Secondment advice

[seasidesaltair]

Last year as someone was leaving the team I work for I was offered their position as a progression opportunity for me. This was offered as a permanent promotion with a pay rise.

Due to another staff member leaving they decided to turn it into a secondment (with the pay rise) for 9 months in case the person replacing them wanted to make changes, it would be easier for them. The replacement has only been in position 2 months so no changes made yet as still assessing. Now 6 weeks from the end of the secondment I have no idea what is happening despite asking my immediate line manager several times. He has put my case across but still no answer.

Some of the elements of the role I was doing in the team I have kept but the rest split out between others in my team.

However I've been advised today unofficially that they probably won't make a decision about my role until June at the earliest due to regulatory changes coming into effect.

Can anyone give any advice on where I stand? I can't go back to my old role at the end of April as what I'm currently doing still needs to be done and managed and there isn't anyone else to do it. Do I need to be asking HR for clarification or something in writing?

I ha e said I don't mind what my role entails I just want confirmation that the title and salary will be permanent - this was always the plan until someone else handed their notice in!

I've been with the business over 10 years in various roles, no break in employment. Private organisation, not government or NHS or the like.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

You have every right to seek reassurance and confirmation from HR about the long term intention for your role, when your secondment is due to finish and when the 'new' position starts. If they haven't done so already they also need to confirm salary level and role title ongoing.

HR aren't going to know the answer, they don't manage you.

You need to speak to your manager and ask what will happen for the 1-2 months between the end of your secondment in April and the decision about the role in June. Explain the work still needs to be done and that you would like them to consider extending you in your role until June/July when a decision is made.

I think from your post the new person is a senior manager which means they may want to reorganise the team. It therefore makes perfect sense to keep the role as a secondment until final decisions are made.

Do I need to be asking HR for clarification or something in writing?

I'd be worried you haven't been given anything in writing about the secondment!

It entirely depends on how approachable your manager is as to whether you can discuss with them directly (otherwise wouldn't you have done this already?). If you feel you aren't getting the answers you need to give you a better comfort factor, then HR involvement is appropriate, as it will focus people's attention better, especially as it involves your permanent employment job security.