Where do I stand?

[HRconfused]

I’m working in a role in health service. I have 25 years service but been in my current role for 3 years.

A few months into my new job, it became obvious that systems were very inefficient and waiting times were really unacceptable as a result of this (and covid, plus increase in referrals).

I suggested some efficiencies, mainly around repurposing several unfilled posts, using the money to create new posts to drive forward efficiency/deliver better care in a timely way.

Management were happy with this work, they consulted on the proposals and decided to go ahead, however they did not get the necessary figures together to work out how many posts were needed to cover the work. As a result, there are going to be only two posts when I think we need five (at least) and I think the people in post will be overwhelmed.

There was an expectation that some of the money for the posts would come from my vacating my current role, applying for one of the new roles and ‘hopefully’ being successful.

I was asked to write the new job descriptions and I was later asked to write the job advert. Neither of these is my role, and there’s a huge conflict of interests in writing a job description/advert where you intend to apply. I was surely free to weight the job requirements towards my own skill set.

I declined to write the job advert on this basis.

As it turns out, given my concerns, I don’t want to apply for the post anyway, however from speaking to my manager, if I don’t apply (and thus I don’t release the funds from my current role) then they will conduct a consultation and remove the need for this role.

i would then be re-allocated elsewhere in the Trust (perhaps at a lower pay band).

id be interested in your collective thoughts/wisdom!

Unfortunately I can’t see that you are in any different a position than any other person facing a restructure/role redundancy. From what you say your current role will be eliminated and you’re options need to be explored from there.

It’s tough but you need to put your pragmatic hat on and work out what’s best for you, including exiting the organisation.

Your options! Bloody autocorrect…

So would that be a redundancy situation or would I be forced to accept redeployment?

happy to be made redundant….not happy to be redeployed into a lower paid role

You need professional advice (ACAS free helpline are meant to be good if you’re not in a union etc) but it needs to be “suitable alternative employment” so a lower pay grade may not apply.

From your OP you seem still, understandably, to be feeling you have control over whether/how the changes happen. Switch your mindset to controlling what you accept from the alternatives they offer. Take your time. Don’t immediately refuse or accept anything. “What are my options?” is a useful meeting question if you don’t like the way the conversation is going.

What does the org change policy say? If you do not accept a role deemed acceptable, the policy will describe what is considered acceptable, you will effectively be resigning. There will probably be an at risk register where you will get first dibs on any role that you can do although this is normally for a period of 3 months, again this will be in the policy. In terms of being offered anything at a lower band, you may be eligible for pay protection again the length of this will be outlined in a policy as they can vary enormously from one org to another. When is the consultation due to start? There will be time, or should be to raise your concerns about the wte of posts and any other concerns which should be answered appropriately before a final decision is made to the structure