Aims
This guide supports line managers through the integration process for
new members of staff. It is not definitive or exhaustive, however it is
intended to highlight a best practice approach to integration.
There is no 'one size fits all' approach. Ideally the standard College
Integration should be tailored to the requirements of each individual
and their specific development needs, in line with the objectives of the
particular Faculty or Department. The College integration encompasses
various elements (which are detailed within the 'Elements of integration'
section).
What is integration?
Integration is the process whereby employees adjust or acclimatise
into their role and working environment. The aim is to provide essential
information for all new staff about what they need to know about working
in the College. Integration will be delivered through a blended approach,
which enables staff to absorb information without being overwhelmed or
distracted from settling into their new team.
The importance of integration
For many, starting a new job can be unsettling; an integration programme
will help to integrate staff into the College and help them settle into
their job more quickly. This should result in effective performance at the
earliest stage of employment.
Whilst a great deal of investment in terms of time, effort and finance is
put into recruitment and consequently integration, the most likely time to
'lose' a member of staff is in the first six months of employment. A robust
integration process is one way of helping support staff into their role and
adjusting to the demands and expectations required.
We only get one chance to make a first impression, therefore it is really
important to get things off to a good start. Integration is one of the first
steps in employee engagement and provides excellent opportunities for
new members of staff to develop relationships with new colleagues, as
well as for the College to demonstrate how much it values its people.
Who needs integration?
ALL staff - regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time,
sessional, evening, on open ended or fixed term contracts, new or
promoted, transferred or redeployed.
Managers Guide to Integration