Appointment Policy

St Joseph's School appoints appropriately qualified staff through a fair and impartial appointment process. We are guided by the principle of being a good employer and aim to build employment relationships that are based on good faith. See Employment Policy.

Our appointment process meets the requirements of all relevant legislation, including the Education and Training Act 2020, Employment Relations Act 2000, and Children's Act 2014. We also comply with the employment provisions of our integration agreement, including ensuring an appropriate number of positions at the school are special positions, and following appointment requirements for special positions. We ensure the special character of our school is upheld in all aspects of employment.

The board consults with the proprietor about the acceptability of applicants for appointment. The proprietor confirms the acceptability of applicants in terms of the special character of the school or the capability of applicants. The board only considers applicants for appointment that the proprietor has confirmed as acceptable (Education and Training Act 2020, Schedule 6, clause 52).

Our appointment process includes:

• delegating the authority of the board to appoint staff (see Delegations for appointment below)
• advertising a position, interviewing and reference checking, and making an appointment – see Stages of Appointment
• ensuring that applicants for teaching positions are appropriately qualified and registered – see Teaching Staff
• checking that staff do not pose a risk to student safety – see Safety Checking and Police Vetting
• providing new staff with information and support – see Staff Induction
• ensuring all new staff have an employment agreement and are aware of the terms and conditions of their employment – see Employment Agreements.

We sight originals or verified copies of documentation as part of the appointment process. We retain or destroy records as required.

Delegations for appointment

The board of St Joseph's School has the authority to appoint school staff but is able to delegate this authority to the principal, other board or staff members, or an appointment committee. If the board delegates authority to a committee to appoint a teacher or recommend the appointment of a teacher, the committee must contain at least one of the board members appointed to the board by the proprietor (Education and Training Act, Schedule 6, clause 46).

• The board must be satisfied that any delegated person or group is able to fulfil their appointment responsibilities appropriately.
• The board ensures that any delegated person or group is informed of their responsibilities, including the requirements and limitations of their role.
• The board documents any delegations in writing and reviews these regularly.

The board is responsible for the appointment of the principal and does not delegate this responsibility. The board may also seek external support to ensure the school follows a fair, impartial, and robust appointment process.

Any person who is involved in the appointment process must declare conflicts of interest that may compromise (or be seen to compromise) their judgement or actions. Staff or board members with a conflict of interest may need to withdraw from the appointment process. See Conflicts of Interest.

Responsibilities for appointment

The principal assures the board that procedures for staff selection and appointment are being implemented correctly, including identity and registration checks, and any board delegation of appointment responsibilities. The principal confirms that supporting policies for induction, staff conduct, and professional development are being implemented. See Review Schedule and Board Assurances.

Related policies

• Governance and Management Policy
• Equal Employment Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• School Records Retention and Disposal

Legislation

• Education and Training Act 2020
• Employment Relations Act 2000

Resources

• Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga: The school staffing cycle
• Employment New Zealand: The hiring process

Release history: Term 4 2024, Term 1 2024, Term 1 2023, Term 2 2021, Term 4 2020

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