Academy of Science South Africa 2005/6 Annual Report

ASSAfProgramme 1Scientific thinking for the good of societyThe Academy strives in the recruitment of staff to pursue a comprehensive and fair selection process,with due regard to its empowerment and employment equity strategies; in appointing staff. ASSAfsupports the dual principle of equal opportunity and employment on the basis of merit and potential.Vacancies are filled by promotion from within when this is permitted by law and justified byappropriate staff development and performance management considerations. When no suitable candidateis available internally, the search is extended to selection from outside (drawing in candidates throughpublic advertisement; shortlisting by a core group drawn from the chair and at least two members ofthe selection committee appointed by the Council; solicitation of referees’ letters; interview with the fullselection committee). Only posts for which prior ASSAf Council approval with respect to the requirementand the budget has been obtained, may be filled.ASSAf follows a remuneration policy that seeks to recruit, retain and motivate competent employeesby means of a reward system that is both market- and context-related, and which differentiates on thebasis of job responsibility and individual performance. A portion of an employee’s remuneration is basedon some individual and/or organisational measure of performance.Institutional policy developmentThe Academy through its governing Council has developed policies and guidelines for its activities asthey became necessary. The initiation of the African Science Academies Development Initiative (ASADI)partnership with the US National Academies prompted the generation, proposal and adoption of thefollowing items:Guidelines for proposals of science-based topics in terms of the ASSAf ActGuidelines for proposals of science-based topics (project proposals)Guidelines for the appointment of Study Panels and Forum Steering CommitteesPolicy on ConferencesFormation of a “Committee on Science for the Alleviation of Poverty” (first example of an ASSAf “Board”)14 Promoting Excellence in Science for Society