Academic Capability Framework

What is the Academic Capability Framework?

The Academic Capability Framework (ACF) is a high-level framework that articulates Curtin’s expectations for the capabilities and achievements of its academic staff. It builds on the Minimum Standards for Academic Levels contained within Curtin’s Enterprise Agreement, and provides overarching guidance for the types of skills and capabilities required to succeed in an academic career at Curtin.

Following a consultative review, a new look streamlined ACF was released in early 2025. While the core framework remains unchanged, further descriptors and examples were provided to improve its clarity, usefulness and relevance to the contemporary academic environment at Curtin.

How will the Academic Capability Framework be used?

How do I use the Academic Capability Framework?

The Framework consists of four capability areas in each of the three categories of Teaching, Research and Engagement. Benchmarks for excellence are also provided for each category, against which academic levels from A to E are aligned. There is an explanation of each capability area plus examples of evidence for achievement. The indicative evidence is not a definitive list and is not all encompassing, and you may have additional examples of evidence that are appropriate to show achievement in a particular capability area.

Who does the Academic Capability Framework apply to?

The ACF applies to all academic staff at Levels A to E, and across all roles (including Teaching & Research, Teaching Academic, Teaching Academic Clinical/Professional and Research Academic). It recognises the diversity of academic careers, and is designed to accommodate differences in academic level, academic role, stage of career, discipline area and achievement relative to opportunity.

What impact does the Academic Capability Framework have on me?

Do I need to address all of the capability areas?

No, the flexibility of the ACF means that the relative importance of each capability area for an academic staff member, and the evidence required to demonstrate what an academic staff member has achieved, will vary between individuals. This places great importance on discussion and agreement between staff and their line manager, balancing the needs of the School or area with the strengths and experience of the individual.

As a Teaching Academic or Teaching Academic Clinical/Professional, am I required to address the Research criteria?

How does the ACF apply to Performance and Career Planning processes?

All academic activities should be aligned with the ACF’s capability areas in Teaching, Research and Engagement. The annual Performance and Career Planning (PCP) process reinforces this alignment by explicitly integrating the ACF into the PCP template, providing an ACF aligned frame to guide career conversations. These conversations are a good opportunity for staff and managers to discuss how academic activities over the past year have aligned with the ACF’s benchmarks for excellence, and to determine any ACF led capabilities to be built on for career development.

Where do I go for more information?

Staff Portal

Content Block

The Framework's excellence benchmarks

Contact us

FAQs