Terms of Employment

To encourage a longer-term strategic planning approach to the activities of the School, Heads will normally be appointed for five years. The appointment may be renewed for up to a further three years subject to satisfactory performance (including consultation with the School staff).

Heads and Deans will negotiate an annual set of agreed goals and outcomes that reflect the objectives of the University, Faculty and School. These will form part of the annual performance review of the Head.

Each Head of School will negotiate with the Dean a total remuneration package (to be approved by the SDVC/VC) based on:

• Base salary at Level D or E according to individual level. Any Head with a substantive position below Level D will be paid at Level D for the duration of the Headship.
• An additional allowance identified as appropriate for that particular School, which recognizes the size and complexity of the unit. This allowance may be taken either as salary or in the form of the academic allowance described below.
• An academic allowance to support the Head’s ongoing research or teaching role, to be taken in the form of research assistance, teaching assistance or other forms of professional development, subject to negotiation. Re-negotiation of the ‘mix’ can take place on an annual basis.
• An agreed period of study leave, based on accumulated entitlements, will be taken at the completion of the Headship.
• Successful service as Head of School is an important component of service to the University in applying for academic promotion

The Head is responsible to the Dean of the Faculty. The performance of the Head will be reviewed annually through the University’s performance management process.

Newly appointed Heads (whether appointed for the first time, or whether re-appointed after a period away from the position) are required to complete the University’s Heads Up program at the start of their term. In addition to clarifying the dimensions of leadership identified under 1.2 above, the program encourages strong collegial learning among Heads of School.

Heads of Schools are required to appoint a Deputy Head. It is recommended that staff be appointed to this position on a one- to two-year basis to give a wider range of senior staff the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Wherever feasible, the Deputy should be of the opposite sex. Their normal workload should be adjusted to acknowledge their work as Deputy.

In accordance with University leave policies, Heads of School must seek approval from the Dean when intending to take leave of any description. At the same time, Deans should be advised of proposed acting arrangements.

Administrative allowances are payable to Acting Heads of School when the period of acting is for two weeks or more.