INFORMATION SHEET
Merit Protection Commissioner Nominee Applicants
Independent Selection Advisory Committee (ISAC)
Who are we looking for?
The Merit Protection Commissioner is interested in APS employees who are mature, fair and
professional, with a commitment to ethical employment decision making. Persons interested in
performing this role should be able to make sound employment decisions based on evidence and
have a good understanding of procedural fairness.
Demonstrated experience and an understanding of best practice in staff selection is required for
nominees on Independent Selection Advisory Committees.
What is an ISAC?
An ISAC is a committee convened under the Public Service Regulations 1999 by the Merit
Protection Commissioner to make recommendations to agencies about the suitability of candidates
in staff recruitment exercises. An ISAC is constituted by a convenor appointed by the Merit
Protection Commissioner, an APS employee nominated by the relevant Agency Head, and an APS
employee nominated by the Merit Protection Commissioner. It is for the last role that applications
are being sought. The role is an important one as the nominee is, and is seen to be, an impartial
and independent APS employee.
As a nominee of the Merit Protection Commissioner you play a very important role in ensuring the
integrity of APS recruitment processes. You need to understand both the theoretical and practical
aspects of recruitment and be capable of making sound administrative decisions as a member of a
three person committee.
All parties are expected to understand that they act under the auspices of the Merit Protection
Commissioner and support the independence of the selection decisions. The highest standards of
ethics and integrity are therefore expected of all people involved in the assessment and decision
making aspects of an ISAC.
ISACs may be used to fill vacancies at the classification levels of APS 1 to APS 6. If the agency
accepts the recommendations of the ISAC, any resulting promotions are not subject to the
promotion review procedures detailed in Division 5.2 of the Regulations.
Training
The Merit Protection Commissioner requires all successful applicants to be available for training
prior to participating in an ISAC. The training can be delivered remotely and will generally run for
two hours duration.
Selection process
APS employees who are interested in becoming nominees to an ISAC will be assessed initially on
the basis of their written expressions and a written referee report. If progressed through to training,
this will form the final stage of the assessment.
Privacy
Personal information submitted will be processed by administrative staff and used by the Merit
Protection Commissioner in nominating APS employees for the purpose of participating in ISACs.
Under Public Service Sub Regulation 4.3 the Commissioner must be satisfied that the APS
employee nominated has the skills and personal qualities necessary to undertake his or her role
independently and impartially.
The information will not be disclosed to any other person, body or Agency.
How to apply
Applications should be sent:
(a)
(b)
by email to consultancy@apsc.gov.au
by mail to: APS Recruitment and Selection Services
Australian Public Service Commission
PO Box 20636
SYDNEY NSW 2002
Your application must include
(a)
(b)
a completed application form;
the endorsement of your current manager
The APSC aims to ensure that fair, equitable and non-discriminatory consideration is given to all
APS employees who apply for the position of nominee of the Merit Protection Commissioner on
ISACs. Please indicate in your application if you require any assistance in this regard.
Contact officers
If you require more information please call the Assistant Director, Andrew Green on (02) 8239
5317 or the Business Manager, Cathy Sargeant on (02) 8239 5303.
Thank you for your interest in the work of the Merit Protection Commissioner.
Application
Merit Protection Commissioner Nominee
Independent Selection Advisory Committee
Personal details
Name:
Agency/Department:
Ongoing classification:
Business email address:
Business hours contact number (including area code):
Business mobile number:
Current manager
Name:
Organisation:
Position and title:
Contact phone number:
Email address:
Relationship:
RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCE (within the last 5 years)
I have been involved in: (select all that apply)
Internal selection (Expression Of Interest –
transfer at level / higher duties)
External selection
Small scale process (less than 20
vacancies)
Large scale process (multiple locations / 20
or more vacancies)
My role has been: (select all that apply)
Delegate
Selection Advisory Committee member
Independent Selection Advisory Committee
member
Assessor – Assessment Centre
Other (please specify)
Please provide a brief statement (maximum 500 words) responding to the following criteria:





Ability to apply employment legislation to make sound recruitment decisions.
Ability to be independent and impartial in making recruitment decisions.
Understanding of the merit principle in APS recruitment and selection.
Understanding of procedural fairness and privacy in APS recruitment and selection.
Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a selection panel.
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NOMINEE’S MANAGER TO COMPLETE
I confirm that the nominee possesses the following skills and personal attributes:
YES
NO
Ability to apply administrative law principles including procedural
fairness
Is professional
Acts with integrity
Is independent and impartial in decision making
Appropriately handles and stores information and documentation
Strong interpersonal skills
Works effectively with others
Excellent communication skills
I support the nominee’s application to represent the Merit Protection Commissioner on
Independent Selection Advisory Committees:
YES
Support provided
Please provide a brief comment in relation to the candidate’s application.
Page 5 of 5
NO