University’s recruitment process ‘not transparent’

The University of Malta has admitted its selection boards do not keep records of candidates’ performance during interviews and instead only submit final recommendations on who to appoint. Selection board members are given clear guidelines as to what to take into consideration when interviewing a candidate for an academic post. Each set of criteria is given a score weighting. But rather than assign scores to candidates in each individual category, University selection boards are given free rein to pick who they believe will be the most suitable candidate for the post. The process has been staunchly criticised by University ombudsman Charles Farrugia, who in the Ombudsman’s 2011 annual report is quoted as being “deeply perturbed” by the University policy. “The University’s selection process may be fair, untainted and non-discriminatory but it is neither transparent nor accountable,” Prof. Farrugia wrote in disapproval. “Transparency and accountability in all public transactions are not a concession but a right.” A University spokeswoman defended existing practices, arguing that “the selection of staff can never be reduced to a precise numeric or algorithmic rendition of qualities...