The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is authorised to approve appointments for Heads of Schools on recommendation from the relevant Faculty Dean. Appointments are subject to a competitive (i.e. merit based) selection process and appropriate consultation with School and Faculty stakeholders.

The normal term of appointment for a Head of School is five (5) years.

The Dean is responsible for ensuring that appropriate succession planning is in place for the development and identification of potential Heads of Schools. This will assist in the advance approval and announcement of a new Head of School appointment. A lead in time of at least six (6) months ahead of the cessation date of the incumbent's appointment is recommended to allow time for the incoming Head of School to participate in appropriate training and development activities, including shadowing of the current incumbent.

As part of the appointment planning process, Deans are expected to regularly review the gender balance amongst Heads of School and to put in place mechanisms for identifying, encouraging, supporting and matching academic women with leadership potential to Head of School opportunities.

The Dean is expected to formally review the performance of each Head of School at least annually. Through this process, the Dean will be expected to have determined whether or not a further term as Head of School will be recommended. Provided that the Head of School has been appointed via a competitive selection process, and performance is satisfactory, there are no restrictions on the number of terms that a Head of School may be appointed.

If the Head does not wish to be considered for reappointment, or if the Dean does not wish to recommend a further term, the Dean will commence the process for appointment of a new Head of School.

The Head of School position will be advertised within the Faculty and the University's merit based selection process will be undertaken. In addition, the Dean may elect to undertake external advertising and recruitment to fill the Head position and the usual University selection processes will be followed.

In addition, the Dean will ensure that School staff are consulted about the appoitment or reappointment of a Head of School. For example, Deans may wish to consult with:

During the initial consultation phase, the Dean should not express a particular view on any candidate that would otherwise be seen to prejudice the outcome of the competitive selection process. It is the responsibility of the Dean to ensure that feedback from this consultation process is appropriately provided to the Search Committee to inform their decision making.

If the current Head of School wishes to be considered for a further term and has not been recruited through a competitive selection process, the Dean will undertake the above process.

The Dean will provide a confidential written report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) outlining:

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) may, having noted the Dean's written report, seek further advice from the Dean and the Search Committee before approving the recommended apointment.