MERIT SELECTION PROCEDURES 2005

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MERIT SELECTION PROCEDURES 2005

FOR SCHOOL TEACHER POSITIONS

Merit Selection Procedures 2005 https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/promotion

provides information on the selection process for advertised school teacher

positions, executive mobility and merit selection from within current principals. The procedures will assist selection panel members and provide guidelines for staff applying for a position through advertisement, executive mobility or merit selection from within current principals.

The procedures should be read in conjunction with Promotion and Transfer

Procedures for School Teachers 2005.

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/promotion

These procedures for merit selection rescind and replace all previous procedures for merit selection contained in the Merit Selection Procedures Manual 2002 and in the accompanying Promotion and Transfer: Procedures for School Teachers 2002. As a result of amendments to the Teaching Service Act 1980, both current NSW Department of Education and Training employees and persons not currently

employed by the NSW Department of Education and Training (referred to as external applicants) may apply for vacant positions which are to be filled by merit selection following external advertisement.

The procedures have the following five parts:

PART A Procedures for classroom teacher, executive staff (other than principal) and principal vacancies filled through advertisement

PART B Procedures for executive mobility

PART C Procedures for merit selection from within current principals

PART D Appeals procedures

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PART A

PROCEDURES FOR CLASSROOM TEACHER,

EXECUTIVE STAFF (OTHER THAN PRINCIPAL)

AND PRINCIPAL VACANCIES FILLED

THROUGH ADVERTISEMENT

Classroom teacher positions not filled through priority transfer, service transfer, the Permanent Employment Program, special fitness appointment or through a mix of resumption of duty from leave, the Graduate Recruitment Program, scholarship holders, teachers completing targeted training programs, or from the employment list, will be externally advertised and filled by merit.

Executive staff (other than principal) positions not filled by priority transfer, special fitness appointment, executive staff (other than principal) returning from leave or executive mobility, will be externally advertised and filled by merit.

Principal positions not filled by priority transfer, special fitness appointment,

principals returning from leave or merit selection from within current principals, will be externally advertised and filled by merit.

Section 1 METHOD OF FILLING VACANCY

The principal confirms with the School Staffing Unit the full-time or part-time classroom teacher or executive staff (other than principal) vacancy. The school education director confirms with the School Staffing Unit the principal vacancy. The School Staffing Unit will advise the principal or school education director of the method through which the vacancy will be filled. Action should not be taken by the principal or school education director to form a selection panel until advice has been received from the School Staffing Unit that this action may proceed.

Section 2 SELECTION PANEL

The principal forms the selection panel for classroom teacher and executive staff (other than principal) vacancies. The school education director forms the selection panel for principal vacancies.

All selection panel members should be trained in merit selection procedures. The principal or school education director should arrange for any untrained panel

member to have access to training. Training of panel members cannot be conducted by the selection panel convener.

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As far as possible, selection panels should meet outside of school hours. Relief will not be provided to selection panels.

The panel convener should provide a copy of the Responsibilities of Selection Panel

Members (pages 6-7) to each selection panel member at the time of forming the

selection panel.

The selection panel for classroom teacher and executive staff (other than principal) positions is:

• the principal of the school or nominee (convener). A nominee should be at the same or higher salary level than the vacant position

• a parent representative from the school. The parent representative is to be a parent or community representative nominated by the school parent

organisation and, if one exists, endorsed by the president of the school council. In schools with no school council, the parent representative is to be a parent or community representative nominated by the school parent organisation

• a teacher representative nominated by the Teachers Federation. The teacher representative is to be the Teachers Federation Representative at the worksite, or the Women’s Contact Person if the Federation Representative is not

available. If both of these representatives are not available, the relevant

Federation Organiser is to be contacted to nominate an alternate panel member.

The selection panel for principal positions is:

• the school education director or nominee (convener). A nominee should be at the same or higher salary level than the vacant position

• a principal, at the same or higher level as the vacant position nominated by the Director of Staffing Services in consultation with the State Secondary

Principals’ Council or the State Primary Principals’ Association. For

metropolitan positions, the principal’s substantive position will be in a different region to the region in which the vacancy exists. For non metropolitan positions, the principal’s substantive position will be in a different school staffing area to that in which the vacancy exists

• a teacher representative nominated by the Teachers Federation. The teacher representative is to be the Teachers Federation representative at the worksite, or the Women’s Contact Person if the Federation representative is not

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There must be at least one female and one male member on each selection panel. The Director of Staffing Services (or nominee) may approve in consultation with the Teachers Federation, the inclusion of an additional panel member where there are specific needs pertaining to the position or where the position is for a special education teacher or a school counsellor.

The Director of Staffing Services (or nominee) will approve the inclusion of an additional panel member:

• where it has not been possible to have at least one female and one male member on the selection panel

• in schools with significant Aboriginal enrolments or in schools with significant language background other than English enrolments. Under these circumstances, the following guidelines apply.

Schools with significant Aboriginal enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students)

In schools classified as having significant Aboriginal enrolments or where the position requires understanding of, and sensitivity to, the needs of Aboriginal students, the selection panel will include an additional panel member who is a representative of the local NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (AECG) or the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.

Note: The additional panel member must be an additional person on the panel rather than an existing panel member also representing the local AECG or the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.

The selection of the Aboriginal panel member will usually involve consultation with the local AECG or, where such a group does not exist, with the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community or communities. The Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer(s) will be able to assist in arranging for the nomination of a suitable person.

Schools with significant language background other than English enrolments (60% of enrolments)

In schools classified as having significant language background other than English enrolments or where the position requires an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the needs of students from a language background other than English, the selection panel will include an additional panel member who represents the local ethnic community or communities.

