INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF: GUIDELINES FOR DEPARTMENTS

The way in which new staff are received into the University is a crucial factor in forming their attitudes and ensuring that they reach the required high standard of performance as quickly as possible. A well-planned induction is therefore essential. Remember also that first impressions can be long lasting. If no prior planning for the newcomer has been undertaken, little thought given, or preparation made, what kind of message will this give?

The main aims of an induction are:

• to welcome new employees into the University and the department/section
• to ensure they understand core information about the job and its environment
• to help them settle into their new job.

While all staff will share some common induction needs, programmes should also reflect differences, and therefore are likely to vary both in content and duration from one group of staff to another. Also wider induction objectives cannot be achieved in an initial short course of training, so that the induction programme may need to be spread over a period and some elements may take place over a number of weeks.

Overall, departmental induction needs to be a managerial activity. It is concerned with the immediate working environment – and therefore an important part is played by those working in the vicinity of the newcomer.

A member of staff should be nominated, normally by the Head of Department or Section, to take responsibility for ensuring that their new colleague is appropriately inducted into the Department and their role.

The  checklist should be tailored to an individual’s needs. Most of the items included are relevant to the majority of new staff employed in Departments, but may not suit all groups of staff. Space is available for additional items.

• The individual responsible for the induction should make arrangements - in advance of the arrival of a new employee - for meetings with colleagues and other University staff for an explanation/discussion about the items identified as relevant.

• The newcomer should be given their copy of the checklist on the first day of employment, together with appropriate departmental documents and a programme of events, including meetings with those involved in their induction.

• The checklist should accompany the new member of staff during the induction process - for signature by those participating.

Please note that there is a legal obligation on the University to ensure the employee is informed of certain Health and Safety procedures, for example Fire Drill.

Normally, details from Staff Development about the University's induction programme will be available to the new employee on the first day of their employment. This is separate from the departmental induction process described above - please contact Staff Development: C.L.Bradshaw@lboro.ac.uk

For further information , please contact your HR Adviser - CONTACT US

Author: Human Resources (MET) last updated: 2 February 2006