Recruitment and Appointment Policy
Transcript of Recruitment and Appointment Policy
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 1
Recruitment and Appointment Policy
1. Purpose
1.1 The Recruitment and Appointment Policy (the policy) outlines how UTS recruits and
appoints staff in support of the UTS 2027 strategy.
2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to all staff and affiliates (hereafter staff) and the recruitment and
appointment of continuing, fixed-term, casual and temporary staff. It covers the
following recruitment methods:
• competitive recruitment (including expressions of interest)
• appointment of distinguished professors
• appointment by invitation (also known as direct appointment), and
• casual and temporary appointments.
2.2 This policy does not apply to:
• secondments or exchanges with other work areas or external organisations (refer
Staff Secondments and Exchanges Vice-Chancellor’s Directive)
• honorary awards or appointments (refer Honorary Titles and Awards Policy)
• academic promotions (refer Academic Promotions Policy)
• contractors engaged by UTS (refer Contractors (Staff Connect))
• Scholarly Teaching Fellowships (refer Enterprise agreements: Academic Staff
Agreement)
• volunteers (refer HR forms: Record of Volunteer Work (Staff Connect)).
2.3 Internships for UTS students are supported by a separate process by the Student
Services Unit (refer Internships (Staff Connect) and the Enterprise agreements:
Professional Staff Agreement).
3. Principles
3.1 Recruitment at UTS:
• aims to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and is informed by the Equity,
Inclusion and Respect Policy and Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy
• is transparent, capable of withstanding scrutiny, evidence-based and free from bias
or conflicts of interest (refer Code of Conduct)
• uses objective criteria to identify suitably qualified candidates and ensure
candidates are capable of supporting and realising UTS’s strategy, values and
vision
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• uses recruitment methods appropriate to the role type, requirements and needs of
the university
• acknowledges that retention and redeployment may form part of recruitment
considerations (for example in times of organisational change to retain institutional
knowledge)
• acknowledges the positive impacts that newly recruited staff bring to the university
(for example to enhance, replenish or refresh the workforce)
• adheres to relevant privacy and data management policies and legislation with
respect to the management of candidate information (refer Privacy Policy), and
• seeks to deliver a positive experience for all applicants in line with the university’s
values.
3.2 Appointments must be made without regard to a person’s sex, sexual orientation or
preference, gender, transgender status, race, colour, ethnic or ethno-religious
background, descent or national identity, marital status, pregnancy, potential
pregnancy, breastfeeding, family or carer responsibilities, disability, age, political
conviction or religious belief in line with the Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy.
3.3 UTS recognises however that historic and ongoing disadvantage creates barriers to
employment for people in equity target groups. All hiring managers must take account
of the targets in the Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy when determining
recruitment strategies. UTS will, where appropriate, use special measures such as
targeted recruitment programs to overcome this disadvantage. Refer Wingara
Indigenous Employment Strategy, Indigenous Employment and Recruitment for
diversity (SharePoint).
3.4 Recruitment and selection practices will protect and enhance the reputation of UTS in
the labour market.
3.5 UTS is committed to taking appropriate steps throughout the recruitment process to
mitigate any risk of improper interference.
4. Policy statements
Recruitment at UTS
4.1 UTS has four stages of recruitment:
1. Recruitment planning – what to consider when preparing to recruit
2. Recruitment methods – ways to identify and attract candidates
3. Candidate assessment and selection – how to review and assess applications and
select a candidate
4. Appointments, offers and feedback – seeking approval to make an offer of
employment.
4.2 This policy outlines the considerations, requirements and responsibilities under each
stage of the recruitment process and is supplemented by additional guidance available
at Recruiting and appointing staff (Staff Connect) and Preparing to recruit
(SharePoint).
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Stage 1: Recruitment planning
4.3 When preparing to recruit, hiring managers must contact the Human Resources
Recruitment Team (recruitment team) (details at Preparing to recruit (SharePoint)) to
discuss their recruitment needs, and refer to Recruiting at UTS (SharePoint) for
guidance and overview of the recruitment process.
4.4 To best meet recruitment needs, hiring managers should consider the nature and
requirements of the role as well as external and internal labour market conditions.
