(1) This Procedure is effective from 2 June 2021. (2) This Procedure details the process and roles of the Hiring Manager (HM) and Recruitment and Mobility (RaM) team in recruiting and employing staff at the University, ensuring a transparent and fair approach to the University’s recruitment and selection processes. (3) This Procedure applies to the recruitment of all Professional and Academic staff employed by the University on continuing or fixed-term contracts, traineeships and apprenticeships. It does not apply to casual staff, who are covered by the Casual Staff Employment procedure. (4) This Procedure is pursuant to the Employment of Staff policy. (5) The RaM team within the Human Resources Division (HRD) are responsible for delivering a high quality, collaborative recruitment service that partners with all HMs across the University. (6) The RaM team is responsible for proactively managing candidate pools to attract and retain top talent, ensuring all HMs receive a personalised recruitment service to find the right candidate efficiently and effectively for their needs. (7) The primary contact for a HM is their RaM Partner. Support will also be provided by other members of the RaM team. Key roles and functions of the RaM team who will deliver this service to HMs are: (8) Before commencing recruitment, the HM must ensure the position supports and aligns with the area’s Workforce Management Plan and confirm budget for the role with the appropriate approver. (9) The HM may also make contact with the RaM Partner to discuss their recruitment needs and start considering information to be discussed as part of the job brief (clause 41). (10) If the HM is recruiting for a position that involves Australian Aid-funded research projects, they must comply with the recruitment requirements set out in the Child Protection in Australian Aid-Funded Research procedure. (11) To establish a new Chair position, the relevant Faculty Board will make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor will consider the recommendation and the position description and advise the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee of their decision. (12) Where a Faculty wishes to establish a named Chair position, the relevant Faculty Board will make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor will consider the recommendation and if endorsed will recommend to University Council that the named Chair be established. Council will consider the recommendation to establish the named Chair position and advise the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee of its decision. (13) Any changes to an established Chair title must be approved by the Vice-Chancellor or nominee. (14) The relevant member of the Executive may recruit Professors who are not appointed to a Chair position in accordance with this Procedure. (15) Where a preferred candidate has been identified the relevant member of the Executive must seek approval for the appointment of the candidate in accordance with clause 64. (16) The relevant Executive Dean may nominate individuals with significant professional and/or industry standing but with limited or no traditional Academic experience to the following positions: (17) The appointment process for the Professorial categories set out in clause 16 above, will follow the process set out in clauses 20-24 in the Honorary Appointments procedure. (18) These Professorial positions will: (19) There are eight key stages in the DeakinRecruit process: (20) Before a HM can commence recruitment, the position must exist in DeakinPeople. (21) Where a position already exists in DeakinPeople and is vacant or the current incumbent is departing, the HM can proceed to raising a requisition in DeakinRecruit (clause 24). (22) If the position that the HM is intending to recruit to does not currently exist, the HM will need to create a position using the Create a New Position Request template. (23) When a new position is created an email confirmation will be sent to the HM and the local area Finance delegate. The HM will need to wait a short period of time before being able to raise a requisition in DeakinRecruit. (24) The HM raises a requisition via DeakinRecruit. (25) In DeakinRecruit the HM will be prompted to enter details in relation to the vacancy and attach the position description (if no changes are required to an existing position description) before submitting it for approval. (26) If the HM is seeking to recruit outside the standard process detailed in this Procedure, the HM must identify in DeakinRecruit if they are proposing to: (27) If a HM is considering an EOI or Direct Appointment they must seek advice from their RaM Partner before proceeding. (28) A HM can request approval to proceed with an EOI via DeakinRecruit, setting out the rationale and justification for offering an EOI as a development opportunity for current staff. (29) A HM does not require approval to proceed with an EOI for a flexi-span position or a Teaching Scholar position. These positions can be advertised in accordance with clauses 32 or 33. (30) The Faculty Executive Deans may call for an EOI for the positions of Deputy Dean, Associate Dean, Deputy Head of School/Department, Associate Head of School/Department and Course Director before making a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor. (31) Requests to proceed with an EOI must be approved (except for positions referred to in clauses 29 and 30) in DeakinRecruit by: (32) Prior to advertising a flexi-span position, the HM will invite EOI from casual Professional staff in the immediate work area for the position. If a flexi-span position cannot be filled by an existing casual Professional