Appointment panels constitution guidance

The following guidance provides an indication of expected appointment panel constitution.  The composition of the appointment panel will vary depending on the nature of the position and, for academic appointments (excluding Research), may vary slightly from Faculty to Faculty (for further guidance contact your local People and OD Partner). It is also recognised that other key stakeholders or specialists may be appointed onto recruitment panels where this would add value to the decision-making process.

For all Chair appointments and in some cases, academic appointments below Chair, there is a requirement for an external assessor to be on the appointment panel.  Normally, the external assessor will be from the same academic discipline to the post being appointed to and will usually be identified by the Chair, in consultation with the Recruiting Manager. For further information for external assessors, see External panel member guidance. 

It is mandatory that panel members have received training in Equality and Diversity issues (TMS9). In addition, mandatory requirements in relation to Recruitment and Selection training have been introduced for PS and Academic/Research posts. Where practicable appointment panels should reflect diversity, as well as a range of experience and expertise.   Therefore it is recommended that where possible the panel should include: 

• A broad age range;
• Representation from ethnic minority colleagues;
• A nominee from an independently associated area i.e. another faculty/school or department;
• Selectors of both sexes;

The panel should consist of no less than two and no more than five people, other than for academic appointments (exc. Research) details for which are outlined below, and must normally include the line manager for the post concerned.  Early organisation of the panel can help to minimize delays in the recruitment process and it is therefore advisable to schedule the time of panel members at the earliest opportunity.

Academic appointments

Chair appointments

Appointments panels should normally be constituted as follows, although there may be slight variation between Faculties:

• Chair – Vice-President & Dean of Faculty or nominated person (usually Head of School)
• Head of School/Head of Division (FBMH)
• Up to three other School staff from relevant discipline, one non-professorial (and may be elected by School Board)
• External (to Faculty or School) Professor/Senior Lecturer
• External (to the University) assessor in relevant field (for clinical appointments this could be the MAHSC/Trust or Royal College representative)

Additionally for clinical appointments (only if Honorary Consultant status)

• MAHSC/NHS Trust representative
• Option of a relevant Royal College representative (in line with requirements of the Trust where the main honorary appointment is to be held)

Reader/SL/L appointments

• Chair – Head of School/Head of Division (FBMH)
• Two to four representatives nominated by Head of School/Institute Director
• Professor/Reader/SL from another School