EO-to-EO move blocked by Department - Advice needed.
Good evening. I’m looking for some advice.
I’m currently an EO and have passed my probation. I applied for another EO role through an external campaign and have now been offered the position, same department.
When I informed my manager, I was told that I would not be released for a move at the same grade and could only leave for a promotion. I thought a successful external application would be treated differently from an internal level transfer.
Has anyone experienced this? Can my current department prevent me from accepting the new role even though I applied externally?
I considered resigning and joining the new department as an external candidate, but I understand this could affect my continuity of service and pension, so I would rather avoid that.
I genuinely like the new role, so I would appreciate any advice on my options. If any.
Thank you
Edited to add more context: My manager is actually very lovely. The decision came from above and this was communicated to me by my manager, after i had informed them.