staff member through the EOI process, the position can then be advertised externally via DeakinRecruit. (33) Where a Teaching Scholar position exists, the HM must first advertise the position as an EOI to casual Academic staff in that work area. If the Teaching Scholar position cannot be filled by an existing casual Academic staff member through the EOI process, the position can then be advertised externally via DeakinRecruit. (34) Where there is only one EOI received for a vacancy and the candidate’s EOI demonstrates their suitability for the position, appointment may be recommended and approved by the HM without interview. Reference checks must still be completed in accordance with clause 60. (35) Where there is more than one EOI received for a vacancy, a merit-based selection process lead by the HM should occur to assess candidates against the selection criteria in a fair and objective manner. (36) Where a HM has identified an outstanding individual for appointment, and considers that no better appointment could be made by following the standard recruitment process, they can seek approval to make a Direct Appointment. (37) Where it is reasonable to assume that there could be more than one internal staff member who could demonstrate that they meet the selection criteria for a vacancy, an EOI process or advertising the role internally to Deakin may be more suitable. (38) The HM can request approval to make a Direct Appointment by submitting a direct appointment request in DeakinRecruit setting out the rationale and justification for the appointment. Reference checks must be completed in accordance with clause 60. (39) Direct appointments must be approved in DeakinRecruit by: (40) Where a request for approval to make a Direct Appointment is not approved, the RaM Partner will notify the HM of the reason why the appointment was not approved and alternative recruitment options. (41) Once a Requisition has been approved within DeakinRecruit, a RaM Partner will contact the HM or nominee to conduct a job brief. (42) The job brief is an opportunity for the HM and the RaM Partner to discuss and clarify: (43) The RaM Partner will then provide the HM a job brief confirmation including sourcing strategy, advertising copy and confirmation of costs. (44) During the job brief, the HM and the RaM Partner will determine an appropriate sourcing and advertising approach. This may include proactive sourcing channels such as the Deakin candidate pool, referrals or advertising. (45) Where it is confirmed during the job brief that advertising is required, the RaM Partner and the HM will determine the range of websites, publications and content to be used for advertising the vacancy. (46) If the position being recruited has been previously unable to be filled or is critical or is considered difficult to fill, the HM and the RaM Partner may decide to engage a specialist recruitment agency. (47) The RaM team will arrange all advertising requirements, including the engagement of any agency. All associated agency costs will be the responsibility of the Faculty or Portfolio. (48) Internationally advertised roles will be advertised in accordance with immigration and labour market testing guidelines and as advised by the RaM Partner. (49) All applications for advertised vacancies are submitted online via DeakinRecruit. (50) The RaM team will develop a shortlist of up to 4 candidates for the HMs consideration following: (51) For Level E positions the RaM Partner will report to the HM on the strategies used to source and attract female candidates consistent with the Faculty or Portfolio’s Gender Equity Plan, the shortlisting process and the reasons why the shortlisted candidates were recommended for interview. (52) The HM can advise the RaM Partner if they want to be involved earlier at any stage of the shortlisting of applications and request if they would like to receive a longer shortlist. (53) The RaM team is responsible for organising all interviews and logistics and will collaborate with local areas regarding appropriate interview locations if required. (54) An interview panel will be convened for all advertised continuing or fixed-term positions. (55) The composition of the interview panel will be determined by the HM together with the RaM Partner. The HM and RaM Partner should seek to achieve reasonable gender balance on the interview panels. (56) The RaM Partner will also provide advice and support to the HM in relation to compiling interview questions, arranging any identified psychometric testing and ensuring that each shortlisted applicant has declared any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest in accordance with the Conflict of Interest procedure. (57) All interview panel members must declare to the other panel members if they have any connection (familiar or otherwise) with any of the candidates or have any other potential conflict of interest. The HM will refer to the Conflict of Interest procedure and seek advice from the RaM Partner in determining how to proceed. (58) The interview panel will interview and assess the shortlisted candidates in a fair and objective manner against the position description, and where appropriate, Principles for Applying and Assessing Achievement Relative to Opportunity. The RaM Partner will organise any other pre-employment testing identified as part of the Job Brief. (59) The interview panel will determine the preferred candidate suitable for appointment. If none of the short-listed candidates are suitable for appointment, the HM in consultation with the RaM Partner may decide to revisit the pool of original applications, re-advertise the position or seek to fill the vacancy in