Who can sign a contract?

Who can sign Special Contracts?

If the contract is a “Special Contract” then it can only be signed by the Special Sub-delegate named in Table 1 in the Signing Sub-delegations.

The contract owner should contact the Subject Matter Expert (SME) group listed in Table 1. The SME Group will work with the contract owner to negotiate the contract and arrange for it to be signed. Further information can be found using our Getting help from a Subject Matter Expert resource. You should also check the Guidelines to see whether there are other areas who are interested in the proposal

Who can sign General Contracts?

In most cases, General Contracts can be signed in the relevant organisational area by a staff member at Band 4A and above. However, some limitations still apply:

• First, the contract owner should consult the Guidelines to find out who they should consult before negotiations are finalised and the contract is signed. In many cases, you are still expected to consult with Subject Matter Experts, even though the contract is not subject to mandatory referral as a Special Contract.

• If the contract involves the expenditure of University funds, then it is covered by Table 2 in the Signing Sub-delegations. It can only be signed by a staff member at Band 4A and above who has a Financial Approval Limit sufficient to cover the total GU expenditure over the life of the contract. Financial Approval Limits are set out in the Financial Delegations. If the contract has an automatic renewal clause, please contact Finance for advice on how to estimate the total GU expenditure under the contract.

• If the contract does not involve the expenditure of University funds, then it is covered by Table 3 in the Signing Sub-delegations.

Which contracts must still be signed by PVCs?

Some arrangements are still reserved to Band 2B (Pro Vice Chancellors) or above for signing:

• Sponsorships (both in and out) valued at more than $20,000

• Shared Services Agreements (Joint Appointments)

• General Contracts where the University is spending between $100,000 and $500,000 (* these limits are expected to increase in 2024)

• Any contract which is relevant to more than one organisational area, imposes commitments on staff salaried in other elements or which utilises University facilities or resources beyond the control of the element

• “Strategic Partnership Arrangements” (University-wide relationship) are Special Contracts which must be signed at VP or DVC level (or above)