About Secondments

Secondments can be beneficial and used for a variety of reasons. All secondments should always make a sustainable difference to all the parties concerned. There are a few main types of secondment, each of which can be used to achieve different objectives and satisfy different requirements. Some examples of these are shown below. However, this list is not exhaustive and if a secondment would benefit your own personal development, and a Local Authority, then we can explore a variety of different scenarios.

Short Term Vacancy

If a department has a short term vacancy, for example if someone has a planned absence but knows when they will return, then a secondee can be recruited to the post. This will ensure that the new appointee gains vital development experience but they will have the security of a permanent post to return to.

Project Work

Secondments can be useful if you have a particular project or piece of work to complete over a period of time. Benefits to Local Authorities in this case could be a secondee, with specialist knowledge of a particular subject, who has already undertaken the same project or piece of work elsewhere. In this scenario the secondee will be aware of potential pitfalls, so costly delays or mistakes can be avoided.

Job Shadowing

Secondments can be used to develop a person by allowing job shadowing for a set amount of time over short periods. In cases such as this, a person could work one day per week in another department/authority and work alongside an employee who is already fulfilling their role successfully. This would enable the secondee to expand their knowledge in a particular subject. It could also prove useful if someone wants to move into a new area of work or if a department needs to develop new ways of working.

Reduction in the Skills Gap

If a Local Authority has a skills gap it places a heavy demand on the existing workforce. A skilled workforce is vital for productivity and the delivery of services. Secondments are ideal for filling these skills gaps on a short-term basis until a more permanent appointment or arrangement can be made. Secondees with the relevant skills can develop the existing workforce and bring new systems and ways of working.

Partnership Working

Secondments are valuable to Local Authorities when they are entering into partnership agreements. This allows experienced and specialist staff to transfer between employers within the partnership allowing ease of movement for staff without the problem of changing terms and conditions of employment.

Alternative to Redundancy

Secondments can be used as a tool to avoid redundancy at a time of economic change. Employees facing redundancy can apply for a secondment in other areas where vacancies are available to avoid redundancy, maintain employment and develop new skills.