4.5 Hiring managers may consider both external and internal strategies when planning for
recruitment, including the following options:
• a competitive recruitment process in line with this policy, including expressions of
interest and use of executive search firms (refer stage 2 of this policy)
• appointment by invitation or direct appointment (as appropriate) or appointing
distinguished professors (refer stage 2 of this policy)
• use of casual (refer Enterprise agreements and Casual appointments (Staff
Connect)) or temporary appointments (via external supplier) (refer stage 2 of this
policy)
• a jointly funded appointment via strategic partnership with another organisation
(refer Jointly Funded Appointments Guidelines (PDF, Staff Connect) or contact the
recruitment team (details at Preparing to recruit (SharePoint))
• use of existing staff on a continuing, fixed-term or reversionary basis (for example
conversion of casual staff to fixed-term or continuing employment (in line with the
relevant Enterprise agreement))
• job redesign and evaluation of existing workloads (refer Job design and evaluation
(Staff Connect))
• relieving appointments or allocating additional duties to existing staff members
(refer Relieving appointments (Staff Connect))
• redeployment, secondment or exchange options (refer Staff Secondments and
Exchanges Vice-Chancellor’s Directive and Secondments and exchanges (Staff
Connect))
• other mechanisms created to enhance opportunities for staff to work on internal
projects and gain experience.
4.6 Hiring managers may designate that the position be filled by an equity target group
due to the inherent requirements of the role (refer Recruiting for diversity
(SharePoint)). This may be done to address:
• the strategic priorities in the Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy
• the strategic priorities under Athena Swan, or
• underrepresentation (subject to relevant state and federal legislation and advice
from the Human Resources Unit (HRU) and the Centre for Social Justice and
Inclusion (CSJI)).
4.7 If the recruitment need is immediate and short term (no more than one year in
duration), and a suitable internal option cannot be identified, using recruitment agency
staff on a temporary basis may also be considered in line with this policy, the
Enterprise agreements and approved by the authorised delegate (refer Delegations).
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4.8 The recruitment method must be approved by the authorised delegate. Hiring
managers will then work with the recruitment team to develop a position description
and selection criteria (refer Position descriptions and position statements
(SharePoint)). Once the requirement for a new position has been approved by the
authorised delegate, hiring managers must create a vacancy in iRecruit (refer Creating
the vacancy (SharePoint)).
4.9 Hiring managers must form a selection panel to screen, shortlist and interview
candidates. Selection panels should be established as soon as a vacancy has been
approved for recruitment consistent with the requirements set out in Appendix 1 and
before moving to stage 2. The panel composition must be accurately recorded in
iRecruit.
4.10 In line with the university’s commitments under Athena Swan, hiring managers (and
panel members) (refer Appendix 1), prior to interviewing candidates:
• must complete (or have completed at least within the previous five years)
unconscious bias training and where appropriate cultural awareness training, or
• obtain an exemption from the dean/director (or the relevant member of the senior
executive where the dean or director is the hiring manager) in line with advice
available from Selection panels (SharePoint). This exemption is in addition to that
approved under statement 4.58.
Stage 2: Recruitment methods
4.11 UTS allows for the following recruitment methods as appropriate for the particular role
(and approved by the authorised delegate):
• competitive recruitment (including expressions of interest and executive search)
• appointment of distinguished professors
• appointment by invitation (also called direct appointment)
• casual appointment, and
• temporary appointment (via recruitment agency).
Competitive recruitment
4.12 Competitive recruitment is UTS’s preferred method for the recruitment of continuing
and fixed-term appointments. Where an alternative method is selected for these types
of appointment, the justification must be recorded in line with the Records
Management Policy.
4.13 Guidance on attracting candidates (via advertisement or other methods) is available at
Recruiting at UTS: Attracting candidates (SharePoint).
4.14 As part of a competitive recruitment process, all candidates are required to:
• apply for the position via a secure platform (for example iRecruit) by the application
closing date
• accept the university’s privacy statement
• address the selection criteria, and
• be advised of UTS’s workplace adjustment arrangements (refer Workplace
adjustment (Staff Connect)).
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4.15 Application closing dates will not normally be extended. Late applications will only be
accepted where there are extenuating circumstances and with prior approval from the
hiring manager. Late application requests, and/or approvals (including approval
details), must be appropriately recorded in line with this policy (refer Records,
confidentiality and conflicts of interest). Existing applicants must be notified and given
the opportunity to resubmit an application.
4.16 Where a competitive recruitment campaign has been unsuccessful, readvertising of
the vacancy will not take place until all applicants from the initial campaign have been
formally notified of the outcome of their applications.
4.17 When a position is approved for internal recruitment only, any potential external
recruitment will not take place until:
• the internal process has been concluded and all applicants have been notified of
an outcome, and
• an external recruitment process has been approved to start by the appropriate
delegate.
4.18 The use of executive search firms to manage a competitive recruitment process on
behalf of UTS must be undertaken in line with the Procurement Policy and must be
approved by:
• the Provost for all academic and academic manager positions, or
• the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) for senior staff group and
professional staff positions.
Appointment of distinguished professors
4.19 As UTS operates in a competitive environment, appointment of distinguished
professors by invitation or promotion may be used to secure (or retain) exceptional
academics (including researchers) in line with the university’s strategic priorities.
