Advice on 9-Month Probation Period

Ray666

I’m currently in a 9-month probation period with the civil service and have completed my 3- and 6-month reviews as satisfactory. However, I’m feeling uncertain about making it through the final stretch.

It’s tough to pinpoint, but I’m starting to doubt if I’ll hit the expectations for the 9-month mark. Maybe it’s the feedback I’ve been getting (or not getting) or just my own self-doubt creeping in.

On top of that, I’m wondering if it’s possible to explore opportunities in other divisions within the same department. Is this something that’s generally allowed during probation, or should I focus on my current role until it’s complete?

I’d really appreciate any insights, tips, or personal experiences—whether it’s about surviving probation or transitioning internally in the civil service.

Heroditas

Standard probation in Ireland can't extend beyond 6 months I less there are exceptional circumstances. Why are you still on probation?

RobertM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917601#Comment_122917601

As far as I know, the probation period can be extended up to 12 months if the employer sees fit. However, a reason must be provided.

Heroditas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917609#Comment_122917609

Exactly. Something doesn't seem right here

Marty1983

Is this public sector ? Standard probation is 12 months there. There is nothing wrong with proactively chatting to your line manager who completes the review in advance of the 9 month to ask if everything is going ok. Maybe use it as a possible training upskill conversation.

zg3409

Keep the head down and smile until you are permanent.

Ray666

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917648#Comment_122917648

I'm in Civil Service, I was told that if I complete the 9-month mark successfully, the probation is essentially completed. After that, it goes to HR for a final sign-off at the 12-month point, where they mainly check attendance and sick leave records.

Marty1983

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917660#Comment_122917660

If your worried then have the conversation - I have seen it a number a times that a the quarterly probations are fine but managers try flag issues at the end. I am sure you are probably just over thinking thats why a clear the air will help :)

Ray666

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917609#Comment_122917609

Do you think an internal move to a different division is possible during probation? It’s something I’ve been wondering about, but I’m not sure how common or realistic it is in the Civil Service.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917601#Comment_122917601

The Civil Service is exempt from the 6 month rule, they can have up to 12 months.

Ray666

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917666#Comment_122917666

I’ve attended all the recommended trainings and completed the goals set for me so far. My question is: if my 3- and 6-month reviews were marked as satisfactory and I’ve received positive feedback during those, is it still possible for them to say at the 9-month mark that I’m not doing well?

I just want to understand if the earlier reviews carry weight or if things can change significantly by the 9-month point.

Piglet85

I think there's a bit of confusion here. Standard CS probation is 12 months (which is what your probation is bound to be, OP). However, the final review is signed off at 9 months, and if this is passed then you are made permanent at 12 months assuming nothing majorly significant (e.g., gross misconduct) happens in the intervening 3 months.

Also, in order to fail someone at the final (9 months) review, you really have to have made clear indications along the way that there are issues. Your manager would have had to outline these, ensure you had retraining where required, set clear goals and pathways to achieving them and note all of this in previous reviews. You will not be blindsided with a fail, so if nothing significant of this nature has been said you will be fine. The only exception again being something sudden and dramatic, like fraud or violence.

I wouldn't discuss moving until you are through probation. It's generally not allowed during this period, so stick it out of you can. After the year is up you could discuss your interest in getting experience in other areas within the department with your manager. You can also go on the interdepartmental mobility list immediately, but you can't take up a transfer position until you have 2 years done. It can take time to get an offer though, so the sooner you are on the list the sooner you start making your way to the top of it. If you reach the top before your 2 years is done (which is unlikely), no harm done, you'll just stay at the top and get the first offer that comes up after the 2 year mark.

Heroditas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917679#Comment_122917679

Never realised that. Thanks for clarifying

Marty1983

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122917684#Comment_122917684

You would imagine if an issue is highlighted at month 9 it should have been flagged earlier - if 3 and 6 were smooth and there has been no gross misconduct etc then you will be fine.

Nigel Fairservice

If you've made it this far with nothing being said you'll likely be fine.