Newly diagnosed disability/performance issues during probationary period

[knackeredcat]

I declared neurodivergence on application form and monitoring forms knowing I was pending diagnosis. I now have part of my diagnosis (ADHD) with the next step to follow (autism). Not yet on medication as it will take 9 weeks or so but I'm aware of this. It took me years to arrive at this point and I'm still trying to get my head around it all.

With my disability I'm completely unsuitable for my role. I know this as the nature of the role involves too much detective work and I spend far too long trying to piece things together. It's been implied that I'm slow (I know I am, no need to remind me) and I'm becoming more and more anxious and suffering burnout. So no matter what I don't see me getting through this probation and it will be another on my long list of former jobs due to my cognitive issues.

Question is - in the Civil Service if it's apparent your disability is a barrier to success in your role how likely is a redeployment, particularly when in your probationary period? TIA.

Unfortunately I'd say it's unlikely, but worth asking.

I know two people who worked 10years+ in the civil service before disability affected their ability to do their job. Both were made redundant neither were offered redeployment despite their requests and roles being available.

I've contacted occupational health about reasonable adjustments but I'm not sure what I can avail of or even what I need, if that makes sense? WFH is obviously good for me but I'm still bogged down in lots of meetings and "peoply" stuff which is exhausting - the masking, the efforts to interact and the trying to make notes when multiple conversations are going on as is par for the course with inattentive ADHD. I have mentioned I find this tough to my manager but consensus seems to be that this is all essential. I feel stupid and useless.

It's good that you're in touch with both occupational health and your manager.

I'd see what occupational health suggest as adjustments. Then ask your manager to extend your probation period to give you a chance to prove yourself with all the right adjustments in place.

I think redeployment is unlikely (but not impossible). So your best bet would be to see how you get on with the adjustments and then if it's still not working then you've brought yourself some extra time to find something new.

Hope it all works out for you.

Thanks @zzzebra, fingers crossed!

I had to explore this avenue for one of my team last year.

Redeployment is extremely unlikely, it’s only really considered in very rare circumstances as an alternative to dismissal, and it depends on a suitable job being available amongst other things. Even if occ health suggest it as an adjustment it’s very unlikely the recommendation will be accepted and implemented by the department.

In 15 yrs I’ve only heard of it happening once, and it only happened because a suitable role that the person had done before successfully was open. A big factor is “what makes you think a different role will solve the performance issue?” and in that case it was beyond doubt as they had performed well in the alternative role for years. As you’ve not proven yourself in any capacity yet (purely because you are new) you don’t have that to fall back on.

The most likely outcome is an extended probation which you will either pass, or fail and be dismissed. Most departments will only extend probation by 3 months. As a PP said, even people who have proven themselves over a long period of many years don’t get offered redeployment.

To be honest, if you know the job is definitely totally unsuitable for you (even with adjustments) your best bet is to get yourself on civil service jobs and start looking for something more suitable now before you get more burned out. Also find yourself somewhere kinder - they don’t sound great from what you have said.

If you haven’t already joined the union, please do so - you will thank yourself if you have issues further down the line.

I should clarify that I am a civil servant!

I think it depends on which part of the Civil Service. I'm at a NDPB and I've heard of people being asked (successfully) to be redeployed into an area that would suit their strengths more. It at the least shows good self-awareness. I've had more junior colleagues where it's been obvious they'd be a better fit in another role, and I've suggested that to their LM.

I think the problem is you're unproven, given you're on probation. It sounds like you don't think your probation review will go well? In which case perhaps you have nothing to lose by being proactive here, having an honest conversation, and perhaps setting out the type of role you think you would perform better at (even at a lower grade perhaps), and asking for a chance. This will work better in an NDPB where recruitment isn't as structured, probably. Otherwise, get yourself on CS jobs.

I also have ADHD, so will be straightforward with you.

What makes you think you can't do this role? ADHD is about being quick thinking, processing differently and working differently. Whatever you think you're 'slow' at, I doubt you are and of you are, it'll be something that can be managed.

I expect you're panicking too - being diagnosed is a surprise, whether you were realise it or not.

Why is there such a delay with your meds? I got my prescription a few days after my diagnosis - absolute game changer.

You can pm me if you like, I'm sure I can offer you some useful advice.

Your employer has an obligation to make reasonable adjustments for you - you have a diagnosed disability. Regardless of whether they agree or not. Make sure you remind them, diplomatically, of their responsibility to you. If you fail probation and their failure to make adjustments is s contributor to this then this could constitute disability discrimination. Good luck x