• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Section 2 - Process and Key Controls
• Section 3 - Key Requirements
• Part A - Pre-Recruitment
• Part B - Recruitment
• Advertising
• Academic and Professional Positions
• Position Exceptions
• Fixed-term
• No Advertising
• Reappointment of Research Academic Staff
• Direct Appointment – Academic and Professional Positions
• Positions Less than 12 Months
• Positions Greater than 12 Months and Continuing
• Direct Appointment from UQ’s Indigenous Employment Pathway Program
• Redeployment
• Part C - Selection
• Selection Committee
• Minimum Selection Committee Composition
• Selection Committee Proceedings
• Shortlisting
• Reasonable Adjustment
• Sanction Regimes
• Interviewing Applicants
• Academic Seminars
• Applicant Ranking
• Reference Checks
• Academic Staff Appointments
• Professional Staff Appointments
• Background Checks and Conditions of Employment
• Part D - Appointment
• Appointment Recommendation
• Offer of Appointment
• Probation
• Part E - Teaching Associate Conversions
• Part F - Complaints
• Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities
• Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance
• Section 6 - Recording and Reporting
• Section 7 - Appendix
• Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) In the pursuit of excellence, The University of Queensland (UQ) is committed to attracting and selecting exceptional talent to achieve both strategic and operational goals.

(2) This Procedure applies to the recruitment, selection and appointment of all fixed-term and continuing Academic and Professional staff and provides a framework for effective recruitment and selection practices which meet the needs of UQ.

(3) This Procedure is to be read in conjunction with:

1. Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy;
2. Background Checks and Conditions of Employment Procedure, and other recruitment, selection and appointment procedures as required; 
3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Behaviours Policy; and
4. other relevant UQ policies and procedures as applicable.

Section 2 - Process and Key Controls

(4) Professional advice and support are available at all stages of the recruitment, selection and appointment process by contacting the Human Resources Division.

(5) This Procedure covers 4 stages:

1. Pre-Recruitment
2. Recruitment
3. Selection
4. Appointment

(6) The key controls to effectively manage the recruitment, selection and appointment process at UQ include:

1. Human Resources Division will partner with Hiring Managers on workforce planning.
2. Human Resources Division will provide advice and support to Hiring Managers to design an appropriate sourcing strategy including: reviewing University redeployment lists; advertising and networking; market mapping and headhunting; coordination of the interview process; and use of assessment tools including work tests or psychometric testing.
3. Where all other in-house recruitment activities have been exhausted, or as part of an agreed recruitment strategy in consultation with Human Resources Division, external recruitment agencies may be engaged. The engaged agency must be on the Preferred Supplier Agreement panel and be endorsed for the recruitment activity with approval from the Chief Human Resources Officer or delegate.
4. UQ’s Human Management Capital System (HCMS) will ensure recruitment, selection and appointment processes and outcomes comply with the Key Requirements outlined in this Procedure through automatic workflow and approval processes, alerts, storage of key information and reporting.

Section 3 - Key Requirements

Part A - Pre-Recruitment

(7) Before commencing the recruitment process, the Hiring Manager must:

1. assess the need to replace a leaving incumbent or create a new position against workforce planning and operational requirements in consultation with the relevant HR representative;
2. ensure that budget and all other appropriate approvals are obtained from the relevant Authorised Officer prior to commencing the recruitment process;
3. ensure that the vacancy is recruited in accordance with workforce planning;
4. review the job profile and/or position description to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date;
5. determine and include any relevant background checks and/or conditions of employment required for the role in accordance with the Background Checks and Conditions of Employment Procedure;
6. arrange a classification evaluation in accordance with the Evaluation and Classification of Professional Positions Procedure if required;
7. consider whether the role should be deemed as an identified position under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991;
8. ensure the position accommodates flexible work arrangements, where appropriate, in accordance with the Flexible Work Policy and Flexible Work Procedure;
9. ensure that the selection committee has the correct composition and members have been confirmed, with tentative interview dates confirmed prior to advertisement;
10. determine whether a seminar is required to be presented as part of the process for an academic appointment; and
11. in advance, ensure that appropriate time is allocated to the various stages of the recruitment process as required.

Part B - Recruitment

Advertising

Academic and Professional Positions

(8) For recruitment activities that have the potential to involve international appointments, federal immigration and domestic labour market testing requirements need to be satisfied before commencement. HR will be able to provide advice on current advertisement requirements.

