Making a business case

A key part of the recruitment planning process is to consider the requirement for the post and, once recruitment is to be considered, to make a business case for this. This applies equally whether you are considering filling a vacant post, or recruiting to a new post. 

In putting together a business case the following should be considered:

  • What is the main purpose of this post?
  • What is the operational and financial case for recruiting to/refilling this post?
  • Could the functions of this role be absorbed within the existing staff complement across the department?

Consideration should be given to the following questions and at least one of these conditions should be met:

  • Is the post fully externally funded?
  • Are there overwhelming academic or operational imperatives to fill the post, and if so, what are these?
  • Are there safety or reputational risks to the University if the post is not filled, and if so, what are these?
  • Are there legal requirements to fill this post and if so, what are these?
  • Would demonstrable financial loss to the University result if the post were not filled and if so, can details be provided?
  • Does the post form part of a restructuring proposal which has demonstrated that its filling is necessary to produce overall savings or to increase income significantly and if so, can details be provided?
  • Is filling the post highly desirable for other reasons and if so what are the reasons?

Careful consideration should also be given to whether the post is most appropriately advertised internally only, or whether an external advertisement is justified.

Departments and/or divisions may have formal approval processes, replacing the recruitment protocol (suspended as of 31 May 2012). Please check with your divisional office.

  For relevant posts a completed business case should be attached to the staff request.

Documents