The Detail Layer — The Ten-Second Delegation Check · Clear at the Bench · The People Practice

Standing at the pass — the Ten-Second Delegation Check.

Here is Exhibit A in full: the People-lane sort for a Laboratory Director holding Tier 4 authority at Ironbark, expanded to 98 recurring decision moments across nine categories. Every verdict is readable in ten seconds — the time it takes to reach for the phone you now don’t need to pick up.

Green · Yours

Decide and record — explicit, written autonomy.

Amber · With a check

One named check precedes the decision — then it’s yours.

Red · Two calls

Jurisdiction sits above, or in a formal pathway.

How to read a row: the verdict tells the Laboratory Director what happens next — green means decide and record; amber names the one check that precedes their decision; red names where the decision actually lives. In the working session every row gets red-penned: the verdicts you’d move, the moments that are missing, and the fifteen that deserve full Decision Cards first. This table is the Laboratory Director’s cut — the Principal Scientist and Senior Shift Scientist views are produced from the same rows with the level column re-set. One table, three Bench Cards.

Card	Decision moment	Light	Whose call	The check / the note
Recruitment & engagement
WF-REC-01	Advertise a funded, established vacancyLike-for-like profile, budget line confirmed	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Decide and record; recruitment plan lodged with Workforce.
WF-REC-02	Approve like-for-like backfill of a vacated positionEstablished role, no change to classification or hours	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Within budget; note service continuity rationale.
WF-REC-03	Engage a casual to cover unplanned absence (≤ 4 weeks)Short-notice coverage within roster budget	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Record engagement dates; standard casual loading applies.
WF-REC-04	Extend a fixed-term contract within current term limitsNo change to role or classification	Amber · with a check	LD after Workforce check	Check cumulative tenure — conversion triggers may apply.
WF-REC-05	Convert a fixed-term employee to ongoingEligibility under conversion provisions	Amber · with a check	LD on Workforce endorsement	Eligibility criteria under the determination must be evidenced.
WF-REC-06	Make a direct (non-advertised) appointmentMerit-exemption pathway	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce endorsement	Exemption criteria documented before offer, not after.
WF-REC-07	Engage agency / labour-hire coverTemporary external engagement	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Procurement rules apply — rate card, tenure limits and engagement route noted.
WF-REC-08	Approve higher duties up to 6 monthsActing within the classification stream	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Record dates and allowance level.
WF-REC-09	Extend higher duties beyond 6 monthsExtended acting arrangement	Red · two calls	Tier 2 / workforce director	Cumulative period counts — a merit-process question may trigger. One-page brief via your HRBP.
WF-REC-10	Create a new position (new FTE)Establishment change	Red · two calls	Executive	Refer up with workforce-plan and budget case.
WF-REC-11	Reclassify an existing positionWork value change	Red · two calls	Workforce → Executive	Work value assessment required; not a local call.
WF-REC-12	Appoint above the base incrementAdvanced commencement salary	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce endorsement	Skills/market evidence on file before offer.
WF-REC-13	Approve a secondment out of the organisationEmployee released to another agency	Amber · with a check	LD + release agreement	Backfill plan and return date documented.
WF-REC-14	Host an inbound secondmentExternal employee placed in	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Cost, duration and reporting line documented.
WF-REC-15	Appoint an honorary / volunteer / observerUnpaid placement	Amber · with a check	LD with credential check	Screening, inductions and insurance verified first.
WF-REC-16	Employ a close relative into own reporting linePotential conflict of interest	Red · two calls	Refer up + COI declaration	Selection decision must sit outside the relationship.
Leave & absence
WF-LEA-01	Approve annual leaveService coverage confirmed	Green · yours	Team leader / LD	Decide and record; roster coverage noted.
WF-LEA-02	Approve sick leave with certificateStandard personal leave	Green · yours	Team leader	Record in system.
WF-LEA-03	Accept sick leave without certificate beyond thresholdPattern or extended absence	Amber · with a check	Laboratory Director	Pattern check; a certificate direction may be warranted.
WF-LEA-04	Approve long service leaveAccrued entitlement	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Notice period per award; coverage plan noted.
WF-LEA-05	Approve leave without pay ≤ 3 monthsShort unpaid absence	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Return date and backfill approach recorded.
WF-LEA-06	Approve leave without pay > 3 monthsExtended unpaid absence	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Tenure, increment and position-holding impacts checked.
WF-LEA-07	Process parental leave within entitlementStatutory / award entitlement	Green · yours	Via Workforce	Entitlement-based; verify dates and return plan.
WF-LEA-08	Extend parental leave beyond entitlementDiscretionary extension	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Award and determination limits apply.
WF-LEA-09	Approve a purchased leave arrangementSalary-adjusted additional leave	Amber · with a check	LD with payroll check	Deduction schedule and review date set.
WF-LEA-10	Grant compassionate / bereavement leavePer entitlement	Green · yours	Team leader / LD	Decide with care; record simply.