(9) As a general rule, all positions  will be advertised for a minimum period of 7 calendar days.

(10) Vacant continuing and fixed term positions of 12 months or more duration must be advertised externally on UQ’s Careers website as a minimum except:

1. via Direct Appointment endorsement and approval, where a Direct Appointment would meet a strategic or operational need of UQ (refer to the ‘Positions Greater than 12 Months and Continuing’ provisions below); or
2. where a vacancy is identified as being suitable for redeployment; or
3. by approval of the Authorised Officer.

(11) External Indigenous persons are able to apply for internal-only UQ Professional roles.

Position Exceptions

Fixed-term

(12) Fixed-term employment may be used for staff engaged on research only functions for a contract period that does not exceed 5 years.

No Advertising

(13) UQ staff members named/identified for a position in a successful research funding application will be deemed to have undergone a satisfactory recruitment process.

Reappointment of Research Academic Staff

(14) The Chief Investigator may recommend the reappointment of a research academic staff member to the same level in the Level A to Level E range based on satisfactory performance.

Direct Appointment – Academic and Professional Positions

Positions Less than 12 Months

(15) For positions less than 12 months’ duration, applicants can be assessed as suitable against the requirements of the position and appointed:

1. by direct appointment without advertisement; or
2. by an internal appointment or secondment in accordance with the Staff Movement Policy and Staff Movement Procedure.

(16) A request to appoint a fixed-term position of less than 12 months’ duration is to be processed through UQ’s HCMS.

(17) If these positions are subsequently extended beyond 12 months, external advertising may be required, however in exceptional circumstances a requirement to advertise may be waived in accordance with the ‘Positions Greater than 12 Months and Continuing’ provisions below.

Positions Greater than 12 Months and Continuing

(18) In exceptional circumstances, a requirement to advertise can be waived. A written justification for a Direct Appointment must be submitted by the Hiring Manager to the relevant Authorised Officer in accordance with the Human Resources Sub-delegations Schedules. The written justification must include:

1. the strategic or operational need that would be met by the appointment
2. the exceptional circumstances that apply for the Direct Appointment to be made which may include:
   1. the nominee has a unique or specific skill set desired by the University;
   2. the appointment is integral to maintain stability of a work team; and/or
   3. where it can be demonstrated that advertising would not provide an advantage to the University or improve the quality of candidates.
3. the job profile or position description
4. the applicant’s curriculum vitae
5. the proposed selection committee, reference checks and time-frame (for external appointments)
6. any other relevant information.

(19) Alternatively, consideration may be made for an internal appointment in accordance with the Staff Movement Policy and Staff Movement Procedure.

Direct Appointment from UQ’s Indigenous Employment Pathway Program

(20) High calibre staff who were initially recruited to UQ through the Indigenous Pathway Program, can be directly appointed to a fixed-term or continuing Professional role during and/or at the conclusion of the 12 month Pathway Program provided that the following criteria are met:

1. the staff member is participating/has participated in one of UQ’s Indigenous Employment Pathways Programs within the previous four years; and
2. the appointing supervisor is satisfied that the staff member has the ability to successfully perform at the proposed HEW Level; and
3. the Authorised Officer has sufficient funding to make the appointment and approves the appointment; and
4. the Organisational Culture and Capability team endorses the appointment.

Redeployment

(21) As required, HR will contact the Hiring Manager to provide advice and assistance in relation to a staff member who has been identified as suitable for redeployment to a vacant position.

(22) The processes will be in accordance with the provisions for redeployment under the Enterprise Agreement.

Part C - Selection

Selection Committee

(23) Selection committee composition will vary depending on the level of appointment.

(24) The selection committee must be:

1. gender diverse (preferably at least 25%); and
2. for an identified position, include a person with that particular attribute or with a demonstrated in-depth knowledge of that particular attribute.

(25) The Hiring Manager and/or the Chair of the selection committee should have undertaken recruitment, selection and appointment training within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. 3 years) prior to commencing the process.

