6-month probationary period and potential extension

[MysticalMelody]

Hello.

Hope you're all doing well! I've been around here before, asking questions and seeking advice, and you lot have been incredibly helpful. So, I'm back again, hoping to get some insights on behalf of a mate who's in a bit of a pickle at work.
 
 
So, my friend works in Civil Service, and they had encountered the following problem. In an informal meeting, their Line Manager mentioned that their 6-month probation period is getting extended. The thing is, there wasn't any formal review as per the Civil Service policy, nor was any probationary review form filled out. They did have monthly catch-ups about development with their mentor, where my friend was upfront about any issues they faced and even suggested ways to sort them out.

All this feedback and the responses from the previous mentor meetings had been logged in their development records. Every issue is documented through emails, etc.

Up until now, there's been no hint of dissatisfaction with their work, their attendance is spot on, and as far as they're aware, there haven't been any conduct issues either – if there were, nobody's brought them up.
 
So, here's where we could use your wisdom:
 
My friend asked for a formal meeting to discuss this probation extension, and they want a union rep to be there for support. Is there any reason why having a union rep there could be opposed? Their line manager told them 'HR is not involved in these meetings in Civil Service'. Then changed their tone and said they wanted to take advice from HR.

What reasons could possibly justify opposing the presence of a union rep?

If an extension is recommended, my friend wants to challenge it. Is there a standard appeal process for this kind of thing in the civil service?

Any pointers on how this situation should be approached are much appreciated.

Thank you.

[MysticalMelody]

Anyone?

[Tired6789]

No civil service experience to share but I am v surprised that the probation was extended without warning along the way ...

[MysticalMelody]

@Tired6789

No civil service experience to share but I am v surprised that the probation was extended without warning along the way ...

Thank you for responding.

Not extended yet. Hence the questions above.

There will be a formal meeting as my friend has requested it (with the presence of a union rep).

Even if, following a formal meeting an extension is recommended, my friend wants to appeal. My question is/was whether this is possible in Civil Service. My friend has showed me emails, documents. If he has the right to appeal, I think it would be very difficult to not grant the appeal.

[MysticalMelody]

Not sure how this is relevant, but well spotted.

My best friend and I joined together. I have no issues, my best friend does.

Hence the questions.

I will appreciate help, not investigation into my previous posts.

Thank you.

[MysticalMelody]

My friend was told that HR could provide advice opposing the presence of the union rep.

[MysticalMelody]

He is a bloke and sitting next to me.

Any help or will this be confrontational only?

Thanks.

[livingnight]

Well I'm not sure of if the civil service has changed but any displinary meetings which could result in the contract being ended you can ask to have a rep there.

What are the reasons for the extension ? I imagine you would need to raise a grievance?

[MysticalMelody]

So, it is going to be confrontational...

It is sad because I had received wonderful advice before.

There is another sentence following the one you quoted. Please kindly read it.

Thank you.

[MysticalMelody]

It is not about me. Though I do not need to justify this to you.

Thank you.

[livingnight]

@MysticalMelody ignore that poster. Clearly v bored.

Does the handbook state what the grievances process looks like ?

[MysticalMelody]

@livingnight

Well I'm not sure of if the civil service has changed but any displinary meetings which could result in the contract being ended you can ask to have a rep there.

What are the reasons for the extension ? I imagine you would need to raise a grievance?

Just asked: He does not think this will be a disciplinary meeting.

It will be a formal meeting for an extension of a probationary period. This is what he was told in the informal meeting.

Is there an appeal process for an extension to a probationary period in the Civil Ser vice? We have looked into the policies available on the relevant intranet pages, but nothing is said about an appeal process.

[MysticalMelody]

Please kindly stop attacking me.

Thank you.

[MysticalMelody]

@livingnight

@MysticalMelody ignore that poster. Clearly v bored.

Does the handbook state what the grievances process looks like ?

We just had a look, we cannot see any grievances at all.

[Mrsttcno1]

Hi OP, it may depend on department but as far as I am aware he would have no reason to be denied a union rep there if he wants one so I wouldn’t worry about that.

With regards to the probation extension (again it might depend on department) but at least where I am I’m pretty sure even if extended they can only extend it by another 3 months, so although there should be an appeal process by the time you got through it the extension would probably be over and done with anyway. I would say though typically management will only extend probation if they have strong and clear reasons for doing so, I have only ever known this to happen to 2 colleagues.

[ButterfliesnWaterfalls]

I’m a Civil Servant and I line manage.

You speak of issues your friend faced and this was documented within their meetings.

It could be related to those “issues”.

The line manager would not extend the probationary period without a justification. This will be addressed at the meeting.

[MysticalMelody]

@Mrsttcno1

Hi OP, it may depend on department but as far as I am aware he would have no reason to be denied a union rep there if he wants one so I wouldn’t worry about that.

With regards to the probation extension (again it might depend on department) but at least where I am I’m pretty sure even if extended they can only extend it by another 3 months, so although there should be an appeal process by the time you got through it the extension would probably be over and done with anyway. I would say though typically management will only extend probation if they have strong and clear reasons for doing so, I have only ever known this to happen to 2 colleagues.

Your post contains some good observations.

Thank you for these.

I think if the outcome of the appeal is successful, this will delete the extension retrospectively. And having had an extension and not having an extension makes quite a difference. Also, whatever the issues, they will be seen by the Appeal Manager and, if something happens down the line, the Appeal Manager will be notified of any issues. Would you not agree?

But I hear what you are saying.

[Mrsttcno1]

@MysticalMelody

Your post contains some good observations.

Thank you for these.

I think if the outcome of the appeal is successful, this will delete the extension retrospectively. And having had an extension and not having an extension makes quite a difference. Also, whatever the issues, they will be seen by the Appeal Manager and, if something happens down the line, the Appeal Manager will be notified of any issues. Would you not agree?

But I hear what you are saying.

The reality is that my experience an extension would not be even suggested unless management were able to clearly back it up.

The fact that these “issues” exist is probably enough to warrant an extension. It’s not a terrible thing, it’s really just a way of acknowledging that the first 6 months have not gone perfectly, issues do exist, and so an extension is being given/considered to allow time to ensure your colleague is actually a good fit for the role.

I wouldn’t be surprised by a probation extension if I’d had documented issues during my first 6 months in the role and I can’t see that decision being overturned at any kind of appeal unless the argument is that those issues didn’t exist?