WF-LEA-11	Grant special leave with pay (exceptional)Outside standard entitlements	Red · two calls	Executive	Rare; documented case travels up.
WF-LEA-12	Approve study leave within policyApproved study agreement in place	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Coverage confirmed; agreement on file.
WF-LEA-13	Approve conference / CPD leave (no cost)Leave only, no travel spend	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Coverage confirmed.
WF-LEA-14	Direct an employee to reduce excess leaveExcess accrual management	Amber · with a check	LD after consultation	Award consultation steps precede any direction.
WF-LEA-15	Recall an employee from approved leaveGenuine operational need	Amber · with a check	Laboratory Director	Costs of recall covered; use sparingly.
WF-LEA-16	Cash out annual leavePayment in lieu of leave	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Strict award conditions govern; agreement in writing.
Hours, rostering & flexible work
WF-FLX-01	Approve a roster change within roster rulesNotice periods met	Green · yours	Team leader	Decide and publish.
WF-FLX-02	Approve overtime within budgetPre-approved additional hours	Green · yours	LD / team leader	Pre-approval before the hours, not after.
WF-FLX-03	Approve a recall-to-duty claimCall-back to the workplace	Green · yours	Team leader	Verify times against the roster.
WF-FLX-04	Set an on-call arrangementStanding availability roster	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Award on-call provisions and allowances apply.
WF-FLX-05	Approve a flexible work arrangement requestFormal request under legislation	Amber · with a check	Laboratory Director	Genuine consideration required; terms documented.
WF-FLX-06	Refuse a flexible work requestFormal refusal	Red · two calls	LD only on Workforce advice	Legislative grounds and process — get advice before the answer.
WF-FLX-07	Approve working from home (role-suitable)Suitable duties, suitable setup	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	WHS checklist completed first.
WF-FLX-08	Vary part-time hours by agreementContract variation	Amber · with a check	LD with payroll notification	Variation letter issued; system updated.
WF-FLX-09	Approve a job-share arrangementTwo employees, one role	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Coverage design and handover rhythm agreed.
WF-FLX-10	Approve TOIL in lieu of overtimeTime off instead of payment	Green · yours	Team leader	By agreement; accrual caps apply.
WF-FLX-11	Approve additional hours for part-time staffExtra hours within budget	Green · yours	Team leader	Rate rules checked; record hours.
WF-FLX-12	Approve an averaging-of-hours arrangementHours averaged across a cycle	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Award provisions govern the design.
Pay, allowances & travel
WF-PAY-01	Approve payment of higher duties allowanceFollows an approved HD arrangement	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Flows from the HD approval; verify dates.
WF-PAY-02	Approve professional development spend within budgetWithin per-person cap	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Budget line and cap checked.
WF-PAY-03	Approve intrastate travelStandard fares and accommodation	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Purpose recorded; policy rates apply.
WF-PAY-04	Approve interstate travelBeyond standard local travel	Amber · with a check	LD with budget check	Business case on file before booking.
WF-PAY-05	Approve international travelOverseas representation or CPD	Red · two calls	Executive / Chief Executive	Central approval with long lead time — start early.
WF-PAY-06	Approve a conference package (registration + travel)Combined spend	Amber · with a check	Laboratory Director	Combined cost threshold; itemise before approving.
WF-PAY-07	Approve a qualification / professional allowanceAllowance tied to credential	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce verification	Eligibility evidence sighted first.
WF-PAY-08	Initiate an overpayment recovery planSalary overpayment identified	Amber · with a check	Workforce leads; LD informed	Consultation and hardship provisions govern the schedule.
WF-PAY-09	Approve reimbursement of work expensesReceipted, policy-eligible costs	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Receipts attached; caps observed.
WF-PAY-10	Approve relocation assistanceAssisted move for appointee	Red · two calls	Executive	Policy criteria; central budget.
WF-PAY-11	Approve a market / attraction allowanceAbove-award attraction payment	Red · two calls	Executive on Workforce advice	Determination criteria are strict; case travels up.
WF-PAY-12	Handle a salary packaging queryProvider-administered benefit	Green · yours	Signpost to provider	Not a delegation decision — signpost, don't solve.
Performance & development
WF-PDV-01	Sign off an annual performance reviewStandard cycle	Green · yours	Team leader / LD	System record completed.
WF-PDV-02	Approve a development plan with funded actionsWithin PD budget	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Budget line noted on the plan.
WF-PDV-03	Hold an informal performance conversationEarly, informal feedback	Green · yours	Team leader	File note; no process implications yet.
WF-PDV-04	Commence a formal performance improvement processStructured underperformance response	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce advice	Procedural fairness steps set before the first meeting.
WF-PDV-05	Approve external course sponsorship with a bondFunded study with service commitment	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Study assistance agreement signed first.
WF-PDV-06	Approve a conference presentation by staffEmployee representing the organisation	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	If data or research is involved, the research lane applies too.
