Career development fund

Eligible Professional Employees can access financial support for career development activities that enhance their performance and develop their career at the University beyond their current position.

A Professional Employee may apply for career development funds once every two years for funding up to a maximum of $7,500.

• Eligibility

  To be eligible to apply for the Career Development Fund (CDF) Professional employees must:

  • Be employed on a continuing or fixed-term contract with a minimum of one year remaining on their employment contract at the time of applying;
  • Not currently be on probation or notified the University of their resignation; and
  • Provide a copy of their Performance Development Plan (PDP) which outlines how the career development activity requested is linked to their approved Development Goals.

  Career development activities should relate closely to the goals set out in the University’s Strategic and Operational Plans, the needs of your work area, and to the objectives of your Development Goals set out in your Performance Development Plan.

• How to apply

  Applicants are expected to discuss their eligibility and career development goals with their manager prior to applying. To apply, submit to cdf@nd.edu.au:

  • Career Development Fund Application Form
  • Course or Career Activity details
  • Performance Development Plan (Development Goals section)

  Career Development Fund Application Form

• Assessment

  Applications will normally be assessed within 14 working days of submission according to the following criteria:

  • Does the applicant meet the eligibility criteria?
  • Is the career activity relevant?
  • Will the career activity enhance the employees career progression and future roles with the University? Or is the activity more appropriately defined as a professional development activity (which are funded by the work area)?
  • Is the career activity included in the employees Performance Development Plan?
  • Is the same or substantially similar course/activity already offered as a professional development opportunity/course by the University?
  • Are there suitable alternatives available, including if the activity can be sourced locally and not require interstate or overseas travel?
  • Does the career activity have a demonstrable outcome and tangible cost/benefit to the employee, the work area and alignment with the University’s strategic priorities?
  • Is the cost of the career development activity reasonable?

• Award of funds

  Funding of up to $7,500 every 2 years is available (this figure is subject to change annually and is non-cumulative). The University may award funds on a partial basis and is not necessarily expected nor intended to cover all the costs incurred.

  The award of funds covers costs or partial costs related to:

  • Approved registration and / or course fees
  • Travel and accommodation costs, excluding meals, incidental or amenities fees.

  Funds will be allocated as either an upfront payment or a reimbursement. Activities with a registration or enrolment deadline of less than 1 month will normally be processed via reimbursement.

• Career activities

  Career development activities may include:

  • Courses, non-award education or studies offered by external education providers;
  • Conferences, Seminars and Workshops that provide a clear demonstrable outcome and tangible cost/benefit to both the employee and the University.

  Note: Applications to attend Conferences and Seminars will only be approved where the employee can provide evidence that the Conference or Seminar is directly related to their role and contributes to their career development, and the:

  • Conference or Seminar provides interactive learning, generally in the form of a workshop, and the employee registers and attends all relevant sessions and workshops;
  • Employee can demonstrate how the knowledge and skills gained will be applied in their role; and
  • Employee provides a summary report and/or presentation to their colleagues on the key learnings and how they will apply it to their role.

  Professional Development requests essential to an employee’s current position requirements and/or professional development related to their current role are to be discussed with your manager and budgeted and funded by your work area.

• Reporting

  Employees are to provide a summary report to People & Culture on the key learnings and how they will apply it to their role within 2 weeks of completion of the career activity for all approved CDF applications.

  Employees who fail to meet the reporting requirements on their return may not be eligible for future Career Development Funding.

Contact

For all career development fund enquiries please email cdf@nd.edu.au.