# 2020-047 Careers, Initial counselling

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-05-20

The grievor argued that the initial counselling (IC) he received for performance deficiencies was not warranted and will have a negative impact on his future career goals. Following his return to work from an overseas deployment in October 2018, the grievor received the first negative Personnel Development Review (PDR) of his career in January 2019. The grievor maintained that even though he put forth his best effort to achieve the criteria set out in the PDR's action plan, he was not provided with adequate support or feedback on his performance prior to being issued the IC. As redress, the grievor requested that the IC be removed from his personnel records. 

The grievor's Commanding Officer, acting as the Initial Authority (IA), denied the grievor redress. The IA indicated that the grievor's chain of command (CoC) used the correct administrative tools to identify the grievor's performance deficiencies and laid out a plan to assist the grievor in overcoming them. The IA also noted that the grievor's CoC administered the IC in accordance with the applicable policies, stating that the grievor did not complete all of the elements of his action plan within the time allotted. 

The Committee found that the IC was appropriate and that it had been issued in accordance with the applicable policies and directives. The Committee reviewed additional information received from the grievor's CoC, including immediate supervisors, and concluded that although the grievor had made some progress towards completing certain aspects of his action plan, he did not make sufficient progress in overcoming his lack of dedication or general work performance. 

The Committee recommended that the Final Authority (FA) not grant the grievor redress. 

FA decision summary

The Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, acting as FA, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation not to afford the grievor redress.