Merit and Equity Merit, Equity and Employment Principles 1. Service Order No. 154, Part 10, sets out the merit, equity and employment principles which operate in the Teaching Service. Merit is about the most competent applicant being selected for the work required.
Equity is about fair treatment.
Principals or their nominees should ensure that pre-judgement, stereotyping or any other forms of bias do not impact on the processes in the Professional Recognition Program. All teachers should be treated fairly in the process of selection and the continuous process of observation, evaluation of performance, performance feedback and assistance with personal professional development plans. To ensure the principles of merit and equity are observed Merit Protection Boards have been established. Any panel established under the Professional Recognition Program to provide advice to the principal must include a teacher accredited by the Merit Protection Boards in merit and equity principles. Managing diversity The Department of Education has introduced a managing diversity approach in all aspects of policy and management practice.