Note: The additional panel member must be an additional person on the panel rather than an existing panel member also representing the local ethnic community or communities.

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Section 3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SELECTION PANEL

MEMBERS

The role of the selection panel is to make a recommendation as to the most suitable applicant to fill the vacant position. The recommendation will be based on the extent to which each applicant meets the general and specific selection criteria for the position after assessing information from all stages of the selection process, i.e. application, referee comments and interview.

• The confidentiality of all stages of the selection process must be

observed during and after the selection process. Selection panel members

must not divulge information about the process or any applicant to anyone outside the selection panel. The panel convener is the only person to provide feedback. Any enquiries made to selection panel members should be

redirected to the panel convener.

• It is important that each selection panel member be involved at all stages of the selection process. If for any reason a selection panel member is unable to be involved in any part of the process, the selection panel member should notify the panel convener as soon as possible. If no alternative time can be arranged it will be necessary to convene a new selection panel.

In the case of making contact with the referees, however, it is acceptable as a minimum for the panel convener and at least one other member of the selection panel, nominated by the selection panel, to contact referees.

• All applicants must be treated with respect and be assessed in an impartial and thorough manner. This includes observing the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in all aspects of the selection process. Information about the principles of EEO can be obtained by attending a merit selection procedures training course or through the panel convener.

• As all applicants are different it will be necessary to verify, test and explore different aspects of the selection criteria for each applicant. Whilst all

questions will be based on the selection criteria, applicants and referees may be asked different questions.

• Each panel member is an equal participant in discussion, assessment and decision making. This should be reflected in the Selection Panel Report. (Appendix A3, page 40-42). Comments made as reasons for suitability must

clearly discriminate between the relative merit of applicants in terms of the

selection criteria for the position. The Selection Panel Report forwarded to the School Staffing Unit must be signed by each selection panel member.

• Minority reports may be submitted by any selection panel member and must be forwarded to the Director of Staffing Services for consideration along with any other report(s). There may be more than one minority report. The minority report(s) should include the reasons for a dissenting viewpoint in relation to the

selection criteria together with the name of the preferred applicant and the

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• It is important to ensure that appropriate EEO groups participate in the selection process to reflect specific job requirements and specific community needs. All selection panels must include a representative from at least one of the EEO groups. The roles of EEO group members on selection panels will be monitored.

• Panel conveners will ask all selection panel members to declare the extent of any prior personal knowledge of, involvement with, or interest in, any of the applicants before undertaking the short listing process. The panel convener will also make a self-declaration. The panel convener must clearly indicate to all panel members that they will be required to sign (Appendix A1, page 37 and Appendix A3, page 40) that they are aware of correct procedures and have declared any personal knowledge of, or interest in, any of the applicants. Panel conveners need to ensure that this is formally undertaken prior to commencing the short listing process. Undertaking the declaration process before commencing the short listing process is critical for all selection panel members, as this ensures that all applicants are treated fairly and on their merit. Prior knowledge of an applicant does not necessarily exclude participation in the selection process.

If any selection panel member does declare an interest in an applicant, then the selection panel needs to make an assessment as to whether the selection panel member has undue positive or negative views about the applicant such that they would unduly influence that selection panel member in the selection panel deliberations.

If any selection panel member believes that another selection panel member, including the panel convener, has a conflict of interest which could prejudice the outcome, this must be referred immediately an assessment is made to the Director of Staffing Services who will decide whether the membership of the selection panel should be changed.

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Section 4 DETERMINING SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria for classroom teacher positions will consist of the advertised specific selection criteria for the vacant position. Applicants for classroom teacher positions must address the specific selection criteria for the position in their

application form.

The selection criteria for executive staff (other than principal) and principal positions will consist of the:

• general selection criteria for the position; and • specific selection criteria for each vacant position.

Applicants for executive staff (other than principal) and principal positions must address both the general selection criteria and the specific selection criteria for the position in their application form.

1 GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA

Executive staff (other than principal) positions

The following seven general selection criteria are deemed essential for all executive staff (other than principal) positions in schools. The general selection criteria are not listed in priority order. The degree to which applicants are expected to demonstrate their ability to fulfil each criterion and the relative importance of the criteria will vary depending upon the level of position sought.

Applicants for executive staff (other than principal) positions must demonstrate the capacity to provide successful educational

leadership. This must be demonstrated through:

1 Record of successful teaching experience and curriculum implementation

2 Capacity to initiate improvement and monitor high educational standards

3 Successful team work and ability to enhance staff performance and implement equal employment opportunity principles

4 Effective contribution to programs for child protection and student welfare

5 Effective communication and negotiation with students, teachers, parents and the community

6 Evidence of well developed planning, organisational and resource management skills

7 Demonstrated commitment to the values of public education

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Principal positions

The following eight general selection criteria are deemed essential for all principal positions in schools. The general selection criteria are not listed in priority order.

Applicants for principal positions need to show evidence of successful educational leadership. This must be demonstrated through:

1 Provision of quality education for students and improvement in student

outcomes

2 Effective management and implementation of programs for child

protection and student welfare

3 Effective management and implementation of curriculum

4 Ability to establish effective decision making and communication

procedures within the school and the community

5 Ability to plan collaboratively on a whole school basis and manage

resources effectively and equitably

6 Ability to develop strategies to enhance the performance and welfare

of staff, and implement equal employment opportunity principles

7 Capacity to promote the participation of the school community in

developing and achieving the school’s goals and purposes

8 Demonstrated commitment to the values of public education

9 Capacity to lead schools in implementing the Department’s Aboriginal education policies and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

2 SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection panel should determine the specific selection criteria for the vacant position. Specific selection criteria are necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to undertake the responsibilities of the particular position.

