QUT’s New Hiring Policy: A Game-Changer for Diversity

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is making some big changes to its hiring policy, and it’s causing quite a stir. The university has decided to remove all references to ‘merit’ from its hiring policy, and the vice-chancellor, Margaret Sheil, is standing by this decision. According to her, the so-called ‘merit-based’ recruitments are actually influenced by unconscious bias, and the new approach aims to address this issue.

In a recent internal email to the staff, it was announced that QUT will be moving away from ‘the merit principle’ and towards a ‘more inclusive suitability assessment’. This means that factors like gender, ethnicity, and departmental balance will now play a significant role in the hiring process.

Professor Sheil explained that the new approach will take into account the current demographic breakdown of the university’s various schools and disciplines. For example, she pointed out that women are under-represented in science and engineering at QUT, while men are under-represented in teaching and nursing. She firmly believes that the hiring process cannot be colourblind and that the notion of doing things ‘on merit’ reflects the bias of one’s own experience.

To address this, QUT staff will undergo unconscious bias training, and selection committees will be chosen with diversity in mind. The goal is to hire a diverse range of personalities, including more outgoing scientists who excel at industry engagement.

Professor Sheil emphasised that this change is not a political decision but a practical move to enhance the university’s talent pool. She stressed the importance of accessing the entire talent pool and creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the student body.

The new hiring strategy at QUT is based on the Queensland Public Service Commission’s approach, and it aims to bring about a positive change in the university’s recruitment process. While some may question this decision, Professor Sheil is determined to make a difference and has dedicated her career to improving diversity in academic environments.

This move by QUT has sparked discussions and debates, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming months.