What is an induction programme?

The term ‘induction’ is generally used to describe the whole process whereby employees adjust or acclimatise to their jobs and working environment. The purpose of induction is to ensure the effective integration of staff into the organisation for the benefit of both parties.

Induction should provide all the information salient to new employees, without being overwhelming, it should include:

• Orientation (physical) – describing where the facilities are
• Orientation (organisational) – showing how the employee fits into the team and how their role fits with the organisation’s strategy and goals
• Health and safety information – this is a legal requirement
• Explanation of terms and conditions
• Details of the organisation’s history, its products and services, its culture and values
• A clear outline of the job/role requirements

Who needs an induction programme?
All staff, both full- and part-time. Some groups have specific needs – graduate trainees, people returning from career breaks, long-term absence or maternity/paternity leave, senior appointments, etc.

The basics of an induction process:
The structure of an induction course depends not only on the size and nature of an organisation but also on the type of recruit. The line manager is responsible for a new recruit’s induction, but may not be expected to cover all the elements.

It may be useful to use the following aide memoire when inducting staff and ensure you know who is covering what! This checklist covers what induction training has been received and ideally should be countersigned by the individual. It helps to ensure all employees receive the information they need as well as acting as a vital source of reference later in employment – for example to check an employee has been briefed on policies, or to produce evidence of training in the event of a health and safety inspection.

Pre-employment
– joining instructions
– proof of the right to work in the UK (if not already done during recruitment)
– conditions of employment
– company literature

Health and Safety
– emergency exits
– evacuation procedures
– first aid facilities
– health and safety policy
– accident reporting
– protective clothing
– specific hazards
– policy on smoking

Organisation
– site map – canteen, first aid post, etc.
– telephone system
– computer system
– organisation chart – company/departmental
– company products and services
– security pass/procedures
– car park pass
– Confidentiality/ Freedom of Information Act

Terms and conditions
– absence/sickness procedure
– working time, including hours, flexi-time, etc
– arrangements for breaks
– holidays/special leave
– probation period
– performance management system
– discipline procedure
– grievance procedure
– internet and email policy

Financial
– pay – payment date and method
– tax and national insurance
– benefits
– pension/stakeholder pensions
– expenses and expense claims

Training
– agree training plan
– training opportunities and in-house courses
– CPD (if appropriate)
– Culture and values background
– mission statement
– employer brand