New academic probationary review procedure

Tuesday, 08 August 2017

A new probationary review procedure for Grade 7 academic staff (Lecturers) is now in effect.

The Academic Probationary Procedure came into operation from 1 August 2017 and is modelled on the personal titles process for academic staff (the process for bestowing the title of Professor or Associate Professor). It has been developed in close consultation with the University and College Union (UCU). 

The new procedure will enable progress against probationary objectives to be reviewed over the course of the 3 years. The Academic Probationary Procedure outlines how this works in practice but in short, the key points are as follows:

• Within the first 6 weeks of employment probationary objectives are set and agreed between the new Lecturer and their line manager. These are submitted to the University Probationary Review Committee for sign off.
• The line manager will hold 6 monthly review meetings throughout the probationary period with the new Lecturer to check on progress and to offer support and signpost as required.
• At 18 months there will be a formal review of all new Lecturers by the University Probationary Review Committee.
• Before the end of the probationary period the University Probationary Review Committee will consider whether the new Lecturer has satisfactory met the requirements of the academic probationary process and, if so, the individual will have their probation confirmed.

Full details of the new procedure can be found on the Induction and probation page. 

For enquiries, please contact Rachel Thorns.