Applying for a secondment

LucySera90

As a bit of context, I've been in my current role going on a year now. It's interesting enough but I don't particularly feel it's utilising my strongest skills - particularly on the policy and advocacy side.

I've seen a part time secondment opportunity at another organisation that really looks like it would be a chance to deploy these skills, plus it's for an organisation that I've always wanted to gain experience with. Do I need to pitch this to my employer before applying, or is it time enough to discuss of things ever get to the interview stage?

Many thanks
Lucy

Les79

Is it an internal or external organisation?


If internal then maybe, as you might need sign-off from manager or go through a process.


If external then I don't see many reasons for speaking to your current employer until something more formal has developed (unless you have some sort of clause in your contract?)

xapprenticex

Im not saying its not possible but you got balls asking your employer to let you leave for another organisation AND give you your job back if they dont take you on after the period. PERSONALLY I'd laugh you out of the office but thats me, good luck.

jonnygee2

If it's internal then definitely speak to your manager first, or they will find out some other way which will look terrible on them and, in turn, on you.

If it's external then obviously you do as you do with any job and hand your notice in when you get an offer. It's not a secondment if its external though, its just a non-permanent contract in a new job.

Fireflyaway

Secondment usually means working in another position for a fixed term and then returning to your substantive post. Does your organisation have an agreement with the other organisation for you to work for them and then return?
If so I'd speak to your manager out of courtesy. If it's external and you can't return, don't bother. Just ask for a reference once you need one.

theoretica

How would you doing this as a secondment benefit your current employer? They are only likely to agree to it if it will benefit them.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

A secondment is a temporary post within the same organisation and yes, you should obtain your manager's permission before you apply. If it outside of the organisation then it's a fixed term contract and you'd resign from your current post if successful.

ohreally

If this is another organisation then I don't see how it's a secondment, confused.com

Andy_L

Secondments can be between different organisations. But I've only head of it between companies that are closely linked eg they are working together on a big job for the same client & embedding staff in the other's organisation helps coordination. Either way, as said up-thread, there needs to be some benefit for both companies.

Savvy_Sue

We have had some external secondments, and they've been arranged with the clear expectation that the person will be returning to us at the end of the term. We've also continued to pay the secondee's salary, and been refunded by the host organisation.

So yes, it can happen.

In our situation, the manager will have been well aware of the opportunity, and I'd expect that people would have spoken to them about it before applying. but that may vary in other workplaces. I just wouldn't want that kind of thing to be a nasty surprise.

Nebulous2

The organisation I work for has a range of other organisations it works closely with, and values employees having additional experience. It regularly advertises secondments, both within and outwith our company.


The starting point is always your own manager. Adverts always say - if you are interested in this opportunity, discuss it with your manager in the first instance.