a different way. (60) The RaM Partner is required to conduct a minimum of two references from people nominated by the preferred candidate, after interview and prior to recommending appointment. The HM may also speak directly with any referees. (61) The RaM team will retain all reference checks in DeakinRecruit for a minimum of two years. (62) The RaM team is responsible for contacting all unsuccessful interviewed candidates and providing feedback and will advise the candidates not shortlisted for interview that they have been unsuccessful via DeakinRecruit. (63) Subject to pre-employment requirements, including any immigration requirements, the interview panel will recommend a candidate for appointment, or decide not to make an appointment. Where the interview panel is not unanimous in its recommendation of a candidate for appointment, the HM has the final decision in determining whether or not to make an appointment. (64) If satisfied that the preferred candidate meets the essential requirements of the role, the Vice-Chancellor will make a recommendation to Council to approve the Executive or Professorial appointment. (65) Once a selection decision has been approved in accordance with this Procedure, including via EOI or Direct Appointment, the RaM Partner or HM as discussed as part of the job brief, will make a verbal offer of employment to the preferred candidate. They must advise the preferred candidate that the offer is subject to pre-employment requirements and final approval by the University. (66) The RaM team will issue a written employment offer to the preferred candidate following approval of the appointment. (67) The preferred applicant will be advised in the contract that employment is conditional on the satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, and that the University reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment if Deakin receives information of any relevant criminal convictions, or knowledge that the applicant has been investigated for any other behaviour that would be incompatible with the position, or which may adversely affect Deakin's reputation if subsequently disclosed, conflict of interest or contrary medical information, or to take other action in the event of the candidate's failure to disclose such information prior to appointment. (68) The RaM team will generate the contract of employment in DeakinRecruit. The HM will receive an email confirming that the candidate has received this information. (69) As part of the job brief the RaM Partner and HM will have discussed the required pre-employment checks based on the seniority and nature of the position. (70) When the results of any pre-employment check is unsatisfactory, the offer of employment may be revoked. This will be determined by the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee who will inform the candidate in writing of the outcome, and if employment has commenced, it may be terminated. (71) All new staff must obtain and maintain a WWCC or equivalent check as part of their pre-employment screening to join the University. (72) Existing staff members moving to a position that requires a WWCC, are required to obtain and maintain a WWCC or equivalent check. (73) Staff are responsible for organising their WWCC. The costs of the initial WWCC and renewals are payable by the staff member and the University will not reimburse these costs. (74) Details of the WWCC will be recorded in DeakinPeople. (75) The appointment may proceed contingent upon the outcome of the WWCC, however, until the provision of the WWCC (or evidence of application for the WWCC where lawful) to the Faculty or Portfolio, the Faculty or Portfolio may be required to allocate alternate duties in accordance with the WWCC Guidelines. (76) All members of the Executive, Head of School (or equivalent), or Executive Director of a Division (or equivalent) must be a 'fit and proper person'. A Fit and Proper Person Declaration is used to determine this. Where there is doubt around whether a Fit and Proper Person Declaration is required, the RaM Partner will provide advice to the HM. (77) For identified positions, the candidate will be required to complete the Fit and Proper Person Declaration which will be included with the contract of employment. Making a false claim in the Fit and Proper Person Declaration amounts to a breach of the Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action. (78) The appointment may proceed contingent upon the outcome of the Fit and Proper Person Declaration and/or any subsequent checks. (79) The University provides sponsorship to support international appointments where a unique skill set is not readily available in Australia. (80) The University provides sponsorship to: (81) Where the HM considers there is a need to sponsor positions outside those positions specified in clause 76, they must seek approval of the Executive Director, Human Resources via their RaM Partner. (82) The Department of Home Affairs are responsible for processing application for sponsorships. The RaM team will facilitate this process. (83) Where sponsorship requirements are identified by the HM, the RaM Partner may request further evidential support to ensure compliance with University policy and procedure and also the requirements established by the Department of Home Affairs. No contract of employment will be provided to the preferred candidate until all University and Department requirements have been met. (84) All members of the Executive, members of the Senior Management Group and senior roles in finance require a National Police Record Check. Where there is doubt in relation to whether a National Police Record Check is required, the