Onboarding and probation - University of Staffordshire

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Onboarding and probation

Please note that onboarding takes place once you are in post with us, meaning some of the links on this page are only accessible to you once you are an active staff member.

Local onboarding

To ensure you receive a rounded induction tailored to your particular needs and the requirements of your new role, your line-manager will plan an individual, local level onboarding programme. There are four key elements of the local level onboarding process.

An Onboarding Planner outlining key events, activities, development and meetings that you will be involved in following your start date. These activities will support you to settle into your new role, gain the knowledge required to fulfil the duties of your role and make connections with your key stakeholders. This document will be shared with you by your new line-manager when you start in role.
You will be provided with an Onboarding Manual by your line-manager on your first day. This resource will contain important information you will need in your new role including your School or Service business plan, structure and key contact details.
You will be assigned an Onboarding Buddy. Your onboarding Buddy will be someone who is familiar with your new role and department and will support you through your first few weeks at the University. Further information on the role of the Onboarding Buddy is available via Workvivo.
Regular reviews will take place with your manager throughout your onboarding to ensure you have all the support you need and that everything is on track. Your manager will speak to you regarding the timing of these review meetings.

Onboarding events

The University holds a number of onboarding events to support new starters at the beginning of their career with us. These events provide the opportunity to learn more about the University as well as to meet other new colleagues who are starting out on a similar journey to you.

Making Connections event

New starters will be invited to attend the University’s Making Connections event. This event is the opportunity for new colleagues to meet with our Executive and Senior Leadership Team to find out more about our heritage, strategy, culture and values. Making Connections is also a great opportunity to network with other new starters and to start building strong connections across the University. The Making Connections event will be held 3 times per year and will last 3 hours, including a networking lunch. The next events will be publicised on this page once dates are confirmed.

Campus tours

Campus tours are a great opportunity for new starters to get a real feel for the University's main campus. The tour will help you learn about the history and uses of University buildings, as well as help you locate key facilities such as the library, sports centre and catering outlets.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour. Campus tours will follow on from the Making Connections event.

The Staffordshire Way – academic onboarding

Newly appointed academic colleagues will be personally invited to attend a one day onboarding programme to fully immerse them in the University’s key academic systems and processes. This programme will complement the Teachwell programme and will cover the following key elements:

Student support
Academic regulations
Accessing data
Personal tutoring
Technology-supported learning
Student surveys

Probation

All new appointments at the University are subject to a probationary period. The length of your probationary period depends on the type of role you have been appointed to:

For roles at grades 1 – 6, the probationary period is 6 months
For roles at grade 7 and above the probationary period is 12 months
For Academic, Professorial and Grade 7 and above research posts the probationary period is 24 months

The length of your probationary period will be confirmed in your offer letter and will be discussed with you by your line-manager as part of the onboarding process. The purpose of the probationary period is to support you to get to grips with your new role and to make sure your performance is on track, as well as being the opportunity for you to reflect on your new role. During this time, review meetings will be scheduled where you will meet with your manager to discuss your progress. Subject to satisfactory progress being made, your appointment will be confirmed at the end of your probationary period.

Further information on probation can be found in our probationary policy.