4.20 The process of appointing distinguished professors should take into consideration
university employment targets in relation to Indigenous staff (refer Wingara Indigenous
Employment Strategy) and for improving gender balance (refer Athena Swan).
4.21 Appointments of distinguished professors by promotion (internal candidates) are
approved by the Vice-Chancellor and managed in line with the Appointment of
Distinguished Professors Procedures.
4.22 Appointment of distinguished professors by invitation (external candidates) may make
use of a selection panel to consider the appointment as appropriate. The provisions of
this policy must be used as a guide to ensure an appropriate level of due diligence has
been undertaken and evidence must be provided (and recorded) of the outcomes of
the candidate assessment process.
Appointments by invitation (direct appointments)
4.23 Appointments by invitation (or direct appointments) may be considered in the following
circumstances:
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• In instances where specialist skills, knowledge or expertise are very limited or in
short supply for areas of strategic or reputational importance (meaning a
competitive recruitment process is unlikely to yield suitable candidates and it is
time critical to the delivery of positive recruitment outcomes).
• Where it is beneficial to minimise the impact of institutional change or restructure.
In this instance, redeployment or transfer to comparable roles will help to meet the
recruitment needs of emerging areas while retaining institutional knowledge (and a
competitive recruitment process would not elicit superior candidates). This may
include establishing a pool of affected staff for a limited period of time.
• In order to facilitate a staff member’s rehabilitation.
• Where a competitive recruitment process has been unsuccessful (with evidence
documented and available for review) and a review/comparison of the
advertisement text and approach has been undertaken.
• Where a competitive recruitment process has taken place within the last six
months for a comparable role and multiple candidates have been identified as
being appointable from the original process and all activity related to the original
recruitment process was documented and is available for review.
• Where there is no available evidence that a previous competitive recruitment
process has been undertaken, then the appointment must be classified as a direct
appointment.
• For casual appointments under 12 months (refer Casual appointments and use of
recruitment agencies).
• In other exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Provost or the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services).
4.24 Appointments by invitation are approved by the Provost for academic roles or the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) for senior staff group and professional
staff positions normally following consideration by a selection panel. The provisions of
this policy must be used as a guide to ensure an appropriate level of due diligence has
been undertaken and evidence must be provided (and recorded) of the outcomes of
the candidate assessment process.
4.25 Appointments by invitation should take into consideration UTS’s commitment to
excellence, social justice and achievement of equity targets (particularly in relation to
women in STEM and Indigenous candidates). Further information is available at
Recruitment options (SharePoint).
Casual appointments and use of recruitment agencies
4.26 Academic and professional staff appointments may be made on a casual basis in
order to address sudden increases in workload, regular work volume peaks or
seasonal increases in workload. Position descriptions are encouraged to facilitate any
future performance review processes. Casual appointments may be made in line with
the Enterprise agreements and the information provided at Casual appointments (Staff
Connect).
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4.27 Use of recruitment agency staff through recruitment agencies must be made via the
NSW Government Contingent Workforce Scheme and may be appropriate in situations
where:
• the role is short term
• the role remaining vacant impacts directly on the university’s ability to meet
strategic or operational targets or objectives and, as a result, must be filled quickly.
Stage 3: Candidate assessment and selection
4.28 Candidate assessment is the process of determining applicant suitability against the
selection criteria using a range of required and optional assessment methods.
Candidate assessment and selection processes must be rigorous, evidence-based,
transparent and free from bias.
4.29 The type and minimum number of selection methods used to assess candidates are
outlined at Assessing and shortlisting applications (SharePoint). Further guidance on
candidate assessment including long and short listing is available at Assessing your
candidates (SharePoint).
4.30 The selection panel (established in stage 1 and outlined at Appendix 1) will apply the
required selection methods and determine any additional methods to use based on the
position's selection criteria. Where technology solutions are used to assist with the
candidate assessment, the ultimate responsibility for decision-making remains with the
convenor and selection panel.
Interviews
4.31 Interviews are the primary selection method used at UTS and are mandatory for all
roles outlined at Assessing and shortlisting applications (SharePoint). Interviews
provide greater opportunity to build rapport and allow all parties to gather additional
information. Structured interviews must be used as part of a competitive recruitment
process or where an external recruitment supplier is engaged to provide candidates for
roles (other than temporary assignments). Further guidance on interview processes
and options is available at The interviews (SharePoint).
4.32 Panel interviews are recommended for appointments by invitation (direct
appointments) and appointments of distinguished professors by invitation where it
makes sense to do so. Normally a one-on-one interview will form part of these
recruitment processes.
