Executive Officer 2024 Competition (Nationwide)

I don't know. I was just told Tailte Eireann. Probably won't be told that until I get formal offer.

Thanks for that. I would like the option to wfh. I've never had it but everyone I know does it and feel like I'm missing out a bit. I did a few days wfh in my current role and enjoyed it but my office generally doesn't like us wfh. I have a 4 week trip to Japan planned for next Oct. Although not booked but it's been on the cards for the last few years and depending on the SWY for it. I have a bit to think about it seems.

You can't apply for SWY until after your probation and applications for 2025 in my current role are due to close next week.

From NSSO dated 06/08/24

Shorter Working Year (SWY) Scheme 2025

Staff are now invited to make applications under the Shorter Working Year (SWY) Scheme for 2025, for pro-rata pay deductions of any duration, and for 10 to 13 weeks off-pay. Please note that applications for off-pay SWY of under 10 weeks can be submitted at any time, if at least six weeks’ notice is given.

Applications for pro-rata SWY and for off-pay SWY of 10 to 13 weeks will be accepted until close of business on 27 September 2024. Late applications will not be processed.

Note regarding change to on-line application process for SWY 2025 :

For the attention of staff, please note that to ensure that applications made in self-service are processed automatically, please ensure that you do not run an eligibility check for other leave or click the refresh button below your leave summary for the three hours following approval of the SWY.

For all staff:

• Before making an application, refer to any specific criteria issued by your own Department or Office in relation to this scheme
• Discuss your application with your manager before applying on the HR self-service system. It is normal practice in most departments to receive expressions of interest so that appropriate workforce planning can take place. This is done in order to assist the Head of Division in signing off on the number of staff allowed to go on the scheme
• Only one application form can be submitted for all instances of pro-rata SWY, or to cover a single instance of 10 to 13 weeks off-pay SWY
• Please note that all SWY off-pay other than 10 or 13 weeks will be processed according to start date.
• If you are applying for SWY off-pay with a duration of less than 10 or 13 weeks, please review your Department or Office’s internal policies before applying.
• If you are applying for 2 or more instances of SWY off-pay that equal 12 weeks, the deadline for applications is Friday 27 September 2024.
• For all pro-rata applications a Monday must be selected as a start date. This will not affect a workshare pattern.
• Only pending applications (where the manager has not yet given a decision) can be cancelled. Therefore it is important that all details are checked before they are approved .
• Pro-Rata SWY applications, once processed, cannot be cancelled or altered.
• If you opt for pro-rata SWY you will not be able to change your work pattern during 2025.
• Your annual leave for the affected leave period will be adjusted in due course, this will be done as standard by the NSSO and there will be no need to raise a further case in relation to this .
• SWY is always unpaid leave. Please note that you can estimate the payslip deductions for your SWY using the NSSO’s ‘What If I Take’ calculator on payroll self-service. A user guide is available here:
• For all pro-rata SWY, please check your payslips in January 2025 for the SWY deduction and notify us if it has not been adjusted. The payroll system automatically calculates the SWY deduction and SWY allowance based on the first period of the year.

For managers:

• Bring this alert to the attention of your staff including those on leave, off-site, or away from the office.
• Ensure all your staff are aware of the SWY guidelines and restrictions particular to your section or department.
• Expressions of interest should be sought from your staff and shared with the Head of Division (or relevant decision maker in your department) before a SWY application is raised by a staff member.
• Once the Head of Division gives sanction for numbers, then staff should apply on the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) systems.
• It is your responsibility to approve or deny requests in a timely fashion. Applications must be approved by close of business on 27 September 2024. All submitted applications must be approved or denied within 14 working days of submission. Late applications will not be processed.
• Please note that applications pending a decision will be escalated to the next manager after 7 days. If you are concerned that an application will miss the deadline please contact your Local HR, who can make arrangements with us to reroute your application.

We would like to draw your attention to Circular 14/2009 which deals with the Shorter Working Year scheme.

Further details and a step-by-step guide to applying can be found on our website. Frequently asked questions can also be found here.

If you have any queries, please submit your question on the Case Management System (CMS), or by email to SWY@nsso.gov.ie

Kind regards,

Leave Management National Shared Services Office

August 2024https://www.nsso.gov.ie/en/publications/guide-to-what-if-i-take-calculator/

Hi everyone,

Completely off topic,

I'm also waiting to hear back from aptitudes test EO 2024. I'm currently public service EO/Grade IV, hope to move to civil service. I wonder if successful would I be subjected to probation period, also will a be able to keep my annual leave I have been in the public service for 5 years my annual leave are 28 days as Grade IV or EO. Current EO Competition for CS is only 23 days Annual. I read on the EO booklet some accommodation might be applicable if moving from public service to civil service. I wonder if annual leave and probation apply.

Many thanks

A small update for people waiting on results. Will be late September according to email received by a colleague.

AH feck them, I was hoping to know the results before I head off on holidays at the weekend.

That's not looked at at this stage at all.

I don't think they wd have the capacity to change tack at this stage. Properly assessing written exercises for thousands of applicants would involve far more man hours than an extra 10 working days (the difference between mid-September and late September).

Thank you for your email.

We hope to issue results by late September 2024.

Unfortunately, we cannot give candidates an exact date as to when results will issue.

Response from PAS this morning

Most probably at this stage 😔.

its a year long contest, id be surprised if its not straight to interview

Just wondering if others received any confirmation when they finished the EO online proctured tests. I finished them two days before the deadline and thought it frankly unacceptable that there was no message or email confirming that I'd finished them. I'm beginning to think there's something up. Surely, given their stringent requirements for these tests, their outsourcing to this UK tech company, and the advanced (supposedly) AI monitoring ... SURELY they were sending automated email confirmations to the thousands of people who took the time to apply to this competition and finish the tests?

There was a point where we were told that we wouldn't receive any email confirming we'd completed the online assessments. I think I read the same thing during last year's competition. It might be worth bringing it up in the feedback survey.

@pygmaliondreams

Thanks for your response, that's good to know, at least it's not just me. I can't help but wonder though, who they do end up hiring given all of their exacting requirements, if the people currently employed there can't see the sheer lack of professionalism and failure of ICT to leave many thousands of candidates without at least an automated confirmation that they've completed the tests.

🤷 yep. I'm gradually learning that there seems to be a need to abandon all common sense, reason and hope when it comes to the CS recruitment process 🤣

👍️

Good shout this 🤭

Results this week 😂

Hopefully! Although Monday is 30th so could be next week. Hopefully by Friday at the latest tho. HEO results were out on a Wednesday if that's anything to go by..