Classified teacher recruitment and relocation update
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 125 No 2, 20 March 2020, page no.5
Last year, a range of changes to the classified teacher recruitment and relocation process was piloted, with the aim of eventually enabling all schools to operate under the same policy provisions to achieve a consistent approach. After consultation with stakeholders, it has been decided that these arrangements should continue in 2020.
At the end of 2020, there will be further assessment, with all the stakeholders, of the ongoing embedding of process changes. The QTU will continue to monitor these changes and continues to encourage members of the QTU to raise their concerns with the Union, so that we can continue to provide feedback to the department about the new process.
One of the big changes in the new approach to classified teacher recruitment and relocations was a move toward undertaking recruitment activity (suitability assessments and/or advertising) as soon as a vacancy was identified. While this has occurred for some time for principal recruitment, for other classified teaching roles this is a new approach.
Feedback from stakeholders highlighted the following key themes regarding relocations.
- Applicants appreciated increased visibility over vacancies.
- Principals appreciated increased autonomy over the selection of leaders and liked the filling of vacancies as they arose.
- There was mixed feedback around the suitability process, such as how the process can vary in different recruitment and selection processes, e.g. different assessment techniques.
- Feedback indicated that there was strong support for making changes to the process that predominately focus on employees moving from or to rural and remotes school locations.
Relocation in 2020
Applicants will continue to be contacted when they match a vacancy and will be invited to participate in a suitability assessment process. An applicant can choose to decline, but from January 2020 once an applicant has declined to participate on three occasions for any single geographic area in their preference list, their application will be deactivated for 12 months.
With the introduction of the changes, it is important that applicants participate actively in the process by responding to any contact made by the department. If you are unsure of what is being asked of you, make contact with your regional HR team or email the talent unit on recruitmentteaching.humanres@qed.qld.gov.au
The QTU can also be contacted for information or advice.
Suitability assessment
All relocation applicants will have a copy of their CV held on file, however each panel may request an updated version. Additionally, at a minimum a suitability assessment must include a conversation between the applicant and the panel, as well as the offer of feedback once the process has been finalised. The panel can determine additional selection tools to assess suitability, so an applicant may be requested to submit additional information or participate in a formal interview or other selection technique. The suitability process should not be considering the capability of the applicant – its purpose is to consider the suitability of the applicant for the position at the school they are applying for. The applicant is already deemed to be capable and therefore should not need to address selection criteria which assesses capability.
QTU involvement in classified teacher recruitment and relocation
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Each term the QTU meets with the department. At this meeting, the Union is provided with a summary of prior term outcomes and key opportunities.
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The QTU raises concerns and advocates for individual members at this meeting each term.
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QTU representatives are on all panels considering permanent vacancies for classified teaching positions (for consideration of relocation and for merit).
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The QTU selects the QTU representative on all principal panels considering permanent vacancies.
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The QTU provides training for members who are, or are considering, becoming a QTU promotion panel selection nominee.
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The QTU provides advice and information to members about the recruitment and selection process (including relocations).
If you wish to provide feedback or concerns about the changes to the recruitment and selection process (including relocations), please email qtu@qtu.asn.au