References and due diligence
4.33 A minimum of two reference checks must be conducted for all continuing positions and
fixed-term roles, regardless of the method of recruitment. It is recommended that
reference(s) be conducted for casual roles where it is practical to do so and is
proportionate to the level of risk.
4.34 At least one reference check must be verbal. Other reference checks may be obtained
from a referee in writing. Where these reference checks are not addressed to the
hiring manager by name, then confirmation that the reference check is genuine must
be obtained and recorded by the hiring manger.
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4.35 The type and nature of the remaining reference checks is determined by the hiring
manager based on role duration, responsibilities and overall risk to the university.
Hiring managers must be satisfied that all references have been provided by the
individual nominated as referee. Refer References and other assessment options
(Share Point) and/or contact the recruitment team (details at Preparing to recruit
(SharePoint)) for further guidance on suitable referees.
4.36 Normally the hiring manager will undertake the reference checks. If this is not possible,
a member of the selection panel (who understands the role and its requirements) may
be nominated to undertake the reference checks. All reference checks must be
completed before a recommendation is made to the authorised delegate.
4.37 Screening and probity checks (where required) must be undertaken in line with
Background checks (SharePoint) in order to mitigate any risk to UTS. Enhanced
screening and probity checks must be undertaken for designated roles where, due to
the nature of a role, or its inherent requirements, there is additional risk to UTS. Such
checks are done for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of UTS’s operations and
activities.
Stage 4: Appointments, offers and feedback
4.38 On completion of the candidate assessment and selection processes, the panel, via
the convenor (or hiring manager), will make a recommendation to the authorised
delegate (refer Delegations) to appoint a candidate via iRecruit with all relevant
documentation (refer Making an offer (Staff Connect)).
4.39 The convenor must provide evidence (recorded in iRecruit) to the authorised delegate
outlining, against the selection criteria:
• why the candidate was considered suitable for appointment
• why the other interviewed candidates were not considered suitable for
appointment, and
• whether any other candidate was considered appointable (in the event the
recommended candidate declines the position).
4.40 The authorised delegate may approve the panel’s majority recommendation, authorise
further selection processes to take place (for example additional reference checks) or
reject the recommendation of the panel (providing justification).
4.41 Where a suitable candidate has not been identified by the panel, the convenor will
propose next steps and/or alternative recruitment methods for consideration by the
authorised delegate.
4.42 Any panel member (or other official observer) not satisfied with the selection process
may choose to inform the panel and submit a minority report to the authorised
delegate.
4.43 Hiring managers must discuss with the HRU remuneration team any remuneration
package that contains non-standard items (for example allowances) and receive
approval from the authorised delegate for salary rates and other terms and conditions
(for example performance-based pay, the issuing of visas, allowances) before any
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discussions with the candidate (refer Enterprise agreements and Remuneration
(SharePoint)).
4.44 Verbal and/or written offers of employment (formal or informal) can ONLY be made
after formal approval by the authorised delegate in iRecruit and approval of
appropriate terms of appointment (Refer Making an offer (SharePoint)). Any offer
before formal approval is obtained is considered a breach of this policy.
4.45 Candidates must have the right to work in Australia in accordance with the
requirements of the Department of Home Affairs and the Migration Act 1958 (Cwlth). In
special circumstances, UTS may sponsor a candidate who does not have a right to
work in Australia (refer Visas and relocation (SharePoint)).
4.46 Requests for candidate sponsorship via available visas may be approved by the
authorised delegate after careful consideration of:
• the clear evidence that there are no suitable candidates with the right to work in
Australia
• the associated costs and visa processing time against the potential benefits of the
appointment
• availability of appropriate visas and any other conditions required by the
Department of Home Affairs, and
• the university’s obligation to comply with the regulatory environment (refer
International collaboration and engagement: Regulatory considerations
(SharePoint)).
4.47 The hiring manager must provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants on their
applications and/or performance during the selection process as soon as possible after
a recommendation to appoint a candidate has been accepted. Feedback should be
provided as:
Applicant category Action
External applicant – not interviewed
Inform the external applicant in writing that their application has been unsuccessful (actioned by the recruitment team via iRecruit).
Internal applicant – not interviewed
Inform the internal applicant verbally or in writing that their application has been unsuccessful, with an offer to provide feedback on their application.
External applicant – interviewed but not appointed
Inform the external applicant verbally or in writing of their interview outcome, with an offer to provide feedback on the application and performance at interview.
Internal applicant – interviewed but not appointed
Inform the internal applicant verbally of their interview outcome and offer to provide feedback on their application and performance at interview.
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4.48 UTS may, at any time, rescind an offer of employment to a candidate who has:
• provided false or deliberately misleading information during the recruitment and/or
selection process, or
• behaved in a manner that contravenes the behavioural expectations or
requirements of the Code of Conduct and Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy.