WF-PDV-07	Approve professional registration / membership supportPolicy-eligible support	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Eligibility per policy; record renewal date.
WF-PDV-08	Engage an external coach or mentorPaid external development support	Amber · with a check	LD with procurement check	Procurement thresholds apply to the engagement.
WF-PDV-09	Approve study assistance (fees)Fee support for approved study	Amber · with a check	Laboratory Director	Agreement and service commitment documented.
WF-PDV-10	Nominate staff for a leadership programmeDevelopment nomination	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Transparent selection rationale noted.
Conduct, complaints & discipline
WF-CON-01	Hold an informal counselling conversationEarly conduct conversation	Green · yours	Team leader	File note; tone matters more than form.
WF-CON-02	Issue a documented reasonable directionFormal written direction	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce advice	Wording matters — draft with Workforce before issuing.
WF-CON-03	Receive and triage a grievanceFirst contact with a complaint	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce	Acknowledge within timeframe; agree the pathway early.
WF-CON-04	Refer a bullying / harassment complaintFormal complaint received	Red · two calls	Refer to Workforce	Formal pathway; no local investigation.
WF-CON-05	Commence a misconduct processSuspected misconduct	Red · two calls	Workforce / Executive	The determination process governs from the first step.
WF-CON-06	Suspend an employee (with pay) pending processInterim action	Red · two calls	Executive on advice	Never a local decision — two calls, immediately.
WF-CON-07	Assess a conflict of interest declarationDeclared interest	Amber · with a check	LD records; escalate if material	Register updated; material conflicts travel up.
WF-CON-08	Receive a public interest disclosureStatutory disclosure	Red · two calls	Designated officer	Statutory pathway and confidentiality — handle nothing locally.
WF-CON-09	Approve a secondary employment requestOutside employment	Amber · with a check	LD with COI screen	Conditions recorded; review annually.
WF-CON-10	Respond to a media / social media conduct issuePublic-facing conduct matter	Red · two calls	Workforce + Communications	Coordinated handling; no solo response.
Separation, probation & transition
WF-SEP-01	Accept a resignationStandard notice given	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Acknowledge in writing; final pay initiated.
WF-SEP-02	Agree a shorter notice periodBy mutual agreement	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Record the agreement; adjust final pay.
WF-SEP-03	Confirm appointment at end of probationSuccessful probation	Amber · with a check	LD after Workforce check	Review evidence on file before the date.
WF-SEP-04	Extend a probation periodMore time needed to assess	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce advice	Must be decided and communicated before expiry.
WF-SEP-05	Terminate during probationUnsuccessful probation	Red · two calls	Executive on Workforce advice	Process-critical; advice before any conversation.
WF-SEP-06	Non-renew a fixed-term contract at expiryContract concludes	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Notice, reasons and any conversion rights checked.
WF-SEP-07	Support a redeployment caseEmployee seeking placement	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce	Suitable-role search documented.
WF-SEP-08	Approve a phased retirement arrangementTransition to retirement	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce check	Hours, dates and superannuation implications mapped.
Safety, injury & wellbeing
WF-WHS-01	Record and notify a workplace injuryIncident notification	Green · yours	Team leader	Within the notification window; support first, forms second.
WF-WHS-02	Refer for early intervention supportPre-claim support	Green · yours	Team leader / LD	Consent-based; the earlier the better.
WF-WHS-03	Approve a suitable duties (recover-at-work) planModified duties during recovery	Amber · with a check	LD with case manager	Medical restrictions honoured to the letter.
WF-WHS-04	Provide input on a workers compensation claimClaim liaison	Amber · with a check	Workforce / claims agent lead	LD provides operational input; agent decides liability.
WF-WHS-05	Refer an employee to EAPConfidential support	Green · yours	Anyone	No approval needed — confidential and immediate.
WF-WHS-06	Approve a workstation or equipment adjustmentErgonomic / access adjustment	Green · yours	Laboratory Director	Assessment on file; budget line noted.
WF-WHS-07	Grant a fatigue management exceptionDeparture from fatigue rules	Red · two calls	Executive on advice	Safety-critical — the exception is the red flag.
WF-WHS-08	Direct compliance with a health-monitoring requirementPolicy compliance direction	Amber · with a check	LD with Workforce	Policy pathway; document each step.
Structure & establishment
WF-STR-01	Update a role description (no work value change)Housekeeping update	Green · yours	LD with Workforce format check	Version control; no classification impact.
WF-STR-02	Reallocate FTE between teams within establishmentBudget-neutral shuffle	Amber · with a check	LD with finance check	Budget neutrality evidenced.
WF-STR-03	Change reporting lines within the directorateLocal structure adjustment	Amber · with a check	LD with consultation	Consult affected staff; notify Workforce.
WF-STR-04	Abolish a positionEstablishment reduction	Red · two calls	Executive	Consultation obligations under the enterprise agreement.
WF-STR-05	Increase the establishment (new FTE)Growth in positions	Red · two calls	Executive	Budget and workforce-plan case travel up.
WF-STR-06	Commence a restructure / consultation processFormal change process	Red · two calls	Executive with Workforce	Agreement consultation clauses govern from day one.

