Terms of reference

a) To consider and determine matters relating to the appointment and progression of staff in the Education & Research job family in accordance with the principles and framework agreed for the purpose by Senate. The main responsibilities of the committee in relation to pre-probation, probation and promotion are as follows:

Pre-Probation and Probation

On the recommendation of the Head of Department/School, to consider and determine whether a pre-probationary Lecturer progresses to probation. If so, the committee will set a framework for the forthcoming probationary period.

To determine, by means of an ad hoc sub-group of the Academic Staff Committee, claims for exemption from the requirement to undertake probationary service. Such a group will consist of the Chair of the Academic Staff Committee and two members of the Academic Staff Committee (one of whom must be from the same Faculty/School as the claimant for exemption) in consultation with the Head of Academic Staff Development. Grants of exemption will be reported to the Academic Staff Committee.

On the recommendation of the Head of Department/School, to consider a report on the progress of a lecturer at the end of the year of the probationary period and determine whether a probationary Lecturer progresses to the year of probation.

On the recommendation of the Head of Department/School, to consider and determine whether the appointment of a Lecturer be confirmed following completion of the normal period of probation of three years. If it is considered necessary, the Head of Department/School may recommend an extension of probation for a period not exceeding one year. The committee will, in such cases, set detailed objectives to be monitored and form the basis of the new final report at the end of the extension period.

Promotion

On the recommendation of the Head of Department/School, to consider and determine candidatures for promotion to Senior Lecturer, Senior Research Fellow, Senior Teaching Fellow and Reader.

To consider personal applications for promotion to Senior Lecturer, Senior Research Fellow, Senior Teaching Fellow, and Reader. If the committee determines that a prima facie case for promotion exists, the Director of Human Resources will initiate the normal procedure for each category of promotion.

Reporting arrangements

The committee will routinely report to Senate:

• the name of staff whose appointment as Lecturer/Research Fellow/Teaching Fellow has been confirmed
• the number of staff required to serve an additional period of probation or who have not successfully completed probation
• the names of staff who have been promoted and the nature of their promotion
• the number of staff declined promotion either with interview or without interview

b) To guide and monitor the work of the Research Fellow and Teaching Fellow Sub-Groups of the Academic Staff Committee.

c) To advise Senate on matters relating to the appointment and progression of staff in the Education & Research job family in general.

d) To approve amendment of Professorial Titles as delegated by Senate.

Procedural Rules

Appointment of Chair and membership

(i) The members of each Faculty/School are elected by Senate and must hold Education & Research job family posts at the level of Professor or Reader/Senior Lecturer/Senior Research Fellow/Senior Teaching Fellow. Their term of office is for three years and they are eligible for re-election. The two members of each Faculty must be from different Departments.

(ii) The member of Education and Research job family staff nominated by the Vice-Chancellor must hold Education & Research job family posts at the level of Professor or Reader/Senior Lecturer/Senior Research Fellow/Senior Teaching Fellow. Their term of office is for one year (renewable).

(iii) Deans of Faculty and Heads of School are not eligible for membership of the committee.

Co-option

See Senate Standing Orders 16(ii) and (iii).

Alternates

See Senate Standing Orders 17(iii) and (iv).

Quorum

There shall be a quorum at meetings of one-third of the membership. See Senate Standing Order 16.

Rules for voting

There are no specified rules for voting.

Minutes

Minutes are submitted to Senate.

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