Not Clearing Probation in Civil Service – What Are My Options?

vatsie76 · 29-01-2025 04:57PM

Hi thanks for your response. Hr has acknowledged that my reviews happened back to back. Problem is I am asking my manager for feedback in writing but he just does not respond. He says you are doing fine . I hope he uses his brain for my 9 month review. It is all that matters ( that's what I was told) . Don't know the ground reality. God forbid if he screws it for no apparent reason, I am going to appeal it. I read in the probation guide that they demote the person to previous role. Iknow I don't deserve this. Any idea on the what actually happens ?

Hotblack Desiato · 01-02-2025 02:07PM

What a clown. Says you're doing fine but gives you a bad review in writing. Shouldn't be managing anyone. Put yourself down for mobility immediately and hopefully you can get out in a couple of years. Or once your probation is over, ask HR for an internal transfer.

ComCom · 17-06-2025 09:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058387682/not-clearing-probation-in-civil-service-what-are-my-options

Hey, how's it going? I'm in the worst situation, almost 9 months probation and HEO hates me. No guidance, no training after 6 months of unsatisfactory probation. Just ignored and no response to simple queries. On the job HEO is an alcoholic and drug addict. The union says can't help probationers. Can appeal help in these circumstances and can managers fail an appeal?

pauliebdub · 20-06-2025 02:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123555096#Comment_123555096

How did you do in the 3 and 6 month review? Make sure you document everything carefully including any examples where you were unsupported.

impega1 · 23-06-2025 03:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123090900#Comment_123090900

If you have not already done so contact your Union.

The fact that 3 month review was late in itself is a major issue as it did not allow sufficient time to address any concerns before 6 month review took place.

Ensure you keep notes of timelines of all such reviews as this will be needed if you bring an appeal in the future

If you are not happy with the 3 or 6 month review, I would suggest not signing them and query same with your Union.

I am not a Union official but it is in circumstances like these that the Union Sub more than justifies its cost.

Perez2017 · 20-10-2025 08:50PM

I passed my 3 and 6 months probation with little issues. However now I have been put on unsatisfactory at 9 months for what I would consider minor issues. To say I was stunned is an understatement. Time and attendance is excellent. Have I any options?

Esel · 21-10-2025 01:15AM

Talk to your union rep.

Stalk · 22-02-2026 07:16PM

I went from working in a office as a TCO. Then I was made a CO but failed my 3 month probation. My manager didn't follow the correct probation procedure, didn't have a meeting with me to discuss the review.

I wasn't even working in that office when they wrote the review as I was moved to a new office to start the rest of my permenant contract, due to needs of the business.

The new manager, who is famous for having issues with every CO they've manged, failed my second probation, which I didn't sign off on because they failed to train me on the tasks they said I was not satisfactory in. "No initiative" was mentioned, which doesn't make sense. You can't take the initiative to train yourself if you don't have any training information 😂.

My manger then failed me on my 9 month. Same reasons, no initiative. Which I know is not true. This manager has such bad time management skills and is so frantic and forgetful, that they will say they are going to show you how to do something, and then will totally forget to show you, but will then blame you in your probation report for not reminding them 😂.

I have learned a lot since working in the CS. One thing I have learned is that there are some VERY strange personalities and some quite elderly civil servants that, instead of admitting to having a series of senior moments, would rather deflect it onto the next person lowest in the totem pole.

I tried my best in this contract but I have gotten unlucky with my current manager as a series of other CO's under this manager have quit or transfered in recent years.

So it's possible to be a hard worker and still be failed due to bad management who have no accountability for themselves.

mrsdewinter · 22-02-2026 10:43PM

@Stalk - what a nightmare! What was the outcome? Are you still in the CS? If so, how did you get past this?

Stalk · 23-02-2026 05:07AM

Still in the CS in the same office, wondering now if I should just resign as I am next on a panel for another CO comp through PAS.

Worried that when PAS look for my reference for my current job, they will go straight to my current line manager through my HR and ask for comments on my performance, which would clearly not be accurate.

Whereas, if I resign maybe they'll just ask for a statement of employment from HR.

Total catch 22, I'm very stressed out about it.

mrsdewinter · 23-02-2026 07:33AM

@Stalk - well, don't resign! That's good news re the panel for the other job. Hopefully, this boss won't be able to affect your prospects. Have you been in contact with Forsa?

By the way, the closing date for the new EO competition falls today - can you apply for that panel?

Not Clearing Probation in Civil Service – What Are My Options?

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