QTU returns to principal selection panels

After a two-year enforced absence, QTU representatives have returned to principal selection panels.

The LNP state government removed QTU representation from the panels in 2013.Since then, the QTU has received significant feedback about a lack of confidence in the recruitment and selection process and the need for QTU nominees to ensure that there is an open and transparent process and to remove the perception of bias. QTU nominee panellists have always helped to ensure that panels comply with the set procedures at all times. Their focus has been on ensuring all applicants are treated consistently, ethically and fairly by the selection.

The department established a Principal Recruitment and Selection Reference Group with various stakeholders, including the Queensland Teachers’ Union, and one of its first changes was to return QTU representatives to principal recruitment and selection panels. This was enacted on 20 May and QTU panel nominees have been on all subsequent principal recruitment and selection panels.

Panel composition

Selection panels for principal vacancies will change from the current three members to four, to consist of:

• a chair (with line accountability for the performance of the principal), eg. regional director/assistant regional director
• a panel member selected in consultation with the school’s parents and citizens’ association or school council
• a representative of the QTU
• a representative of the sector-specific principal association.

It has also been agreed that a supporting best practice guide will be provided to panel chairs, providing information covering areas such as the preference that panel members be at or above the level of the position and gender balance as a preferred practice when forming panels.

There have been a number of issues with regard to timeframes around shortlisting and interviews, as well as the announcement of the successful applicant. It had been decided that the preferred practice in relation to the appointment and notification would be a minimum 2 weeks prior to the end of the school term, to allow for an appropriate hand-over period. The QTU will be raising these issues directly with the Deputy Director-General, State Schools.

Concern had been raised at the reference group meetings about the variation of documents requested for applications. Information packages will therefore be updated to reflect the minimum requirement of a curriculum vitae and a letter (no more than two pages) addressing the selection criteria. It was recognised in these discussions that for some difficult-to-fill locations and Partners For Success communities, additional information may be required.

There was discussion about the challenge for those seeking relocation or participating in expression of interest processes, as well as the perceived advantage that a temporarily appointed officer may have in being permanently appointed to the role. Advice was to be provided to regions that, at a minimum, a CV must be provided for EOI roles. The region may request additional information, including a two-page letter or community-specific skills assessment, as required by the ARD.

Relocation process for principals

The QTU has been raising the issue of relocations for principals, not just at the Principal Recruitment and Selection Reference Group meetings, but ever since the suitability process was incorporated into the current process, and has been very vocal about the need for a viable relocation process to be available. There was also discussion about the need to further understand the interplay of relocations, expressions of interest and merit selection on the applicant pool. To further explore options, the group requested a working party outside this meeting be formed to provide a range of options at the next meeting. This QTU is part of this working party.

Paige Bousen
Assistant Secretary – Education Leaders

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 120 No 5, 17 July 2015, p19