The Selection Process for Governor in Council Appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
On July 9, 2007 the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, announced changes to the Selection Process for Appointment of GIC Members to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). These changes are to implement the Minister's decision to accept the recommendations made in the Public Appointments Commission Secretariat's (PACS) January 2007 report to the Minister. The report makes recommendations for improvements as a result ofPACS' comprehensive evaluation of the 2004 merit-based appointment process. The revised selection process will strengthen the merit-based competency focus of GIC appointments to the IRB while increasing transparency and fairness.
Under the revised selection process, the IRB Chairperson will be accountable for the selection of qualified candidates as recommended to the Minister to be considered for appointment to the IRB. The selection process will continue to be an independent, transparent and merit-based process that will ensure that only qualified candidates will be considered for appointment. The qualifications of candidates will be measured against a high standard of competence and personal suitability to ensure that skills and abilities are the basis for the appointment.
Changes to the Selection Process:
- Selection Advisory Board
Under the revised IRB Selection Process, a new Selection Advisory Board (SAB) presided over by the IRB Chairperson merges the former Advisory Panel and Chairperson's Selection Board, and reflects a membership that will ensure that the public interest, including the interest of the IRB, is met. The SAB is composed of at least seven members, consisting of an equal number of persons from outside the IRB jointly appointed by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the IRB Chairperson; and persons who are IRB personnel appointed by the IRB Chairperson. All members of the SAB are required to affirm their impartiality in all aspects of the selection process.
- Written Test
A pass/fail mark will be applied to the written test which will ensure a more objective assessment of candidates while strengthening merit and increasing transparency.
- Recruitment Strategy
The timing and frequency of recruitment campaigns will support an appropriate resourcing level of the IRB as well as an ongoing pool of qualified candidates while ensuring an appropriately broad and representative Board.
- Elements of the Selection Process
The selection process will consist of five elements: a preliminary screening, SAB review for suitability, written test, interview and reference/validation checks. The elements will be based on objective criteria and competency standards, which will include required levels of competence to ensure qualified candidates for appointment.
The Selection Process:
- Preliminary Screening
The Governor in Council Secretariat Services (GICSS) will conduct a preliminary screening of all applications received by the IRB. This screening will evaluate basic requirements (education and experience). Candidates will be advised in writing of their status in the selection process.
- Selection Advisory Board Review
The SAB will meet and review the curriculum vitae and application form of all candidates screened in by GICSS. Based on objective criteria established by the SAB, a consensus will be reached on the suitability of candidates for further consideration. An HR consultant will facilitate the review of applications and will record all SAB conclusions. GICSS will advise candidates in writing whether or not they have been successful in the SAB review process.
- Written Test
The GICSS will arrange for the written test to be administered to candidates screened in by the SAB. The timing and frequency of the administration of the written test will support an appropriate resourcing level of the IRB, regional needs as well as an ongoing pool of qualified candidates. The written test will evaluate four competencies: conceptual thinking, judgement/analytical thinking, decision making and written communication. GICSS will screen written test results based on a validated pass/fail mark. GICSS will then advise candidates in writing whether or not they have been successful in the written test screening.
- Selection Advisory Board Interview
GICSS will invite successful candidates to a behavioural event interview by a panel consisting of three members of the SAB: the IRB Chairperson (or designate), one of the jointly-appointed members, one IRB representative, as well as one external HR consultant. The HR consultant will be an active member of the interview panel. The interview panel will conduct a behavioural event interview and will assess/screen candidates based on six competencies: oral communication, information seeking, self-control, organizational skills, results orientation and cultural competence. All members of the interview panel will have received appropriate training in conducting behavioural event interviews.
- Reference/Validation Checks
The external HR consultant will conduct reference checks on each successful candidate. In some situations, further validation may be required.
- Pool of Qualified Candidates
Based on the results of the interview and based on the results of the reference and validation checks, the IRB Chairperson will communicate in writing the names of the qualified candidates to the Minister and will inform the SAB members.
- Appointments
The Minister will recommend appointments to the Governor in Council from the pool of qualified candidates taking into consideration IRB operational requirements, gender, diversity and linguistic requirements where necessary.
- Validity of Results
Candidates who are screened out or not appointed to the IRB may re-apply after two years from the date of their final screening.
Reappointment Process:
The reappointment process for IRB members will continue to reflect a performance evaluation consistent with the merit-based competency criteria. The Minister will continue to recommend the reappointment of members to the Governor in Council after taking note of the IRB Chairperson's recommendations concerning performance.
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