Card

Decision moment

Light

Whose call

The check / the note

Recruitment & engagement

WF-REC-01

Advertise a funded, established vacancyLike-for-like profile, budget line confirmed

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Decide and record; recruitment plan lodged with Workforce.

WF-REC-02

Approve like-for-like backfill of a vacated positionEstablished role, no change to classification or hours

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Within budget; note service continuity rationale.

WF-REC-03

Engage a casual to cover unplanned absence (≤ 4 weeks)Short-notice coverage within roster budget

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Record engagement dates; standard casual loading applies.

WF-REC-04

Extend a fixed-term contract within current term limitsNo change to role or classification

Amber · with a check

LD after Workforce check

Check cumulative tenure — conversion triggers may apply.

WF-REC-05

Convert a fixed-term employee to ongoingEligibility under conversion provisions

Amber · with a check

LD on Workforce endorsement

Eligibility criteria under the determination must be evidenced.

WF-REC-06

Make a direct (non-advertised) appointmentMerit-exemption pathway

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce endorsement

Exemption criteria documented before offer, not after.

WF-REC-07

Engage agency / labour-hire coverTemporary external engagement

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Procurement rules apply — rate card, tenure limits and engagement route noted.

WF-REC-08

Approve higher duties up to 6 monthsActing within the classification stream

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Record dates and allowance level.

WF-REC-09

Extend higher duties beyond 6 monthsExtended acting arrangement

Red · two calls

Tier 2 / workforce director

Cumulative period counts — a merit-process question may trigger. One-page brief via your HRBP.

WF-REC-10

Create a new position (new FTE)Establishment change

Red · two calls

Executive

Refer up with workforce-plan and budget case.

