A Selection Committee is a group of people who meet to review candidates for a particular position or award. The process is used by businesses, sports teams and other organizations to ensure that the best person for the job is selected, without bias. Using a Selection Committee can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including removing bias and making sure that all company interests are taken into account.
The process is designed to be unbiased and transparent, with all members having equal opportunity to assess the applicants. The chairperson of the Committee must complete the Selection Committee Chair Training online module prior to convening the committee. It is also recommended that all members of the Committee participate in this module.
If a member has a conflict of interest that would prevent them from objectively evaluating a candidate, they should be replaced. This is only possible if the committee chair feels that the nature of the conflict is severe. It is important that the selection committee discuss all candidates before a decision is made, and discussion should be held in a formal setting.
Whether you’re reviewing CVs, interviewing for a new position or selecting the team for a sporting event, it is essential that all committee members agree on a set of criteria for scoring applicants. Having uniform criteria will make it easier for the Committee to see which candidate has the strongest skills and capabilities, and which have been lacking. Using the internal brief can help the committee to develop the criteria, and it’s important that each member marks applications against this. It’s also helpful for each committee member to write down their ratings before the discussion, as group discussions can sometimes influence initial opinions and lead to bias.
It’s common for a Selection Committee to be divided on their choice of candidate, especially when the process is time-limited. However, this is less likely to happen if the committee has firmly agreed on the ideal candidate profile and has weighted the competencies accordingly. It’s also vital to maintain open dialogue and take adequate time for deliberation, as research has shown that rushed decisions can often be biased.
Selection Committees are often established to deal with specific issues, such as the Missouri Compromise in 1821 and the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1976-78. These and other early select committees have had noticeable impacts on federal legislation and American history.