Advice on 9-Month Probation Period

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

Exactly. Something doesn't seem right here

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 :)

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.

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.

I passed my probation at 3 months and 6 months with flying colours but now have been put on unsatisfactory at 9 months probation. I was shocked to say the least. Can I appeal or am I better leaving it go?

Not a member.

What was the reasoning for the change in the last 3 months, there has to be something specific written to support an unsatisfactory rating.

Basically a misunderstanding over a document. Instructions from superior were unclear.