Minimum Selection Committee Composition

Selection Committee Proceedings

(26) The selection committee will:

1. assess applicants according to the inherent requirements of the role, values alignment and growth potential, submitting their recommendations and considerations to the Selection Committee Chair;
2. ensure they have adequately prepared for the interview including completing training or development as required;
3. represent UQ appropriately to ensure a positive applicant experience;
4. have or gain an understanding of the requirements of the role before commencing the process;
5. respect the confidentiality of applicants and the deliberations of the selection committee;
6. allocate appropriate time for interviews to minimise the need to reschedule;
7. declare all conflicts of interest to the Chair and ensure any declarations are managed in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Policy;
8. be cognisant of conscious and unconscious bias throughout the process;
9. ensure that the principles of equal opportunity, transparency, merit and consistency are applied;
10. ensure that applicants who require reasonable adjustment are not disadvantaged;
11. remind applicants about background checks or conditions of employment for the position as required; and
12. ensure the recruitment, selection and appointment process (including the decision-making process) is followed in line with this Procedure, including appropriate documents being submitted to Human Resources.

(27) The Selection Committee Chair, or nominated committee member, will be responsible for capturing applicant summaries and providing constructive feedback to unsuccessful shortlisted applicants.

Shortlisting

(28) Shortlisting occurs prior to interview, is aimed at removing applications that do not adequately meet the inherent requirements of the position and identifying those applicants to be progressed to the next phase of the recruitment process. At the discretion of the Chair, the shortlisting process may be conducted by the Chair or a subgroup of the selection committee.

Reasonable Adjustment

(29) Where an applicant has advised the selection committee as having a disability, injury, or health condition, the Chair will ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to accommodate the needs of the applicant to the extent reasonably possible. Please contact HR for more information. 

Sanction Regimes

(30) UQ is required to abide by Australian sanctions regimes that impose restrictions on activities that relate to particular countries, goods and services, or persons and entities. The list of the current sanctions regimes implemented by Australia can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. If a preferred applicant is shortlisted from one of the listed sanctioned countries, please contact HR for further advice.

Interviewing Applicants

(31) The selection committee is required to interview shortlisted applicants to assess their suitability against the requirements of the position, performance relative to opportunity, values alignment and future potential in line with succession planning. Additional methods of assessment, such as work based and psychometric testing, may also be used to assess an applicant’s suitability. HR will provide advice in respect to determining whether additional methods of assessment are recommended.

(32) A minimum of 48 hours is required to make any changes to the interview schedule. Applicants, as well as the selection committee, need to be provided with clear interview instructions at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of interviews.

(33) Shortlisted applicants should be interviewed face-to-face wherever possible. Arrangements such as video conference can be used as an alternative to a face-to-face interview.

(34) If a preferred applicant has only been interviewed by video conference or telephone, then every attempt should be made to meet the person face to face before making an Offer of Appointment.

(35) The Authorised Officer will determine on a case-by-case basis if the cost of travel and accommodation expenses for a prospective staff member to attend an interview will be paid for by UQ.

Academic Seminars

(36) If a seminar is required as part of the process, this should be confirmed at the Pre-Recruitment stage (refer to clause 7). Academic applicants can be required to present a seminar as a means of demonstrating their knowledge and skills in academic staff selection.

(37) Seminars should be conducted prior to the final interview (if required) and be attended by a select number of relevant individuals including at least two selection committee members making up the seminar audience, as determined by the Chair.

(38) The Head of School or nominee is expected to facilitate the seminar ensuring due and fair process is followed, and report back to the selection committee at the final interview stage. The report back can be in person or via consolidated written feedback.

Applicant Ranking

(39) Where the selection process results in more than one applicant being considered as suitable for appointment, the selection committee must note this on the recruitment record in HCMS and create an order of ranking. 

(40) Where the preferred applicant declines an offer of appointment with UQ, or leaves UQ within 12 months of commencement, the Authorised Officer may, if they choose to do so, approve an offer of appointment to another applicant on the order of ranking following referee and any necessary background checks. UQ may also readvertise the position where appropriate.

(41) The relevant Authorised Officer may also choose to offer another appointable applicant, who has been interviewed in the last 12 months, for another similar role (at the same classification level) without the requirement to readvertise.

Reference Checks

Academic Staff Appointments

(42) Before or after the interview process, the preferred applicant/s will have reference checks completed on their suitability. Written references will be facilitated by HR, with verbal reference checks post interview to be conducted by the Chair or delegate. If the applicant is from another University, they may be requested to endorse that the Talent Acquisition team contact the relevant HR department to confirm their employment.

