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.

• 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 criteria

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

  • The applicant must meet the established eligibility criteria.
  • The career activity must be relevant to the employee's role or career path.
  • The activity must enhance the employee’s career progression and prepare them for future roles within the University. Activities primarily considered professional development should be funded by the work area.
  • The career activity must be included in the employee’s Performance Development Plan (PDP).
  • The activity must not duplicate existing professional development opportunities or courses already offered by the University.
  • The activity must demonstrate clear outcomes and provide tangible cost/benefit to the employee, their work area, and the University while aligning with the University’s strategic priorities.
  • The cost of the career development activity must be reasonable and justifiable in relation to its expected benefits.

• Award of funds

  Funding is available every two years, subject to change annually and on a non-cumulative basis. The University may allocate funds on a partial basis and does not guarantee or intend to cover all associated costs.
  
  The award of funds covers costs or partial costs related to:

  • Approved registration and / or course fees

  Note: The Career Development Fund will only cover the costs associated with the program fees. Any travel or associated costs required to attend the program will need to be funded by the relevant Faculty, School, or Division.

  We recommend discussing these additional expenses with your supervisor or relevant budget holder within your area to confirm funding arrangements before applying for the program.

  Thank you for your understanding and support in ensuring the equitable distribution of Career Development Fund resources.

• 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.