New UCL Induction and Probation policy

The HRPC would like to thank all staff who gave comments as part of the consultation. Your comments and responses are available on the UCL HR website.

The broad aims of the Induction and Probation Policy are to focus on supporting all new employees to UCL, provide consistency of approach to staff induction and probation and align this policy with other UCL processes allowing clear progression to an annual appraisal cycle.

For managers, the policy has been streamlined and reformatted into a new common template.  Policy is clearly identified and procedures and additional guidance, including flowcharts and forms, are appendices to the main policy document. 

Policy provision

The new policy provides: 

• One policy and procedure for all staff groups, with variable length of probation periods
• A one year probationary period for senior academic appointments
• Guidelines for a structured Induction, applicable to all appointments new to UCL
• The inclusion of UCL Information Security, including Data Protection and Freedom of Information and Green Awareness training as mandatory for all new appointments
• Consistency of provision to manage issues of capability or misconduct during the probationary period

There is also supplementary guidance on holding effective and regular one to one meetings in addition to formal probationary reviews to support staff.

The Policy and Induction webpages are being updated to reflect the changes in the policy, including revised checklists and links to mandatory training. These will be completed by 1 September:

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/docs/prob_procedure_links.php

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/od/induction/index.php

Transitional arrangements

Where staff are currently on probation under one of the existing policies, that policy will apply until the probationary period is complete.

If you have any questions about the operation of the new policy please contact your HR Consultant.

Fiona Daffern, Head of Employment Policy Development, Human Resources Division