D10. Acting Appointments

D10.1 Introduction
D10.2 Policy statement
D10.3 Procedures
   D10.3.1 Appointment process
   D10.3.2 Allowance

D10.1 Introduction

D10.2 Policy statement

The University may require an employee to temporarily perform duties classified at a higher level on an acting basis.

(Approved by Council June 1998)

D10.3 Procedures

D10.3.1 Appointment process

D10.3.1(a) Acting appointments may be made when an employee is required to temporarily perform duties classified at a higher level.

D10.3.1(b) The opportunity to act in a higher classified position may be utilised as a mechanism to reward exceptional work performance by an employee and/or assist and enhance an individual employee's career and professional development through the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge, skills and abilities.

D10.3.1(c) In instances where more than one employee possesses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to act in a higher classified position, where possible and practical, and as part of the University's commitment to employee development, each of these employees should be given an equal opportunity to act in the higher classified position.

D10.3.1(d) All acting appointments must be approved by the appropriate delegate.  The approval to appoint is then forwarded to the Executive Director, Human Resources, for action.

D10.3.2 Allowance

D10.3.2(a) An acting employee will receive their normal salary plus an allowance so the total remuneration is equal to the minimum salary of the acting position.

D10.3.2(b) Allowances are paid in accordance with the following table:

D10.3.2(c) An Academic Level A employee required to carry out full course coordination duties for more than 20 days, will be paid a salary no lower than the Academic Level A, Step 6.

D10.3.2(d) If the allowance is to be paid for a period in excess of 12 months, the employee has the option to contribute superannuation to their superannuation fund based on the higher level of salary for the duration of payment of the allowance.  Alternatively, the employee may retain the current substantive rate of contribution. 

D10.3.2(e) Additionally, an employee receiving a higher duties allowance for a period in excess of 12 months will also be entitled to recreation leave and loading at the rate of pay of the relieving USQ Level (for leave accrued at that USQ Level only).

D10.3.2(f) Where an Academic Level A employee is required to carry out any of the Academic Level B duties that are distinct from the Academic Level A duties, they will be appointed as an acting Academic Level B, or paid an allowance so that their total remuneration is at least equal to the minimum salary for Academic Level B.  Refer to HR Policy D2: Position Descriptions and Position Classification Standards for typical duties performed at each Academic Level.

Academic Level A employees are not expected to undertake any of the following duties:

• Administrative functions that go beyond the limited functions primarily connected with courses in which the employee teaches;
• Membership of more than a limited number of Committees;
• Teaching primarily in programs which are offered only at Masters level and above;
• Initiation of course material;
• Development of course material unless there is appropriate guidance from the unit or course coordinator;
• Complex levels of course coordination;
• Supervision of the program of study of honours students or of postgraduate students engaged in course-work;
• Supervision of major honours or postgraduate research projects; or
• Development of program material.