"at risk of redundancy"

[Ian Price]

As the title suggests that's the position I find myself in. We had a communication last week and it resulted in me getting a letter that stated the above. Basically the role I am in has been re-written and the company wants to make sure that anyone doing that role can deliver what is expected after the changes take effect. This will be done via an assessment day - 14th March for me.

I know other people on the forum have been through redundancy before but I'm not sure if anyone has been through an assessment day. Basically we'll be put in a number of situations such as a team brief, a 1:1 and a group exercise and have our performance monitored by independent assessors. If anyone has been through something like this what did you find the best way of prepping yourself was/would have been in hindsight?

It's never a great time to get something like this but for me this is probably the worst possible time! Perhaps I am lucky that this is my first ever experience of this after 17 years of service with the same employer. The potential silver lining to this cloud is that I am currently loaned out to our IT team and there is a chance that this could turn into a permanent move for me (fingers crossed etc).

Feeling a little numb about it really so any words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Twinfan]

Gutted to hear that Ian - terrible stuff  :(

I've not been through the process you describe so can't help I'm afraid, but wanted to wish you the best of luck with the assessment.  Go get 'em!

[shobet]

Pisser, I hope the move to IT comes off.

Remember not to say $%&# or bugger in the interview.

[Matt77]

Bugger
I know a man that may be able to help.
PM on the way

[Nadz1lla]

First of all, you need a bottle of X-Lax. Then you need to go make tea for your "co-assessment-ees".

Job's a good 'un!


On a more serious note, harsh news, but good luck, mate. Nothing worse than being pitted against your work-mates in a fight to the redundancy for a position.  :? I hope all goes well for you.

[Ratrod]

Am I alone in thinking assessment tests are wrong?

I don't think it's the right way of judging an employee.

Best of luck to you anyway.

[Ian Price]

Cheers all - the strange thing about this exercise is that I won't be in direct competition with anyone as there is no reduction in headcount. Effectively it's a case of "we've changed the job role and we need you to show that you can deal with it". Having been in a management position for the last 10 years seems to count for not much as past performance is not included in how I will be assessed.

Matt - cheers for the PM. Will be in touch.

[Philly Q]

Sorry to hear this, Ian.  I've never been in a similar position, so I can't offer advice (in my job I'm so much part of the furniture, even if there was a redundancy programme I think they'd forget I was there).  But I hope it works out!

[Ian Price]

Am I alone in thinking assessment tests are wrong?

I don't think it's the right way of judging an employee.

Best of luck to you anyway.

I don't think you're alone at all. I think things like this would be far better done through active management on the job rather than a false situation outside of work. Takes time to do proper and consistent performance management though.

[Ian Price]

Sorry to hear this, Ian.  I've never been in a similar position, so I can't offer advice (in my job I'm so much part of the furniture, even if there was a redundancy programme I think they'd forget I was there).  But I hope it works out!

What do you do Philly? I'm not sure I've ever picked up on this whilst on the forum.

[Philly Q]

Sorry to hear this, Ian.  I've never been in a similar position, so I can't offer advice (in my job I'm so much part of the furniture, even if there was a redundancy programme I think they'd forget I was there).  But I hope it works out!

What do you do Philly? I'm not sure I've ever picked up on this whilst on the forum.

Hmmm, I avoid the subject because it is the least "cool" job ever in the world in space. 

And it's one of those careers people think is highly paid.... but (for the vast majority) it really isn't.


[cough] accountancy [/cough]

[Ian Price]

Surely an actuarial job is less cool than that (apologies if we have any actuaries on here).

As far as highly paid goes I'm paid fairly well although doubt I will be able to earn much more without sacrificing part of my home life. And I'm not willing to do that, provided I have a job in a few weeks.

[Philly Q]

Surely an actuarial job is less cool than that (apologies if we have any actuaries on here).

You're probably right!  That would've been an option with my degree (in Statistics) - and it would be a lot better paid - but I really think it would've bored me to death.

[Ian Price]

You're probably right. The work I am doing on IT at the moment involves working with our actuarial teams. I really couldn't be that motivated to work within that discipline.

[38thBeatle]

Whatever happens, all the best Ian. Worrying times but keep your head and I am sure it will work out for you.