Specific selection criteria for classroom teacher, executive staff (other than principal) and principal positions should be described in words similar to the staffing codes used to identify the vacancy.

Specific selection criteria should:

• be written in concise sentences. Ambiguous phrases that are open to

interpretation should not be used as these can be a source of bias and can fail to distinguish clearly between the relative merit of applicants.

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• be examined to ensure there is no discrimination. Some specific selection criteria may be indirectly discriminatory. For example, “lengthy or extensive experience” can translate as seniority. Often people are capable of becoming proficient in an area through interest and commitment in a shorter time or have gained valuable experience outside the school, for example, voluntary work, community involvement, and previous fields of employment.

• adhere to all EEO principles. This includes examining specific selection criteria carefully to ensure that they comply with EEO principles and do not

discriminate against any group. In the case of people with disabilities the principles of reasonable adjustment apply. This involves the modification of the workplace or job design which allows people with physical disabilities to apply for jobs, perform their jobs effectively and participate fully in all activities associated with employment.

For executive staff (other than principal) and principal positions, specific selection criteria are additional to the general selection criteria for the position level. The general selection criteria for the position level should be carefully considered by the selection panel when they are determining the specific selection criteria.

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Section 5 PREPARING THE ADVERTISEMENT

All selection panel members will participate in determining the staffing codes and writing the advertisement in words similar to the staffing codes for the vacant position.

The advertisement will include the following information:

General information

Details of school and position title, e.g. classroom teacher, deputy principal. The advertisement number will be completed by the School Staffing Unit.

Description of school and position

This section should include a concise outline of relevant features of the school and position. These may include:

- details of school location - school size and composition - special focus programs - the school’s priorities

- areas of responsibility for the position

- accessibility for people with disabilities e.g. ramps or other special facilities.

Selection criteria

The specific selection criteria will be determined by the selection panel and written in words similar to the staffing codes.

Submitting the advertisement

Once the panel has prepared the advertisement, the convener will create the

advertisement through Jobs@DET which is available on the Department’s website. Instructions on using Jobs@DET are separate from this booklet.

Contact information

This section includes the name and telephone number of the officer to whom

enquiries regarding the position should be directed (usually the panel convener) and the officer’s position, location and address to which applications are to be sent if not forwarded electronically.

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The enquiry officer should be able to provide the following details, where appropriate, to prospective applicants:

• the size of the school and its distinctive features (eg Priority Schools Funding Program)

• patterns of enrolment

• responsibilities of the position

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Section 6 CONSULTING REFEREES

Applicants for advertised classroom teacher, executive staff (other than principal) or principal positions who are being actively considered by the selection panel to proceed to interview will have two of their referees contacted as part of the short listing process.

For classroom teacher and executive staff (other than principal) applicants, one of the referees contacted must be the applicant’s current principal. For principal applicants, one of the referees contacted must be the applicant’s current school education director. For applicants in non school based positions, one of the referees contacted must be the applicant’s current school education director (or regional senior manager responsible for the position), or director. For external applicants, one of the referees contacted should be the applicant’s current (or most recent)

supervisor.

The panel convener and at least one other member nominated by the selection panel will contact referees.

The selection panel can then assess whether an applicant is short listed for interview.

The function of referees is to provide advice to the selection panel on applicants’ professional competence for specific positions. As all applicants are different, it will be necessary to verify, test and explore different issues with regard to the selection criteria for each applicant with their referees. Therefore, while all questions of referees will be based on the selection criteria, referees may be asked different questions.

The panel must also contact the third referee of the proposed recommended applicant and those proposed for inclusion on the eligibility list.

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Section 7 SHORT LISTING FOR ADVERTISED

POSITIONS

Following the closing date, the selection process should be completed within seven calendar days, i.e. applicants are advised of the outcome by the panel convener and offered an opportunity for feedback.

All selection panel members must be involved in the short listing of applicants following the closing date for the receipt of applications. Short listing must be based only on the selection criteria for the position and the information provided by

applicants in the appropriate application form together with the comments provided by the two referees contacted as part of the short listing process.

Prior to short listing, the panel convener must ensure that all incoming mail has been checked for applications, including post office boxes. The panel convener must also ensure that all electronic applications have been downloaded. Panel conveners are advised to review the audit history report to ensure all applications submitted online have been opened. Panel conveners are also advised to review their personal email records in relation to the receipt of applications. All applications received by the closing date must be considered by the selection panel.

Once short listing has been completed, the eligibility of each short listed applicant for advertised positions needs to be checked.

The panel convener completes the Short Listing Report (Appendix A1, page 37) and faxes it to the School Staffing Unit for confirmation of eligibility of applicants to be interviewed. All selection panel members, including the panel convener, must sign the Short Listing Report thereby indicating that they are aware of correct short listing procedures and that they have declared any personal knowledge of, involvement with, or interest in, any of the applicants.

Areas to be considered by the School Staffing Unit to determine eligibility for advertised classroom teacher positions are that the applicant:

• is eligible for approval to teach in the New South Wales Department of Education and Training (if not currently permanently employed within the Department)

• has not, within the current staffing operation, already accepted another substantive classroom teacher position

• meets any academic requirements for the position • is performing his or her duties satisfactorily.

Areas to be considered by the School Staffing Unit to determine eligibility of existing members of the Teaching Service for advertised executive staff (other than

principal) or principal positions are that the applicant:

• has not, within the current staffing operation, already accepted a promotion or a position at the same salary level as the advertised position

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Areas to be considered by the School Staffing Unit to determine eligibility of external applicants for advertised executive staff (other than principal) or principal

positions are that the applicant:

• has the qualifications to be eligible for approval to teach in the New South Wales Department of Education and Training

• meets any eligibility requirements for the position (e.g. head teacher positions). Information relating to eligibility to teach in NSW government schools can be found on the Department’s website at

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/teacherqual.htm.