WF-REC-11

Reclassify an existing positionWork value change

Red · two calls

Workforce → Executive

Work value assessment required; not a local call.

WF-REC-12

Appoint above the base incrementAdvanced commencement salary

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce endorsement

Skills/market evidence on file before offer.

WF-REC-13

Approve a secondment out of the organisationEmployee released to another agency

Amber · with a check

LD + release agreement

Backfill plan and return date documented.

WF-REC-14

Host an inbound secondmentExternal employee placed in

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Cost, duration and reporting line documented.

WF-REC-15

Appoint an honorary / volunteer / observerUnpaid placement

Amber · with a check

LD with credential check

Screening, inductions and insurance verified first.

WF-REC-16

Employ a close relative into own reporting linePotential conflict of interest

Red · two calls

Refer up + COI declaration

Selection decision must sit outside the relationship.

Leave & absence

WF-LEA-01

Approve annual leaveService coverage confirmed

Green · yours

Team leader / LD

Decide and record; roster coverage noted.

WF-LEA-02

Approve sick leave with certificateStandard personal leave

Green · yours

Team leader

Record in system.

WF-LEA-03

Accept sick leave without certificate beyond thresholdPattern or extended absence

Amber · with a check

Laboratory Director

Pattern check; a certificate direction may be warranted.

WF-LEA-04

Approve long service leaveAccrued entitlement

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Notice period per award; coverage plan noted.

WF-LEA-05

Approve leave without pay ≤ 3 monthsShort unpaid absence

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Return date and backfill approach recorded.

WF-LEA-06

Approve leave without pay > 3 monthsExtended unpaid absence

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Tenure, increment and position-holding impacts checked.

WF-LEA-07

Process parental leave within entitlementStatutory / award entitlement

Green · yours

Via Workforce

Entitlement-based; verify dates and return plan.

WF-LEA-08

Extend parental leave beyond entitlementDiscretionary extension

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Award and determination limits apply.

WF-LEA-09

Approve a purchased leave arrangementSalary-adjusted additional leave

Amber · with a check

LD with payroll check

Deduction schedule and review date set.

WF-LEA-10

Grant compassionate / bereavement leavePer entitlement

Green · yours

Team leader / LD

Decide with care; record simply.

WF-LEA-11

Grant special leave with pay (exceptional)Outside standard entitlements

Red · two calls

Executive

Rare; documented case travels up.

WF-LEA-12

Approve study leave within policyApproved study agreement in place

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Coverage confirmed; agreement on file.

WF-LEA-13

Approve conference / CPD leave (no cost)Leave only, no travel spend

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Coverage confirmed.

WF-LEA-14

Direct an employee to reduce excess leaveExcess accrual management

Amber · with a check

LD after consultation

Award consultation steps precede any direction.

WF-LEA-15

Recall an employee from approved leaveGenuine operational need

Amber · with a check

Laboratory Director

Costs of recall covered; use sparingly.

WF-LEA-16

Cash out annual leavePayment in lieu of leave

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Strict award conditions govern; agreement in writing.

Hours, rostering & flexible work

WF-FLX-01

Approve a roster change within roster rulesNotice periods met

Green · yours

Team leader

Decide and publish.

WF-FLX-02

Approve overtime within budgetPre-approved additional hours

Green · yours

LD / team leader

Pre-approval before the hours, not after.

WF-FLX-03

Approve a recall-to-duty claimCall-back to the workplace

Green · yours

Team leader

Verify times against the roster.

WF-FLX-04

Set an on-call arrangementStanding availability roster

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Award on-call provisions and allowances apply.

WF-FLX-05

Approve a flexible work arrangement requestFormal request under legislation

Amber · with a check

Laboratory Director

Genuine consideration required; terms documented.

WF-FLX-06

Refuse a flexible work requestFormal refusal

Red · two calls

LD only on Workforce advice

Legislative grounds and process — get advice before the answer.

WF-FLX-07

Approve working from home (role-suitable)Suitable duties, suitable setup

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

WHS checklist completed first.

WF-FLX-08

Vary part-time hours by agreementContract variation

Amber · with a check

LD with payroll notification

Variation letter issued; system updated.

