ACCS will deliver training on competency based recruitment for the appointment of a principal or deputy principal on Thursday, 7th March from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.

This training will be delivered remotely via Zoom and it will prepare chairpersons of boards of management, nominees to selection committees for principal/deputy principal appointments, and principals for the recruitment and selection process. The training will provide clarity on the role of the board of management and the selection committee in the process.

The contents will focus on the key aspects of the recruitment & selection process including advertising, competencies and the use of behavioural indicators, shortlisting, questioning at interview, gathering and evaluating the evidence and interview documentation. The implications of the Appeal System on the appointment process will also be covered.

Who should attend?

·    Selection committee members/trustee nominees/principals/chairpersons of a board of management.

·    This CPD will be of particular interest to schools who may have a vacancy for a principal or deputy principal in the coming school year.

·    Newly appointed principals, who have not already attended Competency Interview Training, may also find this in-Service beneficial.

Delegate Registration is required for this webinar:

Participants should be nominated by a board of management in order to attend this training.

ACCS recommends that members of selection committees involved in appointments for Principal/Deputy Principal positions are trained in competency-based interviewing.

Planning Ahead

The decision on behalf of a principal/deputy principal to retire is a deeply personal one. It is usually taken after a significant period of reflection and consideration involving those closest to us. The timing of this decision and the notification to the board of management and the school community generally is entirely in the hands of the person retiring and that is as it should be. 

However, the succession process now is a very long one and this has implications for the board of management. There are really no shortcuts in this process and the timetable from announcement at Board level to appointment can take a minimum of 14 weeks. The advent of an appeal process is welcome but has added to the timeline. It is always desirable for the board of management to have a succeeding principal/deputy principal appointment made before the retirement date.

For the principal/deputy principal retiring achieving the correct balance in respect of this timing is difficult but certainly worth considering carefully to ensure the continued smooth running of the school.

…..and don’t forget one appointment can lead to another, and another and so on ad infinitum! Let the school know as early as you can.

Note: The Competency Guide for the Appointment of Principals and Deputy Principals is available to Chairpersons of Boards of Management on request from ACCS.

Register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the Zoom link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuqqqTsvG9Drusdr4xLk8sb9HIdXeBOx

John Irwin, General Secretary, ACCS