Information concerning the eligibility requirements to apply for head teacher positions in NSW government schools can be found on the Department’s website at

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/employment/recruit

Once the School Staffing Unit has confirmed the eligibility of applicants short listed for interview, the panel convener contacts the eligible applicants and invites them to proceed to interview.

The panel convener also sends letters to ineligible applicants (Appendix B1, page 43) and to applicants not successful in gaining an interview (Appendix B2, page 44). Applicants are invited, in these letters, to contact the panel convener to obtain feedback about their application. Refer to Section 10: Advising Applicants of the

Outcome of the Selection Process, pages 21-22 for guidelines on providing feedback

to applicants.

The panel convener completes the Monitoring Report (Appendix A2, pages 38-39) which includes the forms Monitoring of Selection Process and Selection Panel

Monitoring. The Monitoring Report should be forwarded to the School Staffing Unit

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Section 8 INTERVIEW PROCESS

The purpose of the interview is to verify, test and explore different aspects of the selection criteria for each applicant. Selection panel members need to remember that the interview is only one factor in determining the most suitable applicant for the position. The selection panel will make its recommendation on the basis of the extent to which each applicant meets the selection criteria for the position after assessing information from all stages of the selection process, i.e. application, referee

comments and interview.

The selection panel determines whether the interviews will be face to face or by telephone. The use of telephone interviews further minimises disruption to schools. The selection panel can decide to conduct:

• telephone interviews for all short listed applicants

• telephone interviews for all short listed applicants followed by face to face interviews for one or more of these applicants

• face to face interviews for all short listed applicants. An applicant in this

situation may, however, request a telephone interview instead of a face to face interview.

When contacting those successful in gaining an interview the panel convener should provide the following advice:

• position title and school • type of interview to be held • date and time of interview

• location of interview (providing specific directions where necessary)

• composition of the selection panel and the names of selection panel members.

PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEWS A Physical environment

Arrange a suitable venue for the interviews and a suitable location for those waiting to be interviewed.

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B Questions

As all applicants are different it will be necessary to verify, test and explore different aspects of the selection criteria for each applicant. While all questions will be based on the selection criteria, applicants may be asked different questions.

C Interview techniques – adherence to EEO principles

The panel convener must ensure there is no unfair questioning or assessment of applicants in any part of the process. An applicant should not be asked about a partner, partner’s employment or salary, children, dependants or child care

arrangements, credit status, age, home ownership status, marital status, sexuality, pregnancy, race, ethnic or ethno-religious background, political party affiliation, trade union membership, or other irrelevant matters.

The panel convener will disband the selection panel in cases where there is any suggestion of malpractice, prejudice or unfair questioning. Such cases are to be reported in detail immediately to the Director of Staffing Services.

D Preliminary briefing session (on the day of the interviews)

The panel convener should:

• remind selection panel members of their responsibilities to adhere to EEO principles and to maintain confidentiality of the selection process

• remind selection panel members of the requirements of the position and the selection criteria

• discuss factors such as body language, voice projection, confidence of manner and directness of answering. It is important to realise that the personal style of some applicants will be determined by factors such as culture and gender.

GUIDELINES FOR TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS A Panel guidelines

The panel convener should:

• ensure that all selection panel members treat all applicants fairly, including applicants from the same school as the panel convener

• ensure all selection panel members are present during each telephone interview and can hear and assess the applicant’s answers by using a hands-free telephone

• notify the applicants in advance so that the applicants have sufficient time to organise a suitable room and time for the interview

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B Responsibilities of applicant’s current principal, school education director or director (or nominee)

The principal, school education director or director (or nominee) must organise a telephone in a room with suitable privacy and comfort for the applicant during the interview and ensure there are no interruptions.

C Interview

As applicants cannot see the selection panel, extra effort must be made to create a friendly atmosphere for the interview.

GUIDELINES FOR FACE TO FACE INTERVIEWS A Preparation for the interview

The panel convener should ensure that:

• all applicants are treated equally and with respect

• applicants are given necessary directions to telephones, toilets, refreshments etc

• applicants are informed if the interviews are running late. Whilst every effort to keep within time should be made, delays are sometimes unavoidable. These delays may make an applicant more anxious. Selection panel members should be sensitive to this issue

• special needs of any applicants are met e.g. a person with a disability • name signs are provided for selection panel members

• disruptions do not occur.

The interview room should include the following:

• comfortable chairs, preferably firm-backed, arranged so that the applicant can make eye-contact with all selection panel members

• privacy

• limited outside distractions e.g. traffic noise • good ventilation

• drinking water for the applicants and selection panel members.

B Interview

After introducing self and other selection panel members, the panel convener outlines the procedure for the interview including the approximate length of the interview, that the applicant will be given time before the conclusion of the interview to provide additional information and that the selection panel members will be taking notes during the interview. Encourage the applicant to seek clarification during the interview if required.

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Section 9 POST INTERVIEW PROCEDURES

Sufficient time must be provided at the end of the interviews for the selection panel members to deliberate on the interviews held, review referees’

comments and applications, make their recommendations and write the Selection Panel Report (Appendix A3 pages 40-42).

The assessment discussions must focus on the potential of each interviewed

applicant to undertake the responsibilities of the position in terms of the selection criteria and must be limited to issues relevant to the position.

Irrelevant or private personal information about an applicant is not to be discussed. The selection panel should ensure that information from all stages of the selection process is considered in the assessment discussions i.e. application, referee comments and interview.

