QUEENSLAND INDEPENDENT EDUCATION UNION INDEPENDENT EDUCATION UNION OF AUSTRALIA – QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN TERRITORY BRANCH BRISBANE 346 TURBOT ST SPRING HILL QLD 4000 PO BOX 418 FORTITUDE VALLEY
Phone: 07 3839 7020 Fax: 07 3839 7021 Freecall: 1800 177937 Email: enquiries@qieu.asn.au Internet: www.qieu.asn.au ABN: 45 620 218 712
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Colb6544tb:nm
CATHOLIC SECTOR
POSITIONS OF ADDED RESPONSIBILITY
Dear Colleague I am writing to you to seek your assistance in the initial development of a position paper on a revised schedule of provisions for positions of responsibility (PAR) in Catholic schools. Our records indicate you currently hold a PAR position. The recently endorsed collective agreement in Catholic schools contains a provision which established a joint working party with employee and employer representatives to review PAR provisions. A copy of the terms of reference of the working party is enclosed. Background A PAR schedule was first established with Catholic employers around twenty (20) years ago. As a member of those negotiations at the time, I can recall that the discussions literally started with a blank sheet of paper. There were few, if any, reference points and the schedule which emerged created a set of PAR positions for the first time in most Catholic schools. These initial negotiations established some features which have characterised the PAR schedule ever since:
the amount of money to be available for PAR is the same amount as that expended in a similar sized state school
the PAR funds will be expended in a combination of payment points and release points
a set of levels of PAR to operate with differential payments and release time – Level 1 to 4.
The last point is significant in relation to comparison with PAR ‘equivalents’ in the state sector. In the state sector a few people occupy substantive paid head of department/curriculum positions. However, in the Catholic sector, while the same number of ‘PAR dollars’ are expended as in a similar sized state school, the Catholic school will have more people occupying PAR positions than in the similar sized state school. Nevertheless, invidious comparisons can be made with the state sector in terms of salary level and release time of seemingly ‘equivalent’ positions.
During the past twenty years a variety of ‘band aids’ have been applied to the schedule but it is, after that length of time, due for a major examination. Working Party Established A significant outcome of the recently concluded collective bargaining negotiations was a recognition by Catholic employing authorities of the current dysfunctional nature of the PAR provisions and a preparedness to engage in a major review and potential overhaul of the provisions. The terms of reference we sought for review have been accepted by the employers so everything is up for consideration. We are seeking maximum engagement of the membership in that review and we are initially surveying all members in a PAR to ascertain your key issues and concerns. Please find attached a survey form for your consideration. We would seek your advice by Friday, 23 July 2010. You will note that we ask for your name and school details so that we can follow up particular issues you raise if necessary. The survey can also be completed on-line at www.qieu.asn.au The current PAR schedule can also be accessed on the website if you wish to review aspects of the provisions. PAR Reference Groups Established As part of the process of review we will be seeking the on-going advice and consideration of members in PAR positions. We will be forming a set of reference groups across the state and I would ask you to give consideration to being part of a reference group. Please indicate your interest in being part of a reference group on the survey form. General The working party presents the first real opportunity in two decades to review the PAR provisions from top to bottom. It is essential that members take this opportunity to participate in the review. We have considerable challenges in establishing an effective PAR structure which meets the contemporary needs of schools and provides for appropriate remuneration and release for those who occupy the various PAR positions. I look forward to your on-going involvement in this process.
Kind regards
TERRY BURKE SECRETARY Attach.
POSITIONS OF ADDED RESPONSIBILITY TERMS OF REFERENCE
a
A Joint Working Party will be established by 29 October 2010 to review and make recommendations on structures and operational provisions for Positions of Added Responsibility (PAR).
b
The Joint Working Party shall be comprised of:
c
i
not more than ten representatives including industrial advisors;
ii
equal numbers of representatives of both the employing authorities and employees; and
iii
employee representatives shall be determined by IEUA-QNT.
The Joint Working Party shall produce a report which makes recommendations regarding: i
The basis of the overall resource provisions for PAR and its allocation at a school level.
ii
Contemporary PAR structures and operational provisions consistent with the operational needs of the school/employing authority in regard to pastoral, academic and any other positions of added responsibility – A
Structures for primary, secondary (including 7-12) and P-10 / P-12 schools;
B
Appropriate payment and release time structures and levels within the established quantum of resources;
C
Appointment, tenure, renewal and termination provisions;
D
Appropriate role statements and selection criteria consistent with the structures; and
E
The impact of existing structures and contractual arrangements on any recommendations, structures and provisions, including recommendations for transitional arrangements.
The recommendations shall take account of best practice, developments in other sectors and emerging contexts such as the National Professional Standards for Teachers and National Curriculum and Assessment, and be consistent with relevant industrial provisions. a
While the focus of this review is Positions of Added Responsibility, Positions of Senior Administration may be considered in relation to their interaction with PARs, but will not be subject of specific recommendation.
b
The Joint Working Party will provide a report no later than 31 October 2011.
c
Any recommendations arising from this review shall be subject to consideration by the parties and each party reserves its position on any matter.