Principles & Policies for Managing Human Resources

2.5.4.  Access To Selection Information

Policy

The Manitoba government strives to maintain transparency in its selection processes and supports the growth and development of employees. 

Candidates who have been notified they were unsuccessful in a competition may request reasons for non-selection or interview feedback.

 

Rationale

Reasons for non-selection or interview feedback is an opportunity to support a candidate's growth and development as well as help them improve for future competitions.

Public bodies are subject to the provisions within The Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and The Personal Investigations Act to release certain information upon request.

Collective Agreements may further outline the obligation to provide reasons for non-selection.

 

Practice

When providing reasons for non-selection, selection board chairs are expected to:

  • Document the discussion
  • Provide meaningful feedback from which candidates can learn and improve for future competitions
  • Focus on the candidate's performance in relation to selection criteria, not other candidates
  • Educate candidates about the hiring process and resources available to prepare for future competitions

When possible and/or appropriate, the hiring manager may participate in the post-board/interview feedback process. Candidates may invite a representative/witness to attend the meeting with them.

When requesting reasons for non-selection, a candidate may also ask the selection board chair to provide:

  • The selection criteria and the relative weights
  • How the candidate rated against each criterion; the candidate is not entitled to information relating to other candidates
  • What information was used to assess the candidate, including reference information and performance appraisals, particularly if this information had a bearing on the decision not to hire
  • The candidate's responses to the interview questions or other assessments used

This request should be provided by the selection board chair.

A letter outlining written reasons shall be provided upon request of the candidate. The letter must be consistent with the verbal discussion and should be reviewed with at least one other member of the selection board to ensure that it represents the consensus view of the board members.


Authority

Effective Date: December 4, 2014


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