Recruitment posting
Board of Reference Roster
Competition #: 826
Ministry : Education
Opening Date : 2024/08/26
closing Date : 2024/10/27
Role : Board of Reference Members
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies
The Minister of Education is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on a roster of individuals who may act as the Board of Reference (BOR).
The BOR is an appeal mechanism established by the Education Act, that hears specific employment-related disagreements arising between a teacher and an employing school board (public, separate, Francophone or charter). The disagreements relate specifically to the:
- termination of a teacher’s employment contract;
- suspension of a teacher from employment;
- termination of a teacher’s designation; or
- refusal of a board’s approval to release a teacher from an employment contract.
Referral of an appeal to the BOR may result in a hearing, in which the BOR may make a legally binding order, including:
- approval to confirm the suspension or termination of a teacher’s employment contract; or
- directing a school board to reinstate a teacher who has been suspended or reinstate a teacher’s employment contract or designation.
BOR appointees have responsibilities under, and are subject to, a number of statutes and regulations including the:
- Education Act,
- Public Inquiries Act,
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and
- Board of Reference Fees Regulation.
BOR appointees are respected individuals in the labour relations community who demonstrate credibility, accountability, integrity, respect, transparency and excellence in their practice. They have extensive experience and expertise in conducting administrative hearings and mediation processes for specific employment-related disagreements arising between a teacher and employing school board.
BOR appointees incorporate the tenets of natural justice in their practice when hearing an appeal referred to them by the Minister of Education.
Appointments to the BOR roster are made by Order in Council for terms up to five years with an opportunity for reappointment in accordance with the Education Act.
The candidate will have extensive labour relations experience and will be able to demonstrate that his/her decisions have been reached in an administratively fair and reasonable manner in labour relations.
The candidates must have knowledge of:
- employment law;
- collective agreements, employee rights and benefits;
- the growing influence of human rights, sexual harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower legislation in employment-related disputes; and
- the statutory duty of reasonableness and fairness.
The candidate must demonstrate an understanding of the:
- BOR;
- kindergarten to grade 12 education system, how it is structured, how it is established in accordance with legislation and familiarity with key stakeholders;
- role of a school board as the employer;
- role of the teacher as employee usually represented by a union and as a member of the teaching profession; and
- role, responsibilities and powers of the BOR appointees.
The candidate must be viewed as impartial by the ATA and school boards.
The candidate must demonstrate competence, credibility, accountability, ethics/integrity, respect, transparency and excellence.
The candidate must be able to deliver orders in a timely way.
The candidate must apply the tenets of natural justice:
- be impartial and free from improper influence and interference,
- demonstrate fairness in process and decision-making, and
- act in a manner which avoids any conflict of interest.
The candidate must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Oral and written fluency in French is considered a significant asset.
Preference will be given to candidates with an applicable degree (law or related degree) and extensive labour law experience.
Remuneration may be provided in accordance with the Board of Reference Fees Regulation.
The time commitment is determined by the frequency of appeals filed with the BOR and the complexity of the matter involved in an appeal. Typically, between 8 and 10 appeals are filed per year.
Appeals referred to the BOR are typically heard in-person in the Edmonton and Calgary regions.
Please note: This ad will close on October 27, 2024, or until suitable candidates are found.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section.
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission.
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.
Education Act