Professional Staff Appointments

(43) Reference checks must be conducted on the preferred applicant/s prior to the selection committee recommending the appointment to the Authorised Officer. For external applicant/s, two references must be obtained, one of which should be from the applicant’s most recent supervisor. If the applicant chooses not to provide their most recent supervisor as a referee, they will be requested to provide a justification to the chair for consideration. If the applicant is from another University and chooses not to provide their most recent supervisor as a referee, the applicant will be requested to endorse that the Talent Acquisition team contact the relevant HR department to confirm their employment.

(44) For internal applicants, at least one reference check must be completed from the applicant’s most recent supervisor. The Authorised Officer may waive the requirement for reference checks for internal applicant/s where appropriate by providing a written justification. This information will be stored in the HCMS.

(45) For previous employees who have left the University within the last five years, the applicant may be requested to provide one supervisor who they worked with during their time at UQ as a referee.

Background Checks and Conditions of Employment

(46) Background checks and conditions of employment are to be completed in accordance with the Background Checks and Conditions of Employment Procedure.

Part D - Appointment

Appointment Recommendation

(47) The Chair or delegate recommends an applicant for appointment and provides the details of the Offer of Appointment to the Authorised Officer for consideration and approval via UQ’s HCMS.

(48) The recommendation must contain:

1. the applicant’s suitability for the position with appropriate panel justification;
2. the applicant’s application documentation;
3. referee reports;
4. relevant employment arrangements such as remuneration package and probation; and
5. information regarding background checks and conditions of employment relevant to the role.

Offer of Appointment

(49) The Authorised Officer will consider and, if considered appropriate, approve the Chair’s recommendation and Offer of Appointment.

(50) The Authorised Officer is responsible for approving, via UQ’s HCMS, the terms and conditions to be included in the written Offer of Appointment including:

1. relevant employment conditions;
2. whether exceptional circumstances apply whereby the probationary period is shortened or waived;
3. a special condition is contained e.g. completing a PhD before the final review for continuing appointment or an internal applicant with relevant and transferable skills;
4. applicable salary loadings and allowances in accordance with the Salary Loadings and Performance Payments Policy and Salary Loadings and Performance Payments Procedure; and
5. whether relocation assistance is approved in accordance with the Appointment Relocation Assistance Procedure.

(51) The Authorised Officer must notify HR of the Offer of Appointment, and any approved negotiated contract terms using UQ’s HCMS.

(52) HR will finalise and send the Offer of Appointment to the preferred applicant for consideration and acceptance.

Probation

(53) Probation periods for continuing and fixed-term employees are specified in contracts of employment issued by Human Resources. Probation periods may be extended in accordance with Clause 54.2 of the Enterprise Agreement.

(54) Probation periods enable a supervisor to set and clarify work performance expectations for employees new to a position as well as ensuring opportunities for support are provided in order that appropriate expectations can be met.

(55) Where the University proposes to terminate the employment of an employee serving a period of probation, the employee will be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

(56) Clause 56 – Misconduct / Serious Misconduct and Clause 57 - Unsatisfactory Performance of the Enterprise Agreement do not apply during any period of probation, including any probation period which has been extended.

Part E - Teaching Associate Conversions

(57) In accordance with the University of Queensland Enterprise Agreement 2021-2026, the University will invite expressions of interest on an annual basis (at minimum) from suitably qualified and eligible casual academic candidates, to apply for conversion to vacant continuing Teaching Associate positions.

(58) All opportunities will be advertised internally, and candidates are required to upload their application through the University’s HCMS (Workday) for consideration by an appropriate selection committee.

(59) The identified academic discipline for recruitment is subject to change, based on the requirements of the University.

(60) Applicants will be ranked accordingly, with consideration given to the:

1. Operational needs of the area;
2. Length of service of the applicant;
3. University’s diversity targets; and
4. Merit of the application

(61) Interviews may be required to assist the selection committee in converting the most appropriate candidates.

(62) In exceptional circumstances, out of round conversions to eligible candidates may occur, on approval of the Authorised Officer.

Part F - Complaints

(63) Any concerns about the recruitment, selection and appointment process are to be referred to Human Resources Division.

Section 4 - Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Section 5 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance

(64) The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for continuous monitoring of the effectiveness, application and improvement of this Procedure.

Section 6 - Recording and Reporting

(65) Recording and reporting are completed in accordance with legislative and UQ requirements.

(66) Human Resources Division is responsible for retaining records in relation to recruitment, selection and appointment in accordance with the Information Management Policy and the Privacy Management Policy.

(67) Transactions and approvals referred to in this Procedure are recorded in the Human Management Capital System.

Section 7 - Appendix

Definitions