Appointments

The University's policies on recruitment and selection apply to the recruitment of all staff.  There are however certain posts which have appointment processes specified within the University’s governance structure.

Officer Appointments

The appointment of the Officers of the University is identified in the University Charter (pdf 235kb).

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (pdf 59kb)

Executive Deans and Directors of Studies

Information about the appointment procedures for executive deans and the directors of IET and KMI, can be found below:

• Executive Dean (pdf 95kb)
• Director Institute of Educational Technology (docx 23kb)
• Director Knowledge Media Institute (docx 22kb)

The appointment of Associate Deans and Deputy Directors are the responsibility of the faculty or unit.

Professors

The University's policies on recruitment and selection apply to the recruitment of professors (chairs).

Additional information is also available on the process to follow once a professorial vacancy has been authorised.  This supplements the general policies and procedures and identifies areas where it might be necessary to adapt the standard procedures.

The general staff recruitment policies and the specific procedures for professorial appointments can be accessed via the Human Resources Intranet site.  Please note members of the public will be unable to this restricted area.

Key points to remember are:

• The further particulars and advert for a professorial post must be sent to the HR Support Team for checking and approval
• The composition of a Professorial Appointment Committee (pdf 58kb) and the appointment procedures are approved by the University Council.
• The proposed membership of an Appointment Committee must be sent to the Chair of the Appointment Commitee for approval.

Other Appointments

Information about the procedures and composition of appointment committees for non-professorial academic appointments and other staff can be found below:

• Appointment Committees for non-professorial Central Academic Staff (pdf 49kb)
• Appointment Committees for Staff Tutors or equivalent (pdf 92kb)
• Appointment Committees for National Directors (pdf 90kb)
• Appointment Procedure for Heads of Schools (pdf 64kb)
• Appointment Procedures for Heads of Discipline, etc. (pdf 41kb)
• Appointment of UAP Academic Related Staff (pdf 43kb)

Visiting Academics

The Open University welcomes the contributions made by distinguished academic visitors to research activities and encourages the appointment of such staff.

Visiting academic status is granted under the authority of the Senate and the University’s policy and other information on the process of appointing visiting academics are detailed below:
 

• Visiting Academic Policy (pdf 79kb) (This policy is currently under review)
• Visiting Academic Nomination Form (pdf 173kb)
• Visiting Academic General Conditions of Service (docx 62kb) 
• Overseas Academic Visitor Policy (docx 125kb) 
• Immigration Document Checks for Visiting Academics (doc 48.2kb) 
• Immigration Routes for Academic Visitors (docx 166kb)