A secondment is the opportunity to work temporarily in a different firm or department to the one you are already working in. In an internal secondment, the employee moves to a different part of the same organisation. In an external secondment, the employee temporarily works at a different organisation.
Secondment programs build organisational leadership and positive cultural change by connecting staff and exposing them to new ideas, alternative leadership styles, and diverse approaches. It’s an opportunity to learn valuable skills and training on the job, they can use when they return to their regular role.
Length of secondment depends on individual circumstances, but it can range from less than 100 hours on a part-time basis, to up to two years full-time. Depending on organisational policies, opportunities may be open to all or restricted to managers, technical or professional staff.
Generally, your employer who is letting you go on secondment is the one that will continue to pay your wages. There may also be additional consideration in regards to bonuses, expenses, overtime and training costs.
The secondment may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement of the Employing Organisation and the Host Organisation. Alternatively, the Employing Organisation or Host Organisation may terminate the secondment by giving the other party at least two weeks’ written notice.
A secondment does not terminate an employee’s contract of employment; the contract continues to subsist during the period of secondment, and a key principle of the arrangement is that the employee is expected to return to his or her substantive post when the secondment ends.
