Probation Forms and Guidance

Academic Staff

Virtually all new staff appointed by the University serve a probationary period, the duration of which is specified by the relevant conditions of service see below:

1. Academic Staff
2. Teaching and Scholarship Family
3. Research Fellows
4. Forms

Managed effectively, the probationary period serves a two-fold purpose. It allows the probationer to find their feet in a new job within the context of a supportive framework whilst allowing the University, as the employer, to be assured that the new member of staff is "up to the job". In the majority of cases, the probationary period is completed entirely satisfactorily and the appointment is confirmed.

However, in a very small number of cases problems arise which, if not capable of resolution, may lead to an extension of the probationary period or even dismissal. It is the aim of these documents to provide guidance so that all probationers and their departments find the probationary period as productive as possible.

Academic staff are subject to a probationary period of three years, monitored by the Academic and Related Staff Probation Monitoring Group. Please note that the Academic Probation forms can be accessed from this site. The procedures for use of these forms should be read in conjunction with the Notes of Guidance for Academic Probation.

• Guidance notes for Academic Staff
• Guidance notes for probation advisers
• Timetable for academic probation
• Publication Categories

• Year One Work Plan and Report Form
• Year Two Work Plan and Report Form
• Year Three Final Work Plan and Report Form
• Personal Research Plan

Information on the Teaching and Scholarship Job Family is currently being updated.  Please contact your HR Adviser if you have any queries.

Research Fellows: The duration of the probationary period is usually one year, monitored by the Academic and Related Staff Probation Monitoring Group.

• Guidance Notes on Probation Arrangements for Research Fellows

• Guidance Notes for Probation Advisers

• Research Fellow Probation Report Form

• Personal Research Plan
• Year One Work Plan and Report Form
• Year Two Work Plan and Report Form
• Year Three Final Work Plan and Report Form

• Research Fellow Probation Report Form

Human Resources: (last updated) February 2012