Secondment Policy - January 2023

7. Duration of Secondments

A secondment by its nature is temporary.  The maximum period of a secondment is normally 2 years.  
  
Managers may consider extending the period of secondment provided that there are operational reasons for doing so and to ensure that the organisation continues to best use the skills and experience available to it and that both departments agree.  Managers should also consider whether it is more appropriate for the post to become a permanent position rather than an extension to the secondment as outlined in para 89.  
  
If it is agreed that an extension of the secondment is more appropriate this should be agreed between all parties and the secondment agreement updated to reflect the new end date (this must be a minimum of 6 months)  The manager of the secondee in the host department must discuss the proposed extension of secondment with the manager of the original substantive department and seek advice from a HR Advisor on the contractual implications of agreeing an extension to a secondment, prior to confirming an extension of the secondment with the employee.  
  
Where the extension is agreed this must be reviewed on a regular basis no later than every three months.
 
If the extension to secondment cannot be agreed by the Director or nominated representative of the substantive department the seconded employee will be advised that this decision is final.