Independent selection advisory committees (ISAC)
Frequently asked questions
What is an ISAC?
An ISAC is an independent committee established by the Merit Protection Commissioner (MPC)
under the Public Service Regulations (Part 4) on a fee-for-service basis.
What is the purpose of an ISAC?
An ISAC is convened to conduct an APS merit-based staff selection. It makes assessments and
recommendations on the suitability of candidates for APS 1-6 level vacancies.
What does an ISAC actually do?
An ISAC conducts a staff selection exercise. This includes candidate assessment, report preparation
and recommendations to the agency as to the relative suitability of candidates (including creation of
orders of merit, as appropriate). It establishes the selection methodology to be used and then
assesses the claims of all job candidates by considering their skills and attributes relative to the skills
and attributes required to successfully perform the duties of the job vacancy.
What are the benefits to agencies?
There are multiple benefits for agencies. An ISAC process provides a cost-effective and timely meritbased recruitment solution. It is a transparent, independent, impartial selection process that
maintains good workplace relations. It delivers cost-savings for agencies by avoiding delays in staff
placements resulting from promotion reviews. It is a flexible process that accommodates multiple
selection methodologies.
How many members are on the ISAC?
There are three members on an ISAC: a convenor who is an employee of the Australian Public
Service Commission (APSC); the requesting agency’s nominee; and an APS employee approved by
the MPC.
Is an agency consulted on the membership of the ISAC?
Yes. The ISAC convenor is appointed by the MPC. Agencies nominate a second member for the
committee as their agency representative; and the MPC will consult with the agency as to a third
independent member, who may be from the requesting agency or an employee of the APSC.
Who can request an ISAC?
Any Australian Public Service or Parliamentary Service agency can request an ISAC through the
agency head or their delegate.
How is the ISAC arrangement formalised?
The MPC and the requesting agency have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This details the
purpose, respective responsibilities of the parties (ISAC members, MPC and agency) and fees
pertaining to the ISAC process.
How much does an ISAC process cost?
ISACs are offered by the MPC as a best practice recruitment solution under a fee-for-service
arrangement.
ISAC processes are charged at $105.45 per hour for the ISAC convenor. This fee also covers
administration and committee training conducted by MPC Business. The MPC can also provide a
third committee member for an additional charge. Additional costs may be incurred if travel is
required.
MPC Business can provide a cost estimate for processes based on estimated number of candidates
and indicative times for elements of the process.
Is an ISAC subject to regulatory obligations?
Yes. An ISAC must follow the binding instructions issued by the MPC, apply procedural fairness,
respect privacy and conduct their processes as quickly as possible while giving proper consideration
to the claims of the candidates.
How is ISAC independence guaranteed?
Members sign a declaration of impartiality, determine candidate assessment processes and form
independent judgements about candidates (i.e. they cannot be directed).
The MPC Business Unit ensures all ISAC members are trained in merit-based staff selection and
understand their responsibility as a member of an ISAC.
How long does an ISAC process take?
The length of time for an ISAC process is determined on a case- by-case basis. It varies depending
upon a variety of factors, including: the range of levels and geographical spread of positions; the
number of applicants that apply; the number of orders of merit required; the availability of the
agency nominee; and the selection methodology adopted for the process.
What selection methodology can be used during an ISAC process?
ISACs facilitate a flexible process to determine candidate suitability that accommodates multiple
selection methodologies, including: selection centres; interviews; psychometric testing; online
competency testing; and referee reports.
The preferred methodology is agreed between the ISAC and the agency at the outset of the process.
Are referee reports needed?
The extent to which referee reports are sought is a decision for the ISAC members. Referee
comments are generally sought for candidates that are under serious consideration for a vacancy
and/or may be assessed as suitable for inclusion in and order of merit.
Who is responsible for assessing candidates?
Assessment is undertaken by the ISAC members. However, in some processes, in particular larger
bulk recruitment rounds, a streamlined approach may be adopted whereby some or all of the
assessment may be undertaken under an outsourced arrangement. This is subject to approval,
identified criteria and a quality assurance process agreed by the ISAC membership.
Additional costs for this approach are met by the agency over and above the normal costs set by the
MPC.
Are ISAC recommendations reviewable?
Promotions of APS employees as a consequence of an ISAC process are not subject to the promotion
review procedures if ISAC recommendations are accepted.
Can an applicant appeal against the makeup of an ISAC?
An applicant can raise an objection to the composition of a committee. Any objection must be in
writing to the delegate of the MPC.
Can an applicant lodge a grievance in relation to an ISAC decision?
There are no avenues for review of process or promotions under the jurisdiction of the Merit
Protection Commission.
There may be, in some circumstances, provision to apply to a court for judicial review, generally on a
question of law, rather than the merits of the decision. For example, under the Administrative
Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (ADJR), the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Federal
Court of Australia have the power to review certain decisions.
Who is the delegate in relation to actioning ISAC recommendations?
The delegate is the agency head (or their delegate).
Can an agency head reject an ISAC recommendation?
ISAC recommendations are not binding on an agency – but if recommendations are not accepted,
subsequent promotion decisions are generally subject to promotion review. There are exceptions
however, such as cases involving a proven breach of the Code of Conduct or the loss of an essential
qualification.
How long do ISAC recommendations remain valid?
12 months from the initial APS Employment Gazette notification of the vacancy.
What employment outcomes may arise from an ISAC process?
ISAC recommendations may result in the promotion or movement at level of candidates already
within the APS; and agency engagement of candidates outside the APS.
Can an ISAC establish orders of merit?
Yes. A selection exercise undertaken by an ISAC can result in creation of orders of merit of preferred
candidates ranked by relative suitability to enable agencies to make staff placements for similar job
vacancies over a 12 month period.
Can an ISAC be run in regional Australia?
Yes. An ISAC can be run across regions and/or in multiple States and Territories simultaneously.
Can an ISAC be used for bulk selection rounds?
Yes. An ISAC can be used for single or bulk round recruitment exercises.
Who gives feedback to unsuccessful applicants following an ISAC process?
Feedback is provided by the ISAC Convenor and/or the Agency representative, as agreed between
ISAC members.
How can my agency apply to use an ISAC?
A “Request for ISAC” form can be downloaded from the MPC website or by contacting the MPC
Business Unit.
What advice on the ISAC process is available for candidates?
The ISAC Policy and Procedures Guide provides guidance for all relevant parties - ISAC members,
support staff, agencies and job candidates - on policy and procedures applicable to the operation of
an ISAC process.
Where can I find further information on ISACs?
The MPC website www.apsc.gov.au/merit or by contacting the Director MPC Business: email
[email protected] or phone (02) 8239 5317.