Supporting a colleague fully as s/he commences a new role with the University of Sheffield is a key element of the recruitment process. Investing in the development and delivery of a relevant and informative induction programme is an extremely positive starting point for the working relationship. It provides both parties with a clear picture of the direction of the role and effectively introduces the new colleague to others within the department and beyond, thus helping her/him to become established in the post as soon as possible.
The first few days and weeks in a new job are crucial to the motivation and retention of staff and a good induction experience lays the foundations for future staff development. It is important to have an effective induction programme in place for all appointments.
The links on the right provide some useful tools/resources to help support departments in addressing these recommendations
Induction - Essential Action Checklist
- Full guidance on all elements of induction action required by recruiting departments is available from the right hand link
- Plan an individual programme to suit the needs of the appointee and the post in question. The following should be included as a minimum starting point:
- provide a departmental Welcome and Induction Pack
- arrange for a more experienced staff member to act as a mentor or guide
- introduce key members of staff, particularly immediate work colleagues
- ensure that workspace and equipment are ready
- prioritise an induction checklist covering the first month of employment
- encourage all new staff to attend the Welcome to the University event
- Existing staff, moving to new jobs within their current department or elsewhere within the University, should also receive an induction programme tailored to suit their needs.
- Involve a wide range of colleagues within the department, and beyond where relevant
- Ensure that the planned induction programme is adhered to and completed during the initial period following appointment in order to maximise its benefits
- Make sure the programme is welcoming and offers a mix of formal and informal meetings.
- If an appointee with a disability requires any additional support or adjustments to facilitate her/him within the workplace, ensure that these are fully in place and fit for purpose during the induction period.
- Certain academic appointments are subject to a probation period. Ensure the induction programme is devised to support this. Further guidance on probation is available from the right hand link.
- For international appointees, please ensure that the appointee is aware of www.internationalstaff.ac.uk, a website which provides useful information to international staff relocating to the UK. Further details are available via the 'See Also' box to the right of this page.