There is no right to move between Pathways, in any direction, even by way of a ‘sideways movement’ to the same level. In other words, the career paths should be treated as distinct and separate.
Obviously, any person employed on one of the three pathways may apply for an advertised post on one of the other two pathways at any level or a post at a higher level on the same pathway. Since the nature of the competencies required for a position on one pathway may differ from those needed on another, it will be normal practice for positions to be advertised and any person currently employed on other pathways interested in the position to apply for the post competitively. This basic position applies both to movements sideways and those from a lower level on a one pathway to a higher level on another.
Sideways movements between Pathways 1 and 2 (either way) require the prior approval of the Head of School and of the Dean to the change in contractual duties. Subject to that, such movements are not to be regarded as in any way exceptional and may be part of the way a particular career progresses.
Where the proposal is for a movement between Pathways 1 and 2 to a higher level, the prior agreement and approval of the Head of School and of the Dean to a change in contractual duties are a pre-requisite to any case going forward for promotion. On confirmation of the agreement by the Head of School and the Dean, the individual’s transfer to the new pathway (at the same level) will be effected regardless of any subsequent success or failure in promotion. Subsequent confirmation of success in promotion will result in the individual being advanced to the higher level.
Prior to confirming the particular transfer to either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, the Head of School must meet with the person concerned and reach agreement where appropriate on the individual’s promotion expectations on the new Pathway. The parties must agree both the expectations for the next promotion point and the date when promotion will be expected. The member of staff may find that promotion on the new Pathway is agreed at a later date (please see Academic Career Pathway (PDF, 89kB)) than promotion would otherwise have occurred on the existing Pathway because of the need to satisfy teaching or research expectations (as the case may be).
In most cases, it will be a requirement that the newly defined post (or the filling of a vacancy in an existing post) is advertised, although with the agreement of the DVC, Dean and HR Director, it may be possible to “ring-fence” the advertisement appropriately.
Where the proposal is for a movement from Pathway 1 to Pathway 3 at a higher level, the process set out in the previous paragraph must be completed as a pre-requisite to any case going forward for promotion. On completion of that process, the individual’s transfer to the new pathway will be effected regardless of success or failure in promotion. Subsequent confirmation of success in promotion will result in the individual being advanced to the higher level.
Movement from Pathway 3 to Pathway 1 will also be exceptional. The Head of School and Dean must be satisfied that the person concerned meets the competences required for Pathway 1 and, were the post to be advertised as a Pathway 1 position, that the person concerned would be short-listed for the post and appointable to the post in question. It will therefore be normal practice for the person seeking transfer to Pathway 1 to be subject to an interview to establish those competences; alternatively, those competences may be tested by application for an advertised post if additional Pathway 1 posts are being advertised in the School. If the Dean and Head of School are satisfied by interview or otherwise that the competences for a transfer to Pathway 1 are satisfied, then the Dean may authorise the transfer, provided the existing Pathway 3 position is not subsequently filled. Where the Dean and Head of School wish to maintain and refill the Pathway 3 position vacated by the Pathway 1 transfer, then permission of the DVC will be required.
Prior to confirming the particular transfer to Pathway 1, the Head of School must meet with the person concerned and reach agreement on the individual’s promotion expectations on Pathway 1. The parties must agree both the expectations for the next promotion point and the date when promotion will be expected. The member of staff may find that promotion on Pathway 1 is agreed at a later date than promotion would otherwise have occurred on Pathway 3 because of the need to satisfy research expectations.
Once the promotion expectations are agreed, details should be forwarded to Human Resources by the Dean so that this can be formally confirmed to the individual.
Where the proposal is for a movement from Pathway 3 to 1 at a higher level, the processes set out above must be completed as a pre-requisite to any case going forward for promotion. On confirmation of the appropriate agreement the individual’s transfer to the new pathway (at the same level) will be effected regardless of success or failure in promotion. Subsequent confirmation of success in promotion will result in the individual being advanced to the higher level.
It is not anticipated that there will be any such transfers, apart from in response to advertised posts as above.
This policy was last reviewed and updated: March 2024
