The PSA convened an urgent meeting with DFC Housing representatives on Friday 18 January to discuss the Selection process for Housing Managers (to be known as Housing Officers). This was done because the PSA was earlier advised that the Department had used the Notice of Vacancies which is widely circulated in the public sector to advertise to fill the positions in the new structure. However following discussion they reaffirmed their commitment to the previously agreed (between DFC and the PSA) Human Resource Transition Principles which sets out detailed rules governing how the Department will undertake the task of transitioning Housing Managers into the new structure. An integral part of the process is the quarantining of existing Housing Manager positions which are subject to a separate but related process.

A brief summary of the relevant provisions are as follows:

Quarantined Selection
This refers to a process where positions are advertised/targeted to identified groups of ongoing employees, in this case Housing Managers. Only ongoing or substantive occupants of the Housing Divisions whose substantive positions are directly affected by any change made as a result of the reform, are able to apply for positions.

Modified Selection Process
Following discussion with the Association, the Department has confirmed that Housing Manager applicants will need to to respond to 3 key components (as opposed to 5) of the job and person specification. The Department had earlier emailed incumbent Housing Managers seeking Registrations of Interest. DFC were seeking a response by COB Friday 18 January 2008.

NOVA
As was stated earlier in an email from the Department on the 17 January the quarantine selection process will be finalised prior to the closing date of the Notice of Vacancy.