If photocopies of applications are provided to selection panel members, the panel convener has the responsibility to collect and destroy these copies after the conclusion of all interviews. It is also important to ensure that the panel convener collects all notes from selection panel members at the conclusion of the interviews. All original documentation, including applications, selection panel notes and other related material must be maintained by the panel convener in a secure place for a period of twelve months prior to being destroyed.

PREPARING THE SELECTION PANEL REPORT

The selection panel completes the Selection Panel Report (Appendix A3, pages 40-42) which includes the Recommended Applicant, the Eligibility List and the

Applicants not Recommended for Appointment forms.

The Selection Panel Report provides documentation in relation to the selection criteria to support the various decisions of the selection panel, the recommendations and evidence upon which to determine any appeals.

It is essential that the report be developed by the entire selection panel. The

panel convener should record the collective view of the selection panel in relation to the selection criteria in order to provide positive and developmental feedback to the applicants.

If there is a dissenting member(s), that dissent should be recorded. Minority reports may be submitted by any selection panel member and must be forwarded to the Director of Staffing Services for consideration along with any other report(s). The minority report(s) should include the reasons for a dissenting view point in relation to the selection criteria together with the name of the preferred applicant and the reasons for supporting this applicant based on the selection criteria.

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The selection panel should only place an applicant on the Eligibility List form if they consider that the applicant fulfils all the selection criteria at the level required for the position. Applicants placed on the eligibility list may be offered the position, in order of their placement on the list, if the position becomes vacant during the six month life of the eligibility list.

Should the selection panel, after exhaustive deliberations of the merits of the

applicants against the selection criteria, be unable to reach a decision regarding the applicant to be recommended, the panel convener must seek advice from the Director of Staffing Services.

The Applicants not Recommended for Appointment form should list those applicants interviewed but not recommended or included on the eligibility list, and reasons for not recommending in relation to the selection criteria. If none of the applicants is recommended for the position, the Director of Staffing Services will advise when the selection panel may proceed to advertise or readvertise the position.

As soon as possible after the post interview procedures are completed, the following documentation should be faxed to the School Staffing Unit:

• Monitoring Report

a) Monitoring of selection process (Appendix A2, pages 38-39) b) Selection panel monitoring (Appendix A2, page 39)

• Selection Panel Report

a) Recommended applicant (Appendix A3, page 40) b) Eligibility list (Appendix A3, page 41)

c) Applicants not recommended for appointment (Appendix A3, page 42) • Recommended applicant’s application.

The panel convener should remind all selection panel members about confidentiality and that all enquiries should be referred to the panel convener.

Note: In the event of an appeal, the Appeals Panel may need to contact selection panel members regarding the processes used by the selection panel. Responses to requests by the Appeals Panel do not break the confidentiality requirements.

APPROVAL OF SELECTION PANEL REPORT

The officer in the School Staffing Unit with delegation to approve selection panel reports must be satisfied that the recommended applicant is the best person for the position. The delegated officer will consider all information relating to the selection process forwarded to the School Staffing Unit.

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Section 10 ADVISING APPLICANTS OF THE OUTCOME

OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

The panel convener is the only person to provide feedback. Feedback should be available to all applicants who applied for the position following the

approval of the selection panel’s recommendation.

Other selection panel members must redirect to the panel convener any enquiries made to them.

Feedback is an important aspect in the learning process. Handled sensitively, constructive feedback can enhance self esteem and assist the applicant to make choices about career direction and future applications.

The provision of feedback is aimed at providing positive assistance to applicants who have been unsuccessful in the selection process. It does not imply an unsatisfactory standard of work or behaviour. Feedback should be provided sensitively and take into account cultural characteristics.

Feedback should focus on the selection criteria and the extent to which the applicant demonstrated the ability to meet the general selection criteria, where applicable, and the specific selection criteria for the position. When providing

feedback, the applicant’s application, interview techniques and referees’ comments may be discussed.

Where appropriate, applicants should be advised of areas where they could enhance their opportunities for success. These areas could include widening job experiences, training and development activities, additional studies and presentation at selection interviews. Issues outside the selection criteria should not be discussed.

NOTIFYING THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

Once the panel convener has been advised that the Selection Panel Report has been approved by the Director of Staffing Services or delegate, the panel convener will offer the position to the successful applicant by telephone, stating that the offer is subject to appeals where appropriate. The successful applicant should be informed that appeals must be lodged with the Director of Staffing Services or nominee no later than ten calendar days from the day on which applicants are first notified (orally or in writing) of being unsuccessful in their application.

Oral advice must be followed by a letter from the panel convener to the successful applicant, i.e. Letter of Offer to Successful Applicant (Appendix B3, B4 or B5, pages 45-47). This may be faxed to the successful applicant with their concurrence.

On receipt of the letter, the successful applicant must immediately fax a response to the Director of Staffing Services and the panel convener.

A teacher whose appointment is subject to appeal will not take up duty in the new position until the appeal is determined.

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FEEDBACK TO APPLICANTS UNSUCCESSFUL AT INTERVIEW

Immediately after the successful applicant has accepted the position offer, the panel convener must telephone each applicant who was unsuccessful at interview to: • inform them of the outcome of the selection process

• offer to provide feedback on their application and interview in relation to the selection criteria and negotiate a suitable time if feedback is desired.

It is essential that unsuccessful applicants are notified immediately to provide the

opportunity for eligible applicants to appeal where appropriate against the process. Appeals must be lodged with the Director of Staffing Services or nominee

no later than ten calendar days from the day on which the applicant is first notified (orally or in writing) of being unsuccessful in their application.

Oral advice must be followed by letters to all unsuccessful applicants i.e. Letter to

Applicants Placed on the Eligibility List Following Interview (Appendix B6, page 48)

or Letter to Applicants not Placed on the Eligibility List Following Interview (Appendix B7, page 49).

