Notional and Substantive Dates Explained

You are likely to come across these two phrases: "Notional Date" and "Substantive Date ", on you promotion letter. These are what they mean. 

NOTIONAL DATE is the official date of a newly promoted/upgraded/appointed staff. This is the actual date the staff is qualified to be promoted or upgraded to their new ranks/grades in the Ghana Education Service.  

For example, if a newly trained Teacher is appointed in September 2020 to the rank of Senior Supt II, all things being equal, the staff will be ready for promotion to Supt 1 in September 2024. 

However, these dates are not always used for salary adjustments and the staff may also not be necessarily paid with effect from these dates. 

But Notional Dates are used for the purposes of promotion and appointment. They are used to determine the next promotion date of the staff concerned. It also shows seniority among teachers on the same rank. 

SUBSTANTIVE DATE on the other hand, is the date your employer has officially sanction for you to be paid your new salary on your new rank. 

For example, a teacher employed in 2020 who qualifies for promotion in 2024 has for some reasons not been promoted 2024 but rather 2026. His substantive date of promotion is 2026.

Substantive date is influenced by financial clearance and the ability of the employer to pay. Substantive dates are what the employer use to pay Newly upgraded, Promoted or Appointed Staff in the Ghana Education Service. These dates are not used to determine next promotion date.

 Therefore, when applying for promotion to the next rank, keep your eye on your "Notional Date".