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Schedule of Authorities and Delegations - Preamble

1. Philosophy

2. Authorities of Power

3. Authority to delegate

4. Delegations

1. Philosophy

1.1 The philosophy which underpins the QUT Schedule of Authorities and Delegations is one of empowerment within an environment of responsible corporate governance. The major guiding principles are:

• Responsibility and autonomy are to be devolved to the level required in order for an employee to effectively and efficiently perform their duties;
• Delegations will be made to staff within, but not beyond, their areas of competency and ability;
• Devolution of responsibility will not be confused with abdication of responsibility;
• Proper corporate governance will be achieved by ensuring there are adequate internal control structures in place; and
• Adequate performance management systems for monitoring and reporting.

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2. Authorities of power

2.1 Under the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998, QUT Council is the University's governing body (section 8(1)) and has been empowered to do anything necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions (section 9(1)).

2.2 In particular Council has been given the power to appoint the university's staff, to manage and control the university's affairs and property, and to manage and control the university's finances (section 9(2)).

2.3 Under the Queensland University of Technology Act 1998, the Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive officer of the University and may exercise the powers and perform the functions conferred by the QUT Act, Council or another Act (section 32(4)).

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3. Authority to delegate

3.1 Under the QUT Act, Council may delegate its powers to appropriately qualified members of Council, members of staff, or to committees that include at least one member of Council (section 11(1)).

3.2 Council may not delegate its power to make university statutes or rules, to adopt the university's annual budget, or to approve spending of funds available to the university by way of bequest, donation or special grant (section 11(2)).

3.3 The Vice-Chancellor's powers under the QUT Act or another act may be delegated to an appropriately qualified member of staff (section 32(5)).

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4. Delegations

4.1 Delegation of authority by Council is made by resolution recorded in its minutes. Powers delegated by Council may not be further delegated (unless specified).

4.2 Delegation of authority by the Vice-Chancellor is made in writing.

4.3 Delegation may be for a specific occasion or on a continuing basis. All continuing delegation of power must be included in this Schedule.

4.4 Continuing delegation of power to a committee must also be included in the constitution of the committee.

4.5 Continuing delegations may be withdrawn at any time by the delegating body or person.

4.6 A delegate's accountability and reporting requirements must be specified by the delegating body or person at the time the delegation is made.

4.7 Any authority delegated by Council or the Vice-Chancellor to a particular officer includes any person acting in the position of that officer on a temporary basis, unless otherwise specified at the commencement of the period of acting.

4.8 In the event that an officer with a delegated authority is unable to carry out the duties associated with that delegation for any reason, including a conflict of interest or temporary incapacity or absence, the delegated authority evolves to that officer's immediate supervisor.

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