Records, confidentiality and conflicts of interest
4.49 To protect privacy and confidentiality, candidate information must only be provided to
the selection panel (including the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion or Jumbunna
attendees), relevant recruitment team members and the authorised delegate. The
candidate’s consent must be obtained in advance if their information is to be shared
beyond this group (refer Candidate privacy (SharePoint)).
4.50 Collection, management, distribution and destruction of any candidate information
must be carried out in accordance with the Records Management Policy, Privacy
Policy (particularly for personal information) and Data Governance Policy. All staff
involved in the recruitment process must be aware of the requirements of these
policies. Advice should be sought from the recruitment team to ensure records created
and managed by an executive search firm on behalf of UTS are appropriately stored
and managed.
4.51 The UTS Recruitment Privacy Statement is publicly available on the UTS website.
Candidates may request access to information collected by the university during any
recruitment process. Further information is available at Your privacy at UTS.
4.52 Conflicts of interest are outlined in the Code of Conduct and, for the recruitment
process, managed by the hiring manager (or the convenor or relevant supervisor, as
relevant to the stage of recruitment) in line with the Code of Conduct and Appendix 1.
Appeals
4.53 Unsuccessful internal candidates may appeal only where there is an identifiable lack of
due process. The obligation to establish failure to follow the selection processes
outlined in this policy lies with the candidate. External applicants have no right to
appeal under this policy.
4.54 Appeals must be made in writing to the Director, Human Resources within seven days
of receiving written notification of the unsuccessful application with any additional
supporting documentation lodged within 14 days of receiving written notice of the
unsuccessful application.
4.55 The Director, Human Resources will appoint a person(s) not involved in the original
selection process to investigate the circumstances of the appeal and provide a report.
Based on the investigator’s report, the Director, Human Resources may decide to:
• reject the appeal
• request further investigations
• appoint a different selection panel to shortlist and/or interview all or some
candidates
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• quash the original selection decision and initiate a completely new selection
process.
4.56 Appeals for unsuccessful internal applicants for appointment of distinguished
professors by invitation are managed in line with the Appointment of Distinguished
Professors Procedures.
4.57 All staff and candidates involved in the appeals process must act in accordance with
the Code of Conduct and Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy.
Policy exceptions, breaches and review
4.58 Any recommended recruitment or appointment that is an exception to provisions
outlined in this policy must have clear and identifiable strategic justification and must
be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) in consultation with
the Provost. Exceptions must be formally reported to the Governance Support Unit and
recorded and filed under the file number for this policy.
4.59 Any temporary deviations to this policy must be justified and outlined in official
organisational change documents (approved by Council or the Vice-Chancellor as
appropriate) and approved only for the specified period of the change process. Any
deviating process or action must align with the principles of this policy and, for
academic staff, the Enterprise agreements.
4.60 Breaches of this policy are considered a failure to comply with the Code of
Conduct and will be dealt with under the code. This includes UTS’s right to notify a
relevant statutory authority and/or agency where there is a breach of legislation. Data
breaches will be managed in line with the Data Governance Policy and Privacy Policy.
4.61 Complaints that do not constitute an appeal under this policy should be made in line
with the Staff Complaints Policy.
4.62 Under UTS’s ‘do.review.improve’ cycle this policy will be reviewed every three years to
ensure compliance, effectiveness and transparency. Data from the staff complaints
process, the appeals process and feedback provided by hiring managers will be used
to guide further improvements to this policy and the recruitment process more
generally.
5. Policy ownership and support
5.1 Policy owner: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) is responsible for
enforcement of and compliance with this policy, ensuring that its principles and
statements are observed. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) is also
responsible for the approval of executive search firms for professional and senior staff
and approval of any associated university level procedures and for approving
exceptions in consultation with the Provost. The Provost is responsible for approving
the use of executive search firms for all academic and academic manager positions in
line with this policy.
5.2 Policy contact: The Director, Human Resources is responsible for the day-to-day
implementation of this policy, and acts as a primary point of contact for advice on
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fulfilling its provisions. The Director, Human Resources is also responsible for the
appeals processes as outlined in this policy and for the development, approval and
publication of related guidance (normally via Staff Connect or SharePoint). Guidance
documents must comply with the requirements and conventions of this policy and the
procedures.
5.3 Others
The hiring manager has overall responsibility for the recruitment and selection process
as outlined in this policy.
Human Resources recruitment team (recruitment team) will guide hiring managers
through the recruitment and appointment process.
The convenor of the selection panel (who is normally the hiring manager) is
responsible for recruitment and selection processes as outlined in this policy.
