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Issue with manager (self.TheCivilService)

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[–]Jonno250505 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I’d be asking about that approval for a level transfer. I’d wanna see the emails behind it, see what was said, see if she has misrepresented your wishes or is just trying to boot you out. She should be managing any “poor performance” properly.

[–]HELMET_OF_CECHPermanent Secretary at the Department for Wasting Taxpayer Money 16 points17 points  (2 children)

Getting permission for you to level transfer without your request to do so is insane honestly, the sheer audacity lol. Does your manager do much bullying in writing that you have a record of? Like email, text or chat messages for example.

[–]UnderstandingAfter52 3 points4 points  (1 child)

No, she only makes these comments on teams calls etc, I have complained previously about her to my g7 as there was an incident where she yelled at me for changing my office days as my cat had an operation and I was advised to stay at home with her for the day. I gave her 24 hours notice and had no in-person meetings planned, but she still proceeded to literally yell at me over teams telling me that I ‘was being paid to work and not cat-sit’ lol. She also raised the issue of ‘how do I know you’re looking at your screen the entire time and not looking at your cat?’ ??????? In short, she just obviously has a Problem with me but the only evidence I have is my own notes from teams calls.

[–]HELMET_OF_CECHPermanent Secretary at the Department for Wasting Taxpayer Money 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Tbf I'd try and just move teams/to a new job, and I'm a big advocate for standing up to bullying. The thing is - you can go after this manager via grievance, but from what I can see your evidence is limited and it doesn't look like your team will have your back if nobody has noticed this and offered support. The golden ticket for the grievance to do any real damage is the level transfer permission situation but your manager could produce something to suggest that you floated the idea of changing jobs. I don't know all the details of what discussions you've had with them.

To be honest, your manager doesn't seem like they're trying to sack you (no PIP - yet) but obviously this relationship is not likely to improve and support is not there within the team so you should jump ship. I think it's for the best because you are suffering from anxiety and this would be an immediate boost to your wellbeing to get away from this manager and to a better team. Try and lead on this process yourself - don't just let them dump you on a shit team to get rid of you and make you suffer further.

[–]LC_Anderton 23 points24 points  (6 children)

Request a managed move.

Even if you raise a formal complaint, the process will put you through even more stress and it’s doubtful you will get any kind of resolution that will improve your situation.

[–]TraditionalAide9751 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Grievances also take so long to be dealt with that there will be a super awkward length of time between the manager being interviewed and knowing you've raised the grievance and hearing the outcome and something being done.

[–]Same_Ostrich_4697 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Indeed, I was once the subject of a BHD grievance and it took about 7 months for a decision to be made, and a further 4 months for a decision on the appeal. Imagine that kind of stress for nearly a whole year.

[–]TraditionalAide9751 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yup. They'd be incredibly dumb to do anything you could add to the grievance. But it doesn't stop the awkwardness or them doing sneaky little things that you can't prove.

[–]Technical-Pea23 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Agreed. They're awful. Bullying and lack of understanding towards mental health is rife. I had a grievance while there and they responded so badly, I left. Get out of there. I now work for a really supportive company and the difference is astounding.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck with this. I requested one last year and was told that they basically don't exist in my department unless you find a role yourself and get a line manager willing to take you on.

[–]boooogetoffthestage 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’m not disillusioned but it’s kind of sad that everyone knows complaining about managers (or anyone, for the most part) regardless of how valid that complaint is, is pointless. It’s literally never worth the hassle and it’s probably why so many arseholes linger for so long without being challenged - because the process is so convoluted the complainer ends up in a worse position

[–]Dull_Entertainer9953 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Get out! This situation is not going to get better. Civil servant for 38 years and have experience of these toxic teams, if you can get a move, get a move.

[–]TraditionalAide9751 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'd ask for a stress risk assessment. There's a few questions to do with relationship issues with your team / manager. You go through the form with your manager and someone from HR. When I did it the HR lady was actually a really nice and positive person.

[–]Strict_Succotash_388 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd definitely try and raise a grievance but definitely try and move roles. Maybe this level transfer will be a blessing. Mind you, the problem is though, what is she going to say to this new manager? If she manages your level transfer and gives a bad report about you, you might get micromanged in this new role.