Expression of interest – information sheet for nominees – Merit Protection
Commissioner and agency – independent selection advisory committee
(ISAC)
Who are we looking for?
The Merit Protection Commissioner is interested in APS employees (APS 6 or equivalent) who are
mature, fair and professional, with a commitment to ethical employment decision making. People
interested in performing this role are 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 are required for
ISAC nominees. The Merit Protection Commissioner values diversity and encourages expressions of
interest from all people.
What is an ISAC?
An ISAC is a committee convened under the Public Service Regulations 1999 by the Merit Protection
Commissioner. It makes 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 expressions of interest
are being sought.
The role is important 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 understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of
recruitment and are capable of making sound administrative decisions as a member of a three
person committee.
All members 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 everyone 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 promotion review.
The procedures for promotion review are detailed in Division 5.2 of the Regulations.
Training
The Merit Protection Commissioner requires all successful applicants to be trained prior to
participating in an ISAC. The training can be delivered remotely and generally runs for two hours.
Selection process
APS employees who are interested in becoming ISAC nominees are initially assessed on the basis of
their written expressions and a written referee report. Referee checks and/or interviews may be
used to clarify claims and skills. Training forms the final stage of the assessment.
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Privacy
Personal information is assessed by administrative staff and used by the Merit Protection
Commissioner to nominate APS employees for an ISAC. Under Public Service Sub Regulation 4.3 the
Merit Protection Commissioner must be satisfied that the nominated APS employee has the skills
and personal qualities necessary to undertake their role independently and impartially. Your
information will not be disclosed to any other person, body or Agency.
How to apply
Please send your expression of interest to:


Email: [email protected] or
Mail: Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner
Australian Public Service Commission
PO Box 20636
SYDNEY NSW 2002
Your expression of interest must include
1. a completed expression of interest form and
2. the endorsement of your current manager
We aim to ensure that fair, equitable and non-discriminatory consideration is given to all APS
employees who apply for the position of ISAC nominee of the Merit Protection Commissioner.
Please indicate in your expression of interest if you require any assistance in this regard.
Further information
If you require more information please call MPC Business on (02) 8239 5317.
Thank you for your interest in the work of the Merit Protection Commissioner.
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Expression of interest for Merit Protection Commissioner independent
selection advisory committee (ISAC)
Personal details
□ Ms
□ Mr
□ Mrs
□ Dr
□ other—(specify)
Name:
Department/agency in which employed:
Ongoing classification:
Business email address:
Business hours contact number (include area code):
Role applied for:
□ MPC nominee
□ Agency nominee
Current manager
□ Ms
□ Mr
□ Mrs
□ Dr
□ other—(specify)
Name:
Position and title:
Email address:
Contact phone number:
Length of 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
Chair selection advisory committee
Independent selection advisory committee
member
Selection advisory committee member
Assessor – assessment centre
Other (please specify)
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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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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 this expression of interest for membership on a Merit Protection
Commissioner independent selection advisory committee:
YES
NO
Supported
Please provide a brief comment in relation to the candidate’s expression of interest.
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