Getting started in your University role
Whether you're a new academic or professional services staff member at Bristol, the information below will help you settle into your new role.
Before you start
You will need to provide the following documents to your HR team before you start:
- Signed contract - you will receive two copies in the post, one to keep and a copy to sign and return
- Staff record form completed with your personal details
- Entitlement to work in UK evidence - please show your passport or other acceptable document in person
Induction into your role
- Induction period: From your first day, you will be enrolled on the Welcome & Induction path in Develop, which contains helpful information to get you started in your new role with us. The path contains several modules which you can work through at your own pace. This will support local induction activities and information provided by your line manager/induction coordinator who are responsible for planning a thorough induction to introduce you to your role, your colleagues and the wider university context. Make sure you take an active role in the process and ask questions along the way! You should work through the Induction Checklist (Office document, 67kB) (also available in Develop) together which has been designed to guide you, your line manager and your induction coordinator through your first days and weeks working at the University.
- Staff UCard: your photo ID card allows you access into university buildings. Pick up your UCard from Royal Fort Lodge as soon as you can after starting.
- IT log on: please see the help from IT Services page. Your line manager will arrange for access to your departmental SharePoint, Teams, folders and files.
- Staff Welcome and Engagement Event: you may want to attend the Staff Welcome and Engagement Event event for new staff which takes place every term.
- Heads of School/Deans/School Managers: staff new to these roles will be contacted upon starting about a bespoke induction programme.
Initial training for new staff
- Online training modules: all staff must complete essential online training regularly on topics including Equality & Diversity, Information Security and Safety & Health, amongst others. These modules can be found and completed in Develop, the University's learning and development platform.
- MyERP training modules: MyERP is the University's integrated Finance, HR and payroll system. On the MyERP Training Portal you can access The MyERP Core Skills "8 things you need to know" which aims to help colleagues understand the purpose of MyERP and the support content which can be found. You can also view micro tutorials including how to claim expenses and view your payslip.
- Other IT systems: if your role requires you to update web pages or social media or if you need some help with specific office tools you can book onto IT training courses in Develop.
- CREATE scheme for academics: if your new role requires you to enrol on the CREATE professional development scheme, you will be contacted in the early days of your role with more information.
- Training for new managers: Whether academic or Professional Services, if your new role requires managing other people you will need to participate in some management development.
My top tip for new staff is to remember the Search box in the top right hand of the webpages - it will help you find anything you need to know about the University!
Local induction checklist
Our local induction checklist has been designed to guide you, your line manager and your induction coordinator through your first days and weeks working at the University.
For all new colleagues, please go to Develop and search for induction in My Development > all my activities.
You can also download the checklist here.
Ongoing Personal and Professional Development
- Initial Service Review (ISR): if you are brand new to the university, your appointment will be subject to an ISR period which is designed to support you while you settle into your role. It also provides the university with a chance to assess your ongoing suitability for the role and to provide a framework for any queries or concerns to be raised. ISRs take place after 6 months for professional services staff up to grade J, or after 12 months for grades above J and for research or teaching staff.
- Development Review: you will participate in an annual development review with your line manager to help review your progress over the previous year, discuss goals for the coming year and set developmental objectives. Find out more about the Review process on our Development Review webpages.
- Staff Development: you can access a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities at the university, whatever grade or career stage you are at. You can browse these opportunities on the Staff Development webpages.