Members of the selection panel will fulfil all recruitment and selection obligations as
outlined in this policy and Appendix 1.
6. Definitions
The following definitions apply for this policy and all associated procedures and guidelines.
These are in addition to the definitions outlined in Schedule 1, Student Rules.
Academic staff means all staff covered under the Academic Staff Agreement (refer
Enterprise agreements).
Affiliates is defined in the Code of Conduct.
Appointment means the appointment of a candidate to a role via any UTS recruitment
method.
Appointment by invitation (also direct appointment) means a method of recruitment and
appointment made directly to the candidate (or narrow group of candidates) either internal or
external without a competitive recruitment process. This is separate from the process of
appointing a distinguished professor by invitation.
Appointment of distinguished professors by invitation or promotion means the process
of appointing an exceptional or leading academic who is a specialist in their field. This may
be used as a recruitment (by invitation) or retention (by promotion) strategy. Appointments of
distinguished professors are approved by the Vice-Chancellor. All candidates for the title of
distinguished professors must meet the requirements outlined in the Appointment of
Distinguished Professors Procedures.
Authorised delegate means the individual identified in the relevant Delegations and/or this
policy who is responsible for decision-making and approvals.
Candidate (may also be called applicant) means an individual who has correctly applied for
an advertised position at UTS and/or has made it to the selection process and has been
shortlisted for consideration for a role.
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Casual staff means staff engaged in line with the relevant UTS Enterprise agreements.
Continuing appointment means an appointment of an indefinite period. A continuing
appointment is made where the nature of the work is ongoing.
Competitive recruitment means the process of advertising an approved role and asking
individuals to submit a job application. Competitive recruitment is managed by UTS in line
with this policy and the procedures and may be internal or both internal and external. Where
competitive recruitment is internal, this may be open to all university staff (including casual
and temporary staff) or via an expression of interest process (see below).
Convenor is the person responsible for coordinating the selection panel. Normally, the
convenor is the hiring manager. Where the convenor is not the hiring manager, the
recruitment team will support the convenor in undertaking necessary tasks on behalf of the
hiring manager (for example if the hiring manger has a conflict of interest).
Equity target groups are defined in the Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy.
Executive search firm means a specific type of external recruitment agency that
specialises in sourcing high-quality candidates for senior and specialist roles. These firms
are paid on a retained basis to manage a competitive recruitment process on the university’s
behalf.
Expressions of interest (EOI) process means an internal competitive recruitment method
where staff from a defined school, faculty, centre or unit are invited to express interest in an
advertised role in line with this policy and the procedures. EOI must be managed in line with
a normal competitive recruitment process, including record management requirements. The
identified area to which EOI applications are open must be clearly communicated to
applicants.
External recruitment means the process of inviting or attracting people external to UTS to
apply for a position through a variety of mechanisms including general advertising,
recruitment sites, professional networks and equity target groups.
Fixed-term appointment means an appointment for a specified term or defined period as
specified in the relevant enterprise agreement.
Hiring manager means the staff member who will manage the recruitment and selection
process. The hiring manager will normally be the supervisor of the position to be filled and
act as the convenor of the selection panel (see also convenor).
Indigenous is defined in the Indigenous Policy.
Internal recruitment means the recruiting for an approved role open to UTS staff (including
casuals and temporary appointments) only.
Interviews mean the process of engaging or meeting directly with a candidate to assess role
suitability, knowledge, approach and value fit. Further guidance on interview processes and
options is available at The interviews (SharePoint).
iRecruit means the approved software package used by UTS for recruitment management
processes.
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Lack of due process means the failure of the selection panel to duly follow UTS policies.
Longlisting and shortlisting mean the processes of narrowing the potential list of
candidates by eliminating applicants who, based on their applications, do not meet the basic
key selection criteria and/or are ineligible to apply for the role (for example do not have a
right to work in Australia).
Minority report means a report presented by a selection panel member or other recruitment
official who disagrees with the appointment decision agreed by the majority of the panel.
Position descriptions (and academic position statements) means the details of a role
that articulate its requirements and responsibilities together with the skills, knowledge,
experience, qualifications and capabilities required. Position descriptions and academic
position statements (along with selection criteria) are required for both internal and external
recruitment and must comply with the values outlined in the Equity, Inclusion and Respect
Policy. For professional and senior staff positions, position descriptions inform the job
evaluation conducted by HRU that forms the basis of remuneration decisions.
Probity screening means background checks to ensure candidate suitability for the specific
requirements of a role or position at UTS. This can include a range of different checks on
history, activity and records. All checks must be conducted with the informed consent of the
applicant.
Professional staff means all staff covered under the Professional Staff Agreement (refer
Enterprise agreements).
Recruitment method means an approved mechanism for filling a vacancy at UTS in line
with this policy.
