Information Centre
Vacancy Control update
The current Vacancy Control policy was implemented in November 2006 with the objective of minimising the risk of redundancies as a result of decisions arising from the Review of Public Administration (RPA). This remains a key objective.
Organisations have reported increasing difficulties arising from vacancies in posts in particular areas, and concerns have been raised about consistency in the interpretation and application of the policy. In light of this, and the revision of the date for the implementation of the ESA to the 1st April 2009, it was apparent that a review of the current Vacancy Control policy was necessary.
ESAIT has therefore developed advice in consultation with the HR Managers of the current education organisations, in accordance with the legislative requirement arising from the Second Guiding Principle, issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and accepted by Government. This advice has been discussed and agreed with Trade Unions.
It is hoped that Appendix 1 to the Vacancy Control policy will help to alleviate the difficulties currently being faced by both management and staff in relation to the practical application of vacancy control while minimising the potential for redundancies in education arising from the RPA.
Appendix 1 to the Vacancy Control policy
ESA Competency Framework
The Education and Skills Authority (ESA) will provide an excellent education service to enable all young people to reach their full potential.
The ESA Competency Framework has now been published and sent to the Chief Executives of all the education sector organisations affected by the RPA. It is a clear and important first step in outlining the core competences and skills that will characterise ESA as a high performing organisation. It is also an important step in establishing the values and behaviours that will be recognised and rewarded in the new organisation.
While it will initially be used later this year in the recruitment of ESA’s Directors, it will be further developed for use at all levels in ESA to assess, monitor and review the performance and development of ESA employees.
The Competency Framework has been developed in consultation with the existing organisations and Trade Union Side.
All queries about the ESA Competency Framework should be directed to John Curran, ESA Implementation Team HR Project Manager.
Draft 2nd Tier Structures Paper
Over the past few months, ESAIT has been working on the management structures for the new organisation, taking account of the views of the Chief Executives of the legacy organisations and the Trade Unions. A draft 2nd Tier Structures Paper has now been produced which you can access below. ESAIT has invited comments on the draft proposals and over the next few weeks will be finalising this paper, in light of comments received, and submitting it to the Department of Education for approval.