WF-FLX-09

Approve a job-share arrangementTwo employees, one role

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Coverage design and handover rhythm agreed.

WF-FLX-10

Approve TOIL in lieu of overtimeTime off instead of payment

Green · yours

Team leader

By agreement; accrual caps apply.

WF-FLX-11

Approve additional hours for part-time staffExtra hours within budget

Green · yours

Team leader

Rate rules checked; record hours.

WF-FLX-12

Approve an averaging-of-hours arrangementHours averaged across a cycle

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Award provisions govern the design.

Pay, allowances & travel

WF-PAY-01

Approve payment of higher duties allowanceFollows an approved HD arrangement

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Flows from the HD approval; verify dates.

WF-PAY-02

Approve professional development spend within budgetWithin per-person cap

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Budget line and cap checked.

WF-PAY-03

Approve intrastate travelStandard fares and accommodation

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Purpose recorded; policy rates apply.

WF-PAY-04

Approve interstate travelBeyond standard local travel

Amber · with a check

LD with budget check

Business case on file before booking.

WF-PAY-05

Approve international travelOverseas representation or CPD

Red · two calls

Executive / Chief Executive

Central approval with long lead time — start early.

WF-PAY-06

Approve a conference package (registration + travel)Combined spend

Amber · with a check

Laboratory Director

Combined cost threshold; itemise before approving.

WF-PAY-07

Approve a qualification / professional allowanceAllowance tied to credential

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce verification

Eligibility evidence sighted first.

WF-PAY-08

Initiate an overpayment recovery planSalary overpayment identified

Amber · with a check

Workforce leads; LD informed

Consultation and hardship provisions govern the schedule.

WF-PAY-09

Approve reimbursement of work expensesReceipted, policy-eligible costs

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Receipts attached; caps observed.

WF-PAY-10

Approve relocation assistanceAssisted move for appointee

Red · two calls

Executive

Policy criteria; central budget.

WF-PAY-11

Approve a market / attraction allowanceAbove-award attraction payment

Red · two calls

Executive on Workforce advice

Determination criteria are strict; case travels up.

WF-PAY-12

Handle a salary packaging queryProvider-administered benefit

Green · yours

Signpost to provider

Not a delegation decision — signpost, don't solve.

Performance & development

WF-PDV-01

Sign off an annual performance reviewStandard cycle

Green · yours

Team leader / LD

System record completed.

WF-PDV-02

Approve a development plan with funded actionsWithin PD budget

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Budget line noted on the plan.

WF-PDV-03

Hold an informal performance conversationEarly, informal feedback

Green · yours

Team leader

File note; no process implications yet.

WF-PDV-04

Commence a formal performance improvement processStructured underperformance response

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce advice

Procedural fairness steps set before the first meeting.

WF-PDV-05

Approve external course sponsorship with a bondFunded study with service commitment

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Study assistance agreement signed first.

WF-PDV-06

Approve a conference presentation by staffEmployee representing the organisation

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

If data or research is involved, the research lane applies too.

WF-PDV-07

Approve professional registration / membership supportPolicy-eligible support

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Eligibility per policy; record renewal date.

WF-PDV-08

Engage an external coach or mentorPaid external development support

Amber · with a check

LD with procurement check

Procurement thresholds apply to the engagement.

WF-PDV-09

Approve study assistance (fees)Fee support for approved study

Amber · with a check

Laboratory Director

Agreement and service commitment documented.

WF-PDV-10

Nominate staff for a leadership programmeDevelopment nomination

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Transparent selection rationale noted.

Conduct, complaints & discipline

WF-CON-01

Hold an informal counselling conversationEarly conduct conversation

Green · yours

Team leader

File note; tone matters more than form.

WF-CON-02

Issue a documented reasonable directionFormal written direction

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce advice

Wording matters — draft with Workforce before issuing.

WF-CON-03

Receive and triage a grievanceFirst contact with a complaint

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce

Acknowledge within timeframe; agree the pathway early.

WF-CON-04

Refer a bullying / harassment complaintFormal complaint received

Red · two calls

Refer to Workforce

Formal pathway; no local investigation.

WF-CON-05

Commence a misconduct processSuspected misconduct

Red · two calls

Workforce / Executive

The determination process governs from the first step.