RaM Partner will provide advice to the HM. (85) Where a National Police Record Check has been prescribed as a requirement the RaM Partner will facilitate the process with the preferred candidate and advise of the outcome. The cost of the check will be funded by the Faculty or Portfolio in which the position sits. (86) The appointment may proceed contingent upon the outcome of the National Police Record Check. (87) Where a medical check has been prescribed as a requirement, the RaM Partner will facilitate the process with the preferred candidate and advise of the outcome. (88) The RaM Partner will request the preferred candidate to arrange a medical check within a specified timeframe, with a medical practitioner of their choice or one nominated by the University. The RaM Partner will provide position details to the medical practitioner to enable the medical practitioner to assess the candidate's medical fitness to undertake the duties of the position. (89) The RaM Partner will advise the HM of the outcome of the medical check. (90) The RaM team will collect the payment receipt from the preferred candidate(s) and forward it to the Faculty or Portfolio, who will arrange to reimburse the candidate. (91) In consultation with the RaM Partner, the HM will determine the probation period to be served by the new staff member. This will be specified in the written offer. See Probation (Academic Staff) procedure and the Probation (Professional Staff) procedure. (92) Employment offers are made in accordance with the Remuneration procedure. (93) For senior manager positions, negotiations for the total remuneration package may occur between the preferred candidate and the HM or the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee; these are subject to approval as set out in the Remuneration procedure. (94) The Faculty or Portfolio, the preferred applicant and the releasing area may reach a mutual agreement for appointment by secondment. (95) Secondments are usually fixed-term for up to 12 months, at the end of which the appointee returns to their original position. Secondments beyond 12 months are subject to negotiation (see the Secondments, Transfers, and Job Rotation Guidelines for further information). (96) If a selected candidate rejects the employment offer, the HM may extend the offer to the next preferred candidate (if appropriate), re-advertise the position, or make no appointment. This will be facilitated by the RaM Partner. (97) Employment will be confirmed upon: (98) The new staff member send evidence of their qualifications to HRD-HR-admin@deakin.edu.au within 5 working days of commencing at Deakin. (99) The Head of Organisational Unit has a discretion to approve reimbursement of reasonable relocation expenses up to the relevant value set out in clauses 101 and 104. Reimbursement for travel, relocation/onboarding must not exceed the maximum amounts set out in the tables in clauses 101 and 104. (100) This will be discussed by the HM with the RaM Partner during the job brief and facilitated by the RaM team. (101) The Head of Organisational Unit has the authority to approve reimbursement for overseas appointees, the appointee’s partner and any dependents. The reimbursement includes: (102) In addition to the reimbursement of relocation expenses, appointees will be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of a one-way economy class airfare for the appointee, their partner and any dependent. (103) In order for reimbursement to be approved: (104) The Head of Organisational Unit has the authority to approve reimbursement for interstate appointees, the appointee’s partner and any dependents. The reimbursement includes: (105) In addition to the reimbursement of relocation expenses, appointees will be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of a one-way economy class airfare or one-way first class rail fare for the appointee, their partner and any dependent. (106) In order for reimbursement to be approved: (107) The Head of Organisational Unit may, at their discretion, approve a settlement allowance for eligible appointees. The settlement allowance: (108) Once the new staff member has formally accepted the offer the onboarding process is initiated. (109) The new member and the HM will receive communications via email 14-28 days prior to commencement until a week after the new staff member has started with a range of welcome messages and information relevant to their commencement at the University. (110) New staff will receive induction information and support online, at their local level and will be invited to an interactive induction session with a member of the Executive. Further information in relation to induction can be found here. (111) New staff can apply for recognition of prior service in relation to sick leave and long service leave at the following listed organisations: (112) In limited circumstances the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee may at their discretion recognise service at organisations other than those specified in clause 111 of this Procedure. (113) Prior services will be recognised for: (114) For the purpose of determining a staff member’s entitlement to long service leave, the following will not count as service: (115) Where service with another organisations is recognised for the purpose of determining long service leave entitlement, the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee may require that a period of service with the University not greater than three years be completed before the staff member is eligible to take long service leave. (116) The amount of service with previous organisations recognised for long service leave purposes