FEEDBACK TO APPLICANTS NOT SUCCESSFUL IN GAINING AN INTERVIEW

Feedback to applicants not successful in gaining an interview should be provided by the panel convener once the Selection Panel Report has been approved. If

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PART B

PROCEDURES FOR EXECUTIVE MOBILITY

Section 1 METHOD OF FILLING VACANCY

The School Staffing Unit will advise the principal or nominee that a vacancy is to be filled by executive mobility. Action should not be taken by the principal or nominee to form a selection panel until advice has been received from the School Staffing Unit that this action may proceed.

Section 2 SELECTION PANEL

Once advice has been received from the School Staffing Unit to form a selection panel, the principal forms the selection panel for the executive staff (other than principal) vacancy to be filled by executive mobility.

The selection panel for vacancies to be filled by executive mobility is:

• the principal of the school or nominee (convener). A nominee should be at the same or higher salary level than the vacant position

In forming the selection panel, panel conveners should implement the guidelines in

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Section 3 GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION PANELS

USING THE STAFFING CODES

Within seven calendar days of advice from the School Staffing Unit to proceed to form a selection panel, the selection panel will define the nature of the vacancy in terms of the staffing codes. The general selection criteria for the position should be carefully considered by the selection panel when they are determining the specific selection criteria.

The selection criteria for positions filled through executive mobility will be the: • general selection criteria for executive staff (other than principal) positions • specific selection criteria for each vacant position.

Specific selection criteria are necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to undertake the responsibilities required to meet the particular needs of the school. The Staffing Codes are listed in Part Six of Promotion and Transfer Procedures for

School Teachers 2005 which is available on the Department’s website at:

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/promotion

Up to six codes may be used to define the nature of the vacant position in terms of subject/teaching areas approved, subject/teaching areas not approved and an area of expertise, where applicable. Whilst it is not essential that all six codes are used to describe the position, the selection panel should use as many codes as required to clearly and comprehensively describe the nature of the vacant position up to a maximum of six.

In addition to the six codes used to define the position, schools that have vacant

positions to which one or more of the special aptitudes codes apply, may list up to three special aptitudes codes to describe the position. This does not include the use of the two designated codes, which schools with significant Aboriginal enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students), or schools with significant enrolments of students with a language background other than English (60% of enrolments), must also use (i.e. special aptitude codes SFI or SFN).

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For Deputy Principal (Secondary) positions

• no areas of responsibility codes should be used

• no codes from the subject/teaching areas should be used

• up to three special aptitude codes may be used, where applicable. This does not include the use of the two designated codes, which schools with significant Aboriginal enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students), or schools with significant enrolments of students with a language background other than English (60% of enrolments), must also use (i.e. special aptitude codes SFI or SFN) • only one code, if warranted, from the areas of expertise may be used.

For Head Teacher (Secondary) Access, Administration, Distance Education, Female Students, Secondary Studies, Sport, Teaching and Learning, Vocational Education and Training or Welfare positions

• only one code from the areas of responsibility may be used • no codes from the subject/teaching areas should be used

• up to three special aptitude codes may be used. This does not include the use of the two designated codes, which schools with significant Aboriginal

enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students), or schools with significant enrolments of students with a language background other than English (60% of enrolments), must also use (i.e. special aptitude codes SFI or SFN)

• only one code, if warranted, from the areas of expertise may be used.

Note: Information relating to the eligibility requirements for head teacher positions in NSW government schools is available on the Department’s website at:

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/employment/recruit/

For all other Head Teacher (Secondary) positions (except Head Teachers Access, Administration, Distance Education, Female Students, Secondary Studies, Sport, Teaching and Learning, Vocational Education and Training or Welfare)

• only one code from the areas of responsibility may be used

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• up to two codes from the subject/teaching areas not approved may be used. Not approved means that the teacher has taught the subject/teaching area for at least two of the previous five years. By stating this, the teacher is indicating that they are prepared to teach that subject/teaching area, will do so if

requested by a principal and are confident that they can do so with an acceptable level of success. The same code from the subject/teaching

areas may not be used as both an approved subject/teaching area and not approved subject/teaching area.

enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students), or schools with significant enrolments of students with a language background other than English (60% of enrolments), must also use. (i.e. special aptitude codes SFI or SFN)

• only one code, if warranted, from the areas of expertise may be used.

Note: Information relating to the eligibility requirements for head teacher positions in NSW government schools is available on the Department’s website at:

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/employment/recruit/

For Deputy Principal and Assistant Principal (Primary and SSP) positions

• only one code from the areas of responsibility may be used

• up to three codes from the subject/teaching areas approved may be used. Approved means approved by the Department in accordance with its qualification guidelines.

• up to two codes from the subject/teaching areas not approved may be used. Not approved means that the teacher has taught the subject/teaching area for at least two of the previous five years. By stating this, the teacher is indicating that they are prepared to teach that subject/teaching area, will do so if

requested by a principal and are confident that they can do so with an acceptable level of success. The same code from the subject/teaching

areas may not be used as both an approved subject/teaching area and not approved subject/teaching area.

enrolments (20% of enrolments or 20 or more students), or schools with significant enrolments of students with a language background other than English (60% of enrolments), must also use. (i.e. special aptitude codes SFI or SFN)

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Section 4 PROCEDURES FOR EXECUTIVE MOBILITY

The position will be advertised on Jobs@DET for internal expression of interest (EOI) for executive mobility.

Executive staff (other than principals) who have completed at least three years in their current position, or two years in designated schools, may apply for a position at their existing level under the Executive Mobility Process. Expressions of interest should be forwarded to the School Staffing Unit.