WF-CON-06

Suspend an employee (with pay) pending processInterim action

Red · two calls

Executive on advice

Never a local decision — two calls, immediately.

WF-CON-07

Assess a conflict of interest declarationDeclared interest

Amber · with a check

LD records; escalate if material

WF-CON-08

Receive a public interest disclosureStatutory disclosure

Red · two calls

Designated officer

Statutory pathway and confidentiality — handle nothing locally.

WF-CON-09

Approve a secondary employment requestOutside employment

Amber · with a check

LD with COI screen

Conditions recorded; review annually.

WF-CON-10

Respond to a media / social media conduct issuePublic-facing conduct matter

Red · two calls

Workforce + Communications

Coordinated handling; no solo response.

Separation, probation & transition

WF-SEP-01

Accept a resignationStandard notice given

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Acknowledge in writing; final pay initiated.

WF-SEP-02

Agree a shorter notice periodBy mutual agreement

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Record the agreement; adjust final pay.

WF-SEP-03

Confirm appointment at end of probationSuccessful probation

Amber · with a check

LD after Workforce check

Review evidence on file before the date.

WF-SEP-04

Extend a probation periodMore time needed to assess

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce advice

Must be decided and communicated before expiry.

WF-SEP-05

Terminate during probationUnsuccessful probation

Red · two calls

Executive on Workforce advice

Process-critical; advice before any conversation.

WF-SEP-06

Non-renew a fixed-term contract at expiryContract concludes

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Notice, reasons and any conversion rights checked.

WF-SEP-07

Support a redeployment caseEmployee seeking placement

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce

Suitable-role search documented.

WF-SEP-08

Approve a phased retirement arrangementTransition to retirement

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce check

Hours, dates and superannuation implications mapped.

Safety, injury & wellbeing

WF-WHS-01

Record and notify a workplace injuryIncident notification

Green · yours

Team leader

Within the notification window; support first, forms second.

WF-WHS-02

Refer for early intervention supportPre-claim support

Green · yours

Team leader / LD

Consent-based; the earlier the better.

WF-WHS-03

Approve a suitable duties (recover-at-work) planModified duties during recovery

Amber · with a check

LD with case manager

Medical restrictions honoured to the letter.

WF-WHS-04

Provide input on a workers compensation claimClaim liaison

Amber · with a check

Workforce / claims agent lead

LD provides operational input; agent decides liability.

WF-WHS-05

Refer an employee to EAPConfidential support

Green · yours

Anyone

No approval needed — confidential and immediate.

WF-WHS-06

Approve a workstation or equipment adjustmentErgonomic / access adjustment

Green · yours

Laboratory Director

Assessment on file; budget line noted.

WF-WHS-07

Grant a fatigue management exceptionDeparture from fatigue rules

Red · two calls

Executive on advice

Safety-critical — the exception is the red flag.

WF-WHS-08

Direct compliance with a health-monitoring requirementPolicy compliance direction

Amber · with a check

LD with Workforce

Policy pathway; document each step.

Structure & establishment

WF-STR-01

Update a role description (no work value change)Housekeeping update

Green · yours

LD with Workforce format check

Version control; no classification impact.

WF-STR-02

Reallocate FTE between teams within establishmentBudget-neutral shuffle

Amber · with a check

LD with finance check

Budget neutrality evidenced.

WF-STR-03

Change reporting lines within the directorateLocal structure adjustment

Amber · with a check

LD with consultation

Consult affected staff; notify Workforce.

WF-STR-04

Abolish a positionEstablishment reduction

Red · two calls

Executive

Consultation obligations under the enterprise agreement.

WF-STR-05

Increase the establishment (new FTE)Growth in positions

Red · two calls

Executive

Budget and workforce-plan case travel up.

WF-STR-06

Commence a restructure / consultation processFormal change process

Red · two calls

Executive with Workforce

Agreement consultation clauses govern from day one.

What this table is for: not compliance — conversation. Ninety-eight verdicts, each priced to be corrected, are how the Decision Moments Map starts with something to disagree with instead of a blank page. The fifteen rows that survive the red pen with the most conviction become the first card set.