Promotional Positions Classification Review latest

Submissions and focus groups

Due to the significance of the Promotional Positions Classification Review (PPCR), there will be extensive consultation and opportunities for groups and individuals to provide submissions and raise issues. Focus groups will also be used as a part of the process to prioritise issues and options for the new classification structure.

The scope of the PPCR includes all positions within the Stream 2 and Stream 3 classifications and executive principals. The review will also consider:

  • the impact of the evaluation methodology
  • the impact of HAT/LT classifications
  • progression between classification levels and pay points
  • remuneration packaging
  • work value assessments/evaluations 
  • role descriptions.

The QTU submission

The certified agreement contains a commitment by the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the QTU to conduct a review of the classification structure of promotional positions. One clear aim of the PPCR is to analyse issues such as school complexity and the impact of needs-based funding/staffing. As a party to the agreement, the QTU is an integral part of the review from the start to the finish; however, the QTU will still provide a written submission, on behalf of members.

To obtain the views of members to inform the QTU submission, the Union has been consulting through QTU seminars, at specific school leader and administrator meetings, school visits and through submissions made via the website. Consultation and discussion has also begun with members of the QTU Education Leaders’ Committee, Principal Union Representatives and the Working Conditions Committee.

As has been widely advertised, the QTU has established a dedicated page for the review on the QTU website (www.qtu.asn.au/ppcr). Invaluable feedback in relation to the QTU submission has already been provided. It is also an on-going avenue to enable members to comment and ask questions in relation to the classification structure. The webpage also lists a series of stimulus questions to assist members regarding feedback given to the QTU.

Key stakeholder submission process

To obtain a broad view of the issues from a variety of differing perspectives, the QTU and DET has invited submissions from:

  • Queensland Association of State School Principals
  • Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association
  • Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders
  • Queensland State P-10/12 School Administrators’ Association
  • Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres Principals’ Alliance
  • Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association.

The invitation asked for submissions to be provided by 11 August.

Individual submission process

To ensure the issues relevant to specific school leaders are considered, the review will also offer individual school leaders an opportunity to provide their own submissions. This process will open in late August, allowing the broad themes raised by stakeholders to be presented and taken into account by individuals when making their own submissions.

The individual submission process will be conducted through an online survey tool accessed through One Portal. The opening of this process will also be communicated by DET through a OnePortal Bulletin and a State School Update message. The QTU will be sending an email out to all members in Streams 1 and 2, as well as Union Representatives in schools so they can also alert their leadership teams.

The review is to be concluded by 31 December 2018 with a report on the findings of the review, including options for consideration, informing negotiations for the next certified agreement in 2019.

Paige Bousen                                                                                                                   Assistant Secretary - Education Leaders

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 122 No 5, 21 July 2017, p10