This paper summaries the results of a survey undertaken by the State Services Commission to gather information on the extent and nature of the use of secondments by Public Service departments, and identifies issues affecting their use. It concludes that there is a double potential for secondments and rotations: to boost resources at crucial moments, and to build staff skills for the benefit of the individual and the organisation. It recommends creating more structure and certainty around the secondments process in order to manage risks.