Example induction programme

This page sets out key information that should be included in an induction programme

The People and Organisational Development team provides more detailed guidance for administrators on organising orientation and induction for new staff.

An online induction programme is also available to all staff, who should be encouraged to make use of this early on in their appointment.

New employees should also be made aware of the more formal induction and training opportunities, details of which are available from People and Organisational Development.

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The new employee should be advised, normally by the line manager, of the full requirements of their post, and given any other information will enable them to settle in quickly and become effective. They should be advised of the online induction programme run by the People and Organisational Development team and encouraged make use of this as early as possible. The departmental induction programme might include clarification of:

  • the core duties and responsibilities of the job, by reference to the job description, etc.
  • current departmental working practices and procedures
  • any work protocols, guidelines or other relevant written information (including health and safety information)
  • supervisory arrangements, including who the employee should approach if they have any queries or problems at work
  • any training or development needs (a useful summary of available training is available from the Staff Gateway
  • basic terms and conditions of employment, including working hours and who to contact if unable to come into work for any reason
  • the departmental requirements for reporting in sick and requesting annual leave
  • information about employee relations in the University
  • the arrangements for review during the probationary period (if relevant).

Research staff and their supervisors should also be advised of the requirements of the Code of Practice for the employment and career development of research staff.

Overseas new starters may need help with personal arrangements such as setting up bank account or registering with GP (for information see the University's Welcome Service)

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  • Arrange regular meetings with the new starter to review progress.

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Suggested elements of an induction programme

Information about health and safety

Departmental policies (eg out of hours/lone working)

Sickness and other absence reporting procedure

Working arrangements (hours, breaks, etc)

Arrangements for taking annual leave and other forms of leave (eg additional annual leave, if offered, etc)

Copy of the job description/performance expectations

Information about how the probation period will be reviewed

Information about training/career development activities

Information about family leave/flexible working/etc

Information about employee benefits and discounts, including eligibility to register for  Work+Family Space/My Family Care

Information about the recognised trades unions

Facilities (tour)

Any visa restrictions/reporting requirements

Encouragement to complete the POD online induction programme

Encouragement to complete the online E&D briefing

Information about support for disabled staff /Access to work

Compulsory information security awareness training for staff 

Information about where to find information about data privacy/data protection policies

Key University policies such as:

  • conflict of interest
  • anti-bribery
  • anti-fraud
  • harassment
  • computer use
  • information security
  • approval to hold outside appointments
  • smoking/vaping
  • (if appropriate) staff-student relationships

For research staff:  key research-related policies such as academic integrity in research, IP, employment and career development of research staff, etc

For research staff: encouragement to attend the termly welcome event run by POD

For research staff: information about training and development opportunities and support available

For research staff: outline of the agreed programme of research (eg copy of the project description in the funding application) and any milestones/reports

For associate professors: clear guidance on what is required for reappointment to the retiring age

For associate professors:  appointment of a suitable subject mentor who meets regularly with the AP

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