The School Staffing Unit will send the panel convener the expression of interest forms of up to five applicants who have applied through the executive mobility process and who have the highest (although not necessarily equal) number of

transfer points. Where there are more than five applicants with equal transfer points, selection panels will be given details of the applicants with equal transfer points. The selection panel will not be given details of the transfer points.

The names and contact details of two referees will have been nominated by the applicant on their expression of interest form. One of the referees must be the

applicant’s current principal. For applicants from a non school based position, one of the referees will be the applicant’s current school education director (or regional senior manager responsible for the position), or director.

On receipt of the executive mobility expression of interest forms from the School Staffing Unit, the panel convener contacts the applicants provided and invites them

all to interview.

The panel convener will request each applicant for executive mobility to provide a maximum of two A4 pages demonstrating how they meet the specific selection criteria for the vacant position stated in the advertisement. This information must be provided to the panel convener within seven calendar days of the applicant being notified by the panel convener of being invited to interview. Applicants for executive mobility who are invited to interview need only address in writing the specific

selection criteria for the position.

Whilst the panel convener requests each applicant for executive mobility invited to interview to address the specific selection criteria only, applicants will be assessed at interview on both the specific and the general selection criteria.

If the applicant does not wish to continue to interview, the applicant should be

requested to fax or email to the panel convener, within 24 hours, a written statement indicating their withdrawal.

The panel convener should ensure that the information provided by applicants addressing the specific selection criteria is considered by each selection panel member.

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Section 5 CONSULTING REFEREES

The executive mobility applicants provided to the selection panel will have their two referees contacted prior to interview. One of these referees must be the applicant’s current principal. For applicants from non school based positions, one of the referees must be the applicant’s current school education director (or regional senior manager responsible for the position), or director.

The panel convener and at least one other panel member nominated by the selection panel will contact referees.

The function of referees is to provide advice to the selection panel on applicants’ professional competence for specific positions. As all applicants are different, it will be necessary to verify, test and explore different issues with regard to the selection criteria for each applicant with their referees. Therefore, while all questions of referees will be based on the selection criteria, referees may be asked different questions.

The selection panel must provide a summary of the referees’ comments on each applicant on the Selection Panel Report.

Section 6 INTERVIEW PROCESS, POST INTERVIEW

PROCEDURES AND ADVISING APPLICANTS

OF THE OUTCOME OF THE SELECTION

PROCESS

The purpose of the interview is to verify, test and explore different aspects of the general and specific selection criteria for each applicant.

The selection panel determines whether the interviews will be face to face or by telephone. The procedures outlined in Part A, Section 8 (pages 16-18) Interview

Process of these procedures should be followed.

Note: Whilst the panel convener requests each applicant for executive mobility invited to interview to address the specific selection criteria only, applicants will be assessed at interview on both the specific and the general selection criteria.

The selection panel may recommend an applicant for appointment to the position, determine an eligibility list or not recommend any applicants for appointment to the position.

The selection panel should ensure that information from all stages of the selection process is considered in the assessment discussions i.e. application, referee comments and interview.

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Where a selection panel does not recommend the appointment of any applicant from those interviewed for merit selection through executive mobility, the School Staffing Unit will require the School Education Director to review the process.

If the School Education Director confirms the recommendation not to appoint, the position will be externally advertised using the specific selection criteria previously determined by the selection panel and filled by merit.

Where a position has not been filled by executive mobility and the selection panel wishes to change the specific selection criteria for advertisement, the codes used to redefine the specific selection criteria will, in the first instance, be matched on the computerised staffing system for priority transfer applicants. If there is no match for priority transfer or successful applicant through the EOI process using the redefined specific selection criteria, the position will be advertised.

The panel convener is the only person to provide feedback to applicants. The procedures outlined in Part A, Section 9 (pages 19-20) Post Interview

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PART C

PROCEDURES FOR MERIT SELECTION FROM

WITHIN CURRENT PRINCIPALS

Section 1 METHOD OF FILLING VACANCY

The School Staffing Unit will advise the school education director or nominee that a vacancy is to be filled by merit selection from within current principals. Action should not be taken by the school education director or nominee to form a selection panel until advice has been received from the School Staffing Unit that this action may proceed.

Section 2 SELECTION PANEL

Once advice has been received from the School Staffing Unit to form a selection panel, the school education director forms the selection panel for the principal vacancy to be filled by merit selection from within current principals.

The selection panel for merit selection from within current principal vacancies is: • the school education director or nominee (convener). A nominee should be at

the same or higher salary level than the vacant position

• a principal, at the same or higher level as the vacant position nominated by the Director of Staffing Services in consultation with the State Secondary

Principals’ Council or the State Primary Principals’ Association. For

metropolitan positions, the principal’s substantive position will be in a different region from the region in which the vacancy exists. For non metropolitan

positions, the principal’s substantive position will be in a different school staffing area from that in which the vacancy exists

In forming the selection panel, panel conveners should implement the guidelines in

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Section 3 DETERMINING SELECTION CRITERIA

Within seven calendar days of advice from the School Staffing Unit to proceed to form a selection panel, the selection panel will prepare the advertisement which will describe the school and define the nature of the vacancy in terms of the staffing codes. The general selection criteria for the position should be carefully considered by the selection panel when they are determining the specific selection criteria. The selection criteria for positions filled by merit selection from within current principals will be the:

• general selection criteria for principal positions • specific selection criteria for each vacant position.

Specific selection criteria are necessary to ensure that the applicant is able to provide the educational leadership required to meet the particular needs of the school.

Section 4 PROCEDURES FOR MERIT SELECTION

FROM WITHIN CURRENT PRINCIPALS

The position will be advertised on Jobs@DET for internal expression of interest (EOI) for merit selection from within current principals.

