Following the launch of mobility for civil service AO and HEO grades, Fórsa has returned to Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to seeking talks on the union’s claim for the scheme to be opened to service and professional and technical grades.

The list-based scheme, which allows permanent civil servants to apply for transfers from one department to another, is currently open to around 30,000 staff.

Fórsa’s civil service head Derek Mullen said the union had fought hard to extend the scheme to benefit more staff, and that it also helps keep the civil service fresh through staff transfers.

“A lot of mobility requests are from people seeking shorter commutes, or who want to move closer to their families. Others see transfers as a way on increasing their experience and career prospects,” he said.

The application stage of a list-based scheme for higher executive officers (HEO) and administrative officers (AO) went live in mid-January. Agreement was also reached on HEO and AO positions that require qualifications or more specialist expertise, and this is scheduled to go live this month.

Previously the scheme was were opened to clerical officers and executive officers outside Dublin in 2018, and this was extended to Dublin for those grades in 2019.

Secondments

Fórsa is also in discussions on a secondment policy for use in the filling of time-bound positions, with the provision of backfilling of subsequent vacancies in exceptional circumstances.

The new approach should ensure that secondments are temporary, typically lasting for between six months and three years. The duration would be agreed at the outset, and would only be extended in exceptional circumstances.

The union has welcomed this approach as it will bring to an end semi-permanent secondments in the civil service. Discussions are continuing, with agreement expected in the near future.

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