The Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 requires that selection be based on merit and the SES values the diversity of its workforce.
This means the person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirements will be selected.
Some features of merit selection are:
Competition: the best field of applicants obtained through advertising the position.
Selection criteria: the skills, knowledge and experience required to do the job.
Selection panel: selection is usually by a skilled panel of three people including one man, one woman and an "independent" from outside the agency. One member acts as the convenor who chairs the panel.
Comparative assessment: individual rating of applicants on how well they meet the selection criteria. Applicants are assessed on the best evidence obtainable and compared to job requirements.
Equity: the process is designed to be fair to all members of the community.
Integrity: selection is carried out impartially and ethically.
Choosing the best person: recommending the person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirements for the position.
Transparency: decisions must be able to withstand scrutiny and publicly accountable.
