Pre-recruitment

Faculty/ divisional planning

When a vacancy arises supervisors have the opportunity to consider the staffing needs, structure and functions of the work unit, in line with university and faculty/divisional plans. Work units should be staffed to facilitate the achievement of the objectives outlined in these plans. Doing so can deliver significant benefits to the work unit.

In conducting faculty/divisional planning, supervisors may consider:

• the future goals and directions of the work unit;
• the skills and knowledge required of staff to enable the unit to meet these goals; and
• the skills and knowledge possessed by current staff

The supervisor may then consider this information to assess whether:

• the responsibilities of the vacant position could be absorbed by existing staff, to provide additional challenges and opportunities for others;
• the vacant position could be revised to include different functions; and
• the vacant position should remain unchanged and a new appointment should be made

In making this decision, supervisors are advised to:

• consider workforce planning objectives; and
• consult with the departing incumbent (if appropriate) and others who interact with the position.