Civil Service Fast Stream 19/20: Placed on the Reserve List

I had been allocated to a department at the beginning of June, but due to some problems they couldn't take me in and asked the GES to reallocate me to a department that could accommodate my situation. Then I received the reserve list email this morning. I went from having a job at the department of my dreams to probably filing for unemployment come September. It's a joke and I'm absolutely fuming. Especially since you just can't get a hold of anyone at GES to obtain any information.

Thank you. I'd rather not name the department just in case some of them read this thread.
My FSAC score was 10.83 if I remember correctly and I had my EAC mid march. I don't think it has anything to do with merit but rather the timing of your assessment center, i.e. just pure luck of being allocated first...
I've read on the GES mainstream thread that for their application, some people have been recruited from the initial reserve list just shortly prior to the actual offer holders getting their offers revoked. Which seems like an indicator that scores didn't play any factor but rather that it's just very chaotic.

Not in the same position as yourselves, however, I am on the direct appointment scheme, having failed at the FSAC. Seems bizarre that DAS places are being offered when those who passed the FSAC, FSB etc. are having their places taken. Obviously, they’re all for different roles and jobs, with different requirements but it still doesn’t seem right with me.

I also received this email (I'm also on the GES stream) and it was a bit of a bummer if I'm honest because I had already told my whole family that I had 'got a job' and made plans with my partner to move away together.

I'm just so unclear on what the waiting list means. If I wait, am I guaranteed a placement at some point? Is it just a potential placement? What are the chances? Would be interested to hear other's experiences and thoughts!

exactly the same for me, right down to moving in with a partner!

unfortunately, the more people who post on this thread the more worried I am about the length of the reserve list. I don't think my FSAC scores were that high (I remember being surprised I had got to the EAC) and also thought my EAC went TERRIBLY but got the job offer in less that 24 hours so have no idea where I stand?

Not in the same position as yourselves, however, I am on the direct appointment scheme, having failed at the FSAC. Seems bizarre that DAS places are being offered when those who passed the FSAC, FSB etc. are having their places taken. Obviously, they’re all for different roles and jobs, with different requirements but it still doesn’t seem right with me.

I'm thinking about writing a complaint email as I think we are not being treated fairly in this case and the GES' communication and lack of information has been awful. I think we should have been provided with an explanation as to why this has happened (and, if it was an error on behalf of the GES, an apology) and what they plan to do about it. Moreover, it would be helpful to have some info on how long the reserve list is, where we rank on it and whether they are positive that they'll be able to allocate us all. We need to be able to make an informed decision on whether we should find a job somewhere else or trust them to allocate us in the near future.

Wholeheartedly agree with this. It's not just that we have been reserve listed, it's the complete ignoring of emails by the GES team. I have sent a further email asking for details about the reserve list, if I don't hear back I will be complaining to the civil service commission.

I recommend that other people in our position do the same because it's absolute BS.

I'm thinking about writing a complaint email as I think we are not being treated fairly in this case and the GES' communication and lack of information has been awful. I think we should have been provided with an explanation as to why this has happened (and, if it was an error on behalf of the GES, an apology) and what they plan to do about it. Moreover, it would be helpful to have some info on how long the reserve list is, where we rank on it and whether they are positive that they'll be able to allocate us all. We need to be able to make an informed decision on whether we should find a job somewhere else or trust them to allocate us in the near future.

Hey, did any of yous get allocated a department/location before getting put on the reserve list?

Attached a response I got on the civil service reddit - thought it was quite reassuring and wanted to share with you folks here!

Hi, I've seen and heard lots of reassuring things like that - similar to the reddit post! Which definitely makes me feel better. I just want this in writing and an email back to actually confirm and outline where we stand. I am on GSR and I've heard from others that it's just a case of waiting to get placed and if it doesnt happen by September 2021, we will be placed with the next cohort. I want to believe this, and I would be SO reassured if anyone replied to my emails and confirmed this because at the moment I have nothing in writing to say this is the case