Principals who have completed at least five years in their current school may express an interest in a vacant principal position of the same type and at the same salary level or a lower salary level. Expressions of interest should be forwarded to the School Staffing Unit.

The School Staffing Unit will send the panel convener the expression of interest forms of up to five applicants seeking merit appointment from within current

principals who have the highest (although not necessarily equal) number of transfer points. Where there are more than five applicants with equal transfer points,

selection panels will be given details of the applicants with equal transfer points. The selection panel will not be given details of the transfer points.

The names and contact details of two referees will have been nominated by the applicant on their expression of interest form. One of the referees must be the

applicant’s current school education director. For applicants from a non school based position, one of the referees must be the applicant’s current school education

director (or regional senior manager responsible for the position), or director.

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The panel convener will request each applicant for merit selection from within current principals invited to interview to provide a maximum of two A4 pages demonstrating how they meet the specific selection criteria for the vacant position stated in the advertisement. This information must be provided to the panel convener within seven calendar days of the applicant being notified by the panel convener of being invited to interview. Applicants for merit selection from within current principals who are invited to interview need only address in writing the specific selection criteria for the position.

Whilst the panel convener requests each applicant for merit selection from within current principals invited to interview to address the specific selection criteria only, applicants will be assessed at interview on both the specific and the general selection criteria.

If the applicant does not wish to continue to interview, the applicant should be

requested to fax or email to the panel convener, within 24 hours, a written statement indicating their withdrawal.

The panel convener should ensure that the information provided by applicants addressing the specific selection criteria is considered by each selection panel member.

The Director of Staffing Services will notify in writing all EOI applicants for each particular vacancy who are not to be called to interview.

Section 5 CONSULTING REFEREES

The merit selection from within current principals applicants provided to the selection panel will have their two referees contacted prior to interview. One of the referees must be the applicant’s current school education director. For applicants from non school based positions, one of the referees must be the applicant’s current school education director (or regional senior manager responsible for the position), or director.

The panel convener and at least one other panel member nominated by the selection panel will contact referees.

The function of referees is to provide advice to the selection panel on applicants’ professional competence for specific positions. As all applicants are different it will be necessary to verify, test and explore different issues with regard to the selection criteria for each applicant with their referees. Therefore, while all questions of referees will be based on the selection criteria, referees may be asked different questions.

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Section 6 INTERVIEW PROCESS, POST INTERVIEW

PROCEDURES AND ADVISING APPLICANTS

OF THE OUTCOME OF THE SELECTION

PROCESS

The purpose of the interview is to verify, test and explore different aspects of the general and specific selection criteria for each applicant.

The selection panel determines whether the interviews will be face to face or by telephone. The procedures outlined in Part A: Section 8 (page 16-18) Interview

Process should be followed.

Note: Whilst the panel convener requests each applicant for merit selection from within current principals invited to interview to address the specific selection criteria only, applicants will be assessed at interview on both the specific and the general selection criteria.

The selection panel may recommend an applicant for appointment to the position, determine an eligibility list or not recommend any applicants for appointment to the position.

The selection panel should ensure that information from all stages of the selection process is considered in the assessment discussions i.e. application, referee comments and interview.

If applicants are not recommended for appointment, the selection panel must provide reasons on the Selection Panel Report why the applicant does not meet the selection criteria.

Where a selection panel does not recommend the appointment of any applicant from those interviewed for merit selection from within current principals, the School

Staffing Unit will require the Regional Director to review the process.

If the Regional Director confirms the recommendation not to appoint, the position will be externally advertised using the specific selection criteria previously determined by the selection panel and filled by merit selection.

Where a position has not been filled by merit selection from within current principals and the selection panel wishes to change the specific selection criteria for

advertisement, the codes used to redefine the specific selection criteria will, in the first instance, be matched on the computerised staffing system for priority transfer applicants. If there is no match for priority transfer or no successful applicant through the EOI process using the redefined specific selection criteria, the position will be advertised.

The panel convener is the only person to provide feedback to applicants. The procedures outlined in Part A: Section 9 (pages 19-20) Post Interview

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PART D

APPEALS PROCEDURES

Preamble

These procedures apply to a permanent teacher who has applied for a position in a school either in response to an advertisement or through executive mobility or merit selection from within current principals.

Changes made to the Teaching Service Act 1980 and the subsequent Determination No 5 of 2005, have implications for the Appeals Procedures for merit selection. Under these provisions a permanent teacher may appeal against the recommended appointment to a senior position through the merit selection process on the grounds that the process was irregular or improper.

Note: Under the Teaching Service Act 1980, a “senior position means any position in the Teaching Service to which a person employed in the Teaching Service could be promoted”. This includes principal, deputy principal, assistant principal or head teacher positions.

An applicant external to the NSW Teaching Service is unable to appeal against the appointment of an internal (existing permanent teacher) or external applicant.

Procedures

1. An appeal must:

a) be lodged with the Director of Staffing Services or nominee no later than ten calendar days from the day on which the teacher is first notified (orally or in writing) of being unsuccessful

b) state clearly the applicant’s name and title of the position in question c) state the grounds on which the applicant believes that the selection

process was irregular or improper.

2. An appeal will be considered by either a statewide primary/SSP appeals panel, or a statewide secondary appeals panel. In the case of central schools, appeals relating to positions in the primary department will be considered by the primary/SSP appeals panel, and appeals relating to the secondary department will be considered by the secondary appeals panel. Appeals relating to principal positions in central schools will be considered by the secondary appeals panel.

The membership of the appeals panel will be:

a) an independent convener, chosen from a list of independent conveners agreed to by the Department and the Teachers Federation

b) a Departmental representative

MERIT SELECTION PROCEDURES 2005