Is that supervision or 1 to 1? If so it should be monthly.

If she’s following a policy then you are within your rights to see the policy and know if she is doing the right thing.

No I do get supervision monthly too.
im trying to not completely out myself but basically there’s a policy that says we need reviewed every 6 months (similar to an appraisal but separate to supervision). It’s never really been followed in any of my jobs over the 20 years I’ve been working but all of a sudden my manager is following it, but only with me. And her reasoning is “it’s policy that I have to review everyone every 6 months” however I am the only one in the team she is doing this with and then setting the next one right away in my work diary for 6 months later. I’ve spoke to colleagues and they haven’t once had this reason and it’s causing me a lot of stress

Have you brought this up in your supervision? You must if you haven’t already done so. If you are stressed at work , especially due to the environment this needs to be documented. If you have and nothings been done then you need to speak to her manager (ensuring you’ve actually spoken to your manager first) and tell them you’ve discussed this in your supervision.

It’s very important that you keep to facts and not quote other people too. I would document every ‘negative’ interaction you have with your manager, and what was said etc. keep a diary.

Are you in a Union? You could discuss informally with them.

You won’t be able to justify a grievance on I don’t like that she’s following policy’ unless you are aiming for a protected criteria.
e.g she’s only applying this policy to me because I’m the only woman in the team/pregnant/disability etc

Grievances are horrible for all involved. I see nothing here that warrants that level of stress and work.

I had this with an old manager except the reviews were monthly!

I would frequency raise the benefit of such meetings, ask them to show you the policy and the inconsistency with applying the policy to all. Ask are they happy with your performance? Do they have concerns? Ultimately my meetings were changed for monthly to 3 monthly, I was happy with this as it was protected time on my diary to discuss issues and questions. Ultimately due to other concerns I got very close to raiding a grievance, luckily it was averted with the support of a very senior manager but nothing you have indicated warrants a grievance tbh.

Stop her isolating you. I would embrace the review, say how helpful you found it and talk.about it a lot with your team. Encourage the rest of the team to request reviews and also email her manager (copying her in) saying you had such a successful review and it's the first time anyone has had such good adherence to policy and you would recommend the policy to anyone. Let's hope that keeps her out of your hair as she has to spend most of her time reviewing other people.

And yes, start looking for another job.

You need to take this issue up with HR if you have not already done so.

She sounds a complete nightmare and dragon by the sounds of your post I would have thought that she would have an history of poor work / employee relationships and she have her own issues which she has not discussed with her line manager.

Start the ball rolling asap.

Former HR here. You doesn't sound like you have grounds for a grievance and I would follow @PermanentTemporary's advice. Doing this would bring your different treatment out in the open. I would also be 'praising' your reviews to colleagues within her earshot. Passive aggression at its best.😉

Remember the stress is being caused by your reaction to the stressor, so try to reset how you think. The positives about your work quality rather than 'it only happens to me' victimhood.