As a manager/ leader you have a significant role to play. To help you ensure new colleagues or those transitioning in role are supported, it can be helpful to think about:

1. Providing support before they start

• Ensure access to pastoral support networks.
• Communicate progress of recruitment processes from offer to start date.
• Provide contact details so they can ask any questions they might have.
• Provide an opportunity to meet the team before they start.
• Help them prepare, provide key information before they start.
• Make arrangements for their induction and start in plenty of time e.g. buddy/mentor/ preceptor, ID badges, IT equipment, organisational induction, log ins and access for relevant digital systems, induction etc
• Offer advice and support.

2. Support them once they start

• Provide a structured and individualised induction.
• Check in with them to make sure their induction is going well, ask them for feedback, chat through any worries, concerns or needs.
• Show them around the department, introduce them to colleagues, explain routines and facilities.
• Offer support such as a ‘buddy’, mentor, preceptor or supervisor to support them through their induction.
• Set meaningful personalised objectives and development plans.
• Promote health and wellbeing resources and flexible working opportunities.

As a team member you have a big part to play in welcoming and supporting new colleagues, you really can make a big difference to how welcome and supported your colleague feels. Its the simple things that make a difference:

• Welcome your colleague and introduce yourself, a smile and a hello can go a long way.
• Show them around the department, let them know where to store their belongings and where key facilities are located.
• Offer to be a buddy, mentor, preceptor, supervisor or coach.
• Be compassionate, empathetic, patient and understanding, keep remembering how difficult it is to be new.
• Offer support, answer any queries or direct them to someone who can help.