Civil Servants: Challenging Suspension, Transfer and Promotion Decisions

Protecting the rights of government employees and public servants in service and administrative matters through experienced legal advice, representation and effective remedies.

Where these disputes usually start

Most people who contact us about a service or departmental matter are dealing with one of a familiar set of problems. Recognising which one applies to you is the first step towards the right remedy.

• ▸Seniority & promotion disputes
• ▸Inquiry & disciplinary proceedings under applicable service rules
• ▸Suspension, dismissal, removal and compulsory retirement matters
• ▸Pension, gratuity and other retirement benefit disputes
• ▸Unlawful transfer & posting orders
• ▸Recruitment test, appointment and interview irregularities
• ▸Wrongful termination and service removal disputes
• ▸Regularisation and confirmation of service matters

Questions clients ask us most often

I have been suspended or placed under forced leave by my department. Can I challenge it?

Yes. We review the circumstances and the procedure followed by your department. If the action was unfair, arbitrary or not taken according to the proper procedure, we help you pursue the appropriate remedy.

My department started an inquiry against me and imposed a penalty. What can I do?

We carefully examine the inquiry proceedings to see whether you were given a proper opportunity to defend yourself and whether the correct procedure was followed. If there are serious irregularities, we help you challenge the penalty before the appropriate forum.

I was dismissed, removed from service or demoted after a departmental inquiry. Can I get my job back?

Depending on the facts of your case, the decision may be challenged. We review the inquiry proceedings; the evidence and the procedure followed and help you pursue the appropriate appeal or legal remedy for reinstatement or other available relief.

Getting advice on your own situation

Every matter turns on its own facts, documents and timing. We answer 13 further questions on this subject — including costs, likely duration, the documents to bring and what happens after you contact us — on our Administrative & Public Service Matters page.