will not exceed seven years and no accrued entitlement of leave will be accepted by any prior employer. (117) Human Resources Division will advise all new staff members of their entitlement to apply for recognition of prior service with their letter of appointment. (118) Where a staff member considers that they are eligible to have sick leave credits transferred or have prior service recognised for the purpose of long service leave, the staff member must make an application in writing to Human Resources Division within twelve months from the date of their appointment to the University. (119) The Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee will, no later than twelve months from the date of the staff member’s application, notify the staff member in writing of the number of sick leave credits which have been transferred and/or the amount of service with previous employers that has been recognised by the University for long service leave purposes. (120) A staff member’s claim for recognition of prior service will only be approved upon the production of evidence satisfactory to the University. (121) Where a staff member is seeking recognition of service at an organisation other than those specified in this Procedure, the staff member must make this request to the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee prior to their acceptance of their contract of employment. (122) If the Executive Director, Human Resources or nominee recognises service at an organisation other than those specified in this Procedure, this recognition must be included in the staff member’s contract of employment. Recognition of service at organisations not included in the Deakin University Enterprise Agreement 2017 will only occur in exceptional circumstances. (123) Re-employment of previous staff, following resignation or redundancy, is based on the merit-based selection process described above, provided that re-employment with Deakin is not in breach of any legislation regarding taxation or superannuation. (124) Staff whose employment at Deakin has ceased due to redundancy (whether voluntary or otherwise) will not be re-employed by Deakin within 12 months of their cessation date. (125) The Vice-Chancellor will report all Academic Level E and senior staff appointments to Council at the earliest opportunity. (126) For the purpose of this Procedure:Recruitment of Staff procedure
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Policy
Section 5 - Procedure
Recruitment and Mobility (RaM) Team
RaM functions/roles
Responsibilities and service provided to HM
Recruitment and Mobility (RaM) Partners
Support Team
Hiring Manager
Chair positions, Professors and other Professorial categories
Chair positions
Professors
Other Professorial categories
Faculty
Position Title
Faculty of Business and Law
Professor of Practice
Faculty of Health
Clinical Professor
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Industry Professor
DeakinRecruit
1
Creating a new position
5
Candidate shortlisting, interview and selection
2
Raising a requisition
6
Making the offer
3
Engaging the RaM Partner (Job Brief)
7
Onboarding the new starter
4
Sourcing the candidate pool
8
Inducting the new starter
Creating a New Position
Raising a Requisition
Expression of Interest
Direct Appointments
Engaging the RaM Partner (Job Brief)
Sourcing the candidate pool
Candidate shortlisting, interview and selection
Shortlisting
Interview and Selection
Making the Offer
Executive and Professorial Appointments
Employment Offers
Verbal Offers
Written offers
Pre-employment requirements
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Fit and Proper Person declaration
Department of Home Affairs Obligations
National Police Record Check
Medical check
Probation period
Remuneration
Appointment by secondment
Rejection of employment offer
Onboarding
Acceptance of employment offer and confirmation of employment
Relocation expenses
Overseas appointees
Staff with Senior Staff Performance Contract
Relocation expenses up to the value of $30,000
Academic – Level E and Professional - HEW 10+
Relocation expenses up to the value of $20,000
Academic – Level D and Professional – HEW 9 and 10
Relocation expenses up to the value of $12,000
Academic – Level C and Professional – HEW 8 and below
Relocation expenses up to the value of $5,000
Interstate appointees
Staff with Senior Staff Performance Contract
Relocation expenses up to the value of $15,000
Academic – Level E and Professional - HEW 10+
Relocation expenses up to the value of $10,000
Academic – Level D and Professional – HEW 9 and 10
Relocation expenses up to the value of $7,000
Academic – Level C and Professional – HEW 8 and below
Relocation expenses up to the value of $3,000
Settlement allowance
Onboarding
Induction
Recognition of Prior Service
Re-employment of previous staff members
Reporting
Section 6 - Definitions
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Highly skilled Recruitment Partners dedicated to deeply understanding Faculty and Portfolio needs, preferences and future staffing requirements
Coordination and streamlined delivery of an end to end recruitment process and provision of tailored support to HMs throughout Deakin’s recruitment process
Seamless recruitment processes and intuitive technology solutions
Dedicated focus on candidate care
Development of customised and contemporary sourcing strategies
Application of expertise to support quality onboarding and improved candidate experiences
Provision of administrative support to ensure a smooth end to end recruitment service
Provision of a central point for standardised administrative support
Reduction in the administrative burden for Faculty and Portfolio teams