Reference check means the process of contacting previous employers, colleagues or
clients to gain more information about a candidate.
Relieving appointment means internal appointment or staff transfer for a fixed period,
normally up to 12 months. Relieving appointments may be made as:
• a temporarily vacant position that is made temporary for a variety of reasons, for
example an employee being absent on leave or secondment, or following a resignation
• a position that has been newly created on a fixed-term basis that is to be filled internally,
for example project work or planned staff development opportunity.
Right to work in Australia mean the following categories of person:
• Australian citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• New Zealand citizens who entered Australia on a current New Zealand passport and
were granted a visa with work entitlements on arrival
• non-Australian citizens holding a valid visa with work entitlements.
Screening refers to the process of assessing and then eliminating candidates who, based
on their written applications, clearly do not meet a substantial number of the key selection
criteria for the position or are otherwise ineligible to apply (for example do not have a right to
work in Australia).
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 15
Selection criteria means the list of skills, qualifications, attributes, knowledge and
experience required to successfully undertake a role. Selection criteria must:
• be clear, specific and relevant to the position
• be consistent with the position classification standards (refer Enterprise agreements)
• not favour either internal or external candidates
• not be excessive or overly prescriptive (as this may restrict the potential pool of
applicants, particularly when seeking to encourage applications from equity target
groups)
• not be changed once a position has been advertised.
Selection methods (also candidate selection methods) mean the techniques used to
choose a candidate from a group of shortlisted candidates. These include but are not limited
to interviews (in-person, phone or online interviews), work-sample tests, psychometric
profiling, presentations, provision of documentary tasks or evidence, stakeholder meeting,
job knowledge tests, case studies and situational reasoning tests. Required and optional
candidate selection methods are outlined at Assessing and shortlisting applications
(SharePoint). Choice of selection methods must protect the candidate’s confidentiality and
privacy, and not unfairly disadvantage external candidates or members of equity target
groups.
Selection panels mean the group of people who assist in the selection of a candidate to a
specific position for approval by the delegate (refer Appendix 1).
Senior staff positions means staff members who are covered by the Senior Staff Group
Collective Agreement (refer Enterprise agreements).
Staff is defined in the Code of Conduct.
Work sample test means a mock task or test that require candidates to simulate tasks that
are similar to the requirements of the specific role. Work sample tests must be designed to
test a candidate’s abilities and provide a demonstration of relevant skills. These may be
written, verbal, practical or a combination of these (for example drafting or editing a report,
providing an oral presentation, demonstrating IT, maths or language proficiency).
7. Approval information
Policy contact Director, Human Resources Unit
Approval authority Vice-Chancellor
Review date 2023
File number UR21/820
Superseded documents Recruitment and Appointment Vice-Chancellor’s Directive 2012 (UR12/1153)
Version history
Version Approved by Approval date Effective date Sections modified
1.0 Vice-Chancellor 26/07/2021 27/07/2021 New policy.
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 16
References
Appointment of Distinguished Professors Procedures
Casual appointments (Staff Connect)
Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion
Code of Conduct
Delegations
Department of Home Affairs
Enterprise agreements
Equal Futures: Athena Swan Bronze Award
Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy
Indigenous employment
Jobs at UTS
Jointly Funded Appointments Guidelines (PDF, Staff Connect)
Migration Act 1958 (Cwlth)
Privacy Policy
Procurement Policy
Records Management Policy
Recruiting at UTS (SharePoint)
Staff Secondments and Exchanges Vice-Chancellor’s Directive
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 17
Appendix 1: Selection panel requirements
Panel member obligations
Panel members must adhere by the requirements of the Recruitment and Appointment Policy, Code of Conduct (the code) and Equity,
Inclusion and Respect Policy (and any other requirement identified by the convenor) in undertaking their duties.
Respect for a candidate’s privacy and appropriate confidentiality must be maintained by all panel members at all times. Panel members should
not discuss a candidate’s background and/or potential suitability for a role with any person outside the panel without the consent of the
candidate.
All panel members are required to complete unconscious bias training and cultural awareness training (as appropriate) before interviewing
candidates in line with UTS’s commitments under Athena Swan (contact the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion for details). It is the
responsibility of the panel member to attend all required training. Requests for exemptions to sit as a member of a panel without having
completed the required training must be approved in line with the policy and recorded in the recruitment system in advance of interviews taking
place. Failure to obtain an exemption will be considered a breach of this policy. Panel members should utilise relevant online learning material
to support training provided by UTS.
