Delegations - Guidance Notes

All delegations at Flinders University derive their authority from Council or the Vice-Chancellor. In order to ensure the efficient operation of the University, authorities may be delegated by means of:

• a minuted resolution of Council or a committee with authority to delegate
• a policy or procedures approved in accordance with the Policy Framework, or
• an instrument in writing (including a memo or email) from or approved by the Vice-Chancellor or, where sub-delegation is permitted, from or approved by a delegate.

Exercise of delegation

In accordance with the University's Delegations Policy, when exercising their delegated authorities or powers delegates must act:

• in the interests of the University
• in accordance with any applicable legislative, regulatory, contractual or policy requirements (including the Conflict of Interest Policy)
• in accordance with any limits or conditions attached to the delegation, and
• applying their own informed discretion and professional judgment to the matter, based on consultation and advice as the situation requires.

A delegation to a specified position applies to the position, not to the individual holding it. The delegation may be exercised by, or referred to, any staff member holding a position which is more senior in the delegate’s direct reporting line, unless otherwise specified in the instrument of delegation.

A delegation to a position is held by the person in the position at the time the delegation is being exercised. Hence, a person appointed as a temporary or acting holder of a position has the authorities delegated to that position, unless otherwise specified in the instrument of appointment or delegation.

A delegation to a committee is to the committee as a whole, not individual members of it.

If a position or committee holding a delegation is abolished or renamed, the delegation transfers to the position or committee’s principal successor until the instrument of delegation (policy or procedures) is amended.

Sub-delegation

A delegation may not be sub-delegated by a delegate unless the instrument of delegation allows it.

All sub-delegations are to be made by an instrument in writing (including a memo or email) from or approved by the Vice-Chancellor or, where sub-delegation is permitted, from or approved by a delegate.

Sub-delegates have personal responsibility for decisions and actions taken under their respective delegations, although the delegating authority retains an ongoing accountability for the decisions and actions taken under the delegation.

Delegating authorities (including those who sub-delegate) are responsible for ensuring that the instrument of delegation is submitted to the Senior Policy and Projects Officer (policy@flinders.edu.au) who will file it in the University’s records management system and add the delegation to any relevant registers.