PROBATION

Employment on probationary basis

62

Staff other than casual staff may be employed on a probationary basis.

Probation period

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The initial period of probation will normally be six months. However, a shorter period may be set having regard to the nature of the position and any other factors that the University considers relevant, including previous service with the University. In the case of Academic staff, a longer period may be fixed, provided that it does not exceed 12 months.

64

During the probation period, the staff member’s performance will be assessed in accordance with the Performance Management and Development Program referred to in clause 241 and their Supervisor will inform them of any deficiencies in their performance or conduct and the improvements necessary to meet the required standard. The successful completion of probation requires a Performance Management and Development evaluation with an overall rating of “satisfactory” or higher.

65

A staff member whose performance is not meeting the required standard and who, as a result, is at risk of having their employment terminated in accordance with clause 67 will be given a written notification to this effect (a Performance Warning). This clause does not preclude the University from terminating the employment of a staff member in accordance with clause 67 without such prior written notification where the staff member has engaged in Serious Misconduct.

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Where a staff member’s performance fails to meet the required standard:

1. during their initial probationary period, the staff member’s probationary period may be extended for a further period of up to six months (in the case of Academic staff) or three months (in the case of General and English teaching staff); or
2. during their initial probationary period or any extended probationary period, the staff member’s employment may be terminated in accordance with clause 67.

Termination of employment during probationary period

67

At any time up to the end of the probationary period, including any extended probationary period, a staff member’s employment may be terminated:

1. by the staff member or the University:
   1. in the case of Academic staff employed on a fixed term contract the specified term of which is for a period of less than 12 months, on 13 weeks’ written notice;
   2. for all other academic appointments on a probationary basis, on 26 weeks’ written notice;
   3. in the case of General staff, on one week’s written notice; and
   4. in the case of English language teaching staff, on two weeks’ written notice; or
2. by the University, without notice or payment in lieu of notice if the staff member has engaged in Serious Misconduct.

68

The University may substitute payment in lieu of all or any part of any period of notice of termination.

69

The University must not terminate a staff member’s employment under clause 67(a) for reasons relating to the staff member’s performance unless the staff member has been informed of, and given an opportunity to address any deficiencies in their performance.

70

The University must not terminate a staff member’s employment under clauses 67(a) or 67(b) unless the staff member has been informed of, and given an opportunity to respond to, any adverse material about them.