Conflicts of interest must be managed in line with the code. Hiring managers and selection panel members must be aware of, disclose and
manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as the conflict is identified by submitting a conflict of interest disclosure
form (available at Staff conduct and responsibilities (Staff Connect)). Conflicts of interest must be managed by the hiring manager or the
convenor (where the convenor is not the hiring manager) in line with the code. If the hiring manger has the conflict of interest, this will be
managed by the relevant supervisor.
Panel members must provide feedback in a reasonable timeframe. Where panel members are unable to convene or provide input in a
reasonable timeframe, the convenor may move to replace selection panel members by agreement with the remaining members of the panel.
Panel composition requirements
Hiring managers will normally act as the convenor of the selection panel. Where the hiring manager cannot act as a convenor, another
convenor will be appointed in consultation with the Human Resources recruitment team.
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 18
Guidance on establishing selection panels is available from Selection panels (SharePoint).
Guidance on appropriate representation when establishing selection panels can be sought from Jumbunna and/or Centre for Social Justice and
Inclusion.
Selection panels will normally comprise three members, including the convenor, and are constituted by the convenor with regard to the
following:
• representative(s) who have relevant and sufficient expertise in the area of appointment
• representation of the supervisor and/or manager of the position being recruited
• representation from outside the work unit (for example from another faculty/unit or from business or industry) to ensure a broader view of
the process
• inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, including equity targets groups, as appropriate to the circumstances (see below)
• declaration and avoidance of conflicts of interest
• gender balance, as per the below table.
Gender representation on selection panels
Three-member selection panel Maximum of two people of any one gender
Four-member selection panel Maximum of two people of any one gender
Five-member selection panel Maximum of three people of any one gender
Six-member selection panel Maximum of three people of any one gender
Indigenous representation on selection panels
For Indigenous-identified targeted recruitment, selection panels must include a minimum of one appropriate Indigenous panel member. In
circumstances where no appropriate Indigenous representative is available, a nominee of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership and
Engagement) will be appointed as panel member. Candidates will be informed of additional representation and other support available.
In any circumstance where a panel does not meet the normal gender or diversity requirements, this must be documented (outlining all efforts
made by the convenor to achieve representation) and submitted for approval to the relevant dean or director (or to the Provost or Deputy Vice-
Chancellor (Corporate Services) where the dean or director is a panel member).
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 19
Selection panels for senior staff positions, may also include official observers, such as nominees of the Director, Human Resources, Director,
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion) and/or the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership and
Engagement).
The composition of the selection panel must be recorded in iRecruit.
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 20
Academics and academic managers selection panels
Selection panels for the following academic and academic management position appointments will vary depending on the level of the position
being recruited for as set out below. This is in line with the policy and the Delegations.
The Provost may sit as a member of any academic or academic manager selection panels at any time.
Membership Appointment level
Dean Academic manager (SSG) Professor Associate professor Academic levels A-C
Provost
(Provost as convenor)
(Provost may appoint nominee)
Vice-Chancellor
(at own discretion)
The hiring manager (convenor)
Dean of faculty or nominee (if not the
hiring manager)
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 21
Membership Appointment level
Dean Academic manager (SSG) Professor Associate professor Academic levels A-C
Head of school/institute/centre (if not
the hiring manager)
Professor from outside UTS
UTS professor or associate professor
external to the faculty in which the
appointment is being made
UTS senior lecturer (or above), external
to the faculty in which the appointment
is being made
Dean from another faculty
Two staff appointed by the convenor
(from faculty academic, professional
and senior staff nominations)
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 22
Membership Appointment level
Dean Academic manager (SSG) Professor Associate professor Academic levels A-C
Academic manager from another faculty
or university
Academic manager from another school
or unit (within the faculty or another
faculty) or from another university
Any additional members appointed by
the Vice-Chancellor or Provost
Senior business/industry person
appointed by the convenor (as
appropriate)
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 23
Professional and senior staff group (non-academic) selection panels
Selection panels for the following professional and non-academic senior staff group appointments will vary depending on the level of the
position being recruited for as set out below, in line with the policy and the Delegations. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) may
sit as a member of any professional and non-academic staff group selection panel at any time.
Membership Appointment level
HEW1-HEW7 HEW8-SSG1 SSG2 and above
Vice-Chancellor
(at own discretion)
Hiring manager (convenor)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) or
nominee
Dean (if faculty-based role)
Director of unit/institute/centre
(at own discretion)
Director external to the area
Faculty general manager (if faculty-based role)
Recruitment and Appointment Policy 24
Membership Appointment level
HEW1-HEW7 HEW8-SSG1 SSG2 and above
One staff member internal to the hiring unit/area (of
equivalent level or above)
One staff member external to the unit/area
Additional member(s) appointed at the discretion of the
convenor (internal or external to the unit/area)
Additional member(s) appointed at the discretion of the
Vice-Chancellor