POLICY: Human Resources - Staff Induction and Development Policy POLICY URL: https://lsi-ac.uk/policy/ced07832-0e84-4670-bf5d-7db5d545f8a8 POLICY STATEMENT: The School is committed to delivering a comprehensive Staff Induction and Development Policy that fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. We value every staff member and are dedicated to their professional growth, ensuring adherence to all relevant employment laws and the principles of the Equality Act 2010. Our goal is to promote diversity, equal opportunities, and excellence throughout the institution. POLICY PRINCIPLES: ------------------ - Inclusivity : Embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion to provide equal opportunities for all staff members; - Professional Growth and Staff Investment : Supporting staff members in their continuous professional development, encouraging lifelong learning and skill enhancement. Commitment to developing high-quality staff members; - Respect : Upholding an atmosphere of mutual respect, valuing each staff member's contribution and promoting positive interactions; - Adaptability : Cultivating adaptability and resilience among staff, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing educational landscape; - Compliance : Committed to adhering to all relevant employment laws and regulations, including equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and health and safety guidelines; - Collaboration : Encouraging collaboration and teamwork, fostering a spirit of cooperation and knowledge sharing among staff; - Empowerment : Empowering staff members with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to achieve their full potential; - Innovation : Nurturing a culture of innovation, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving among staff members; - Well-being : Prioritising staff well-being, both physical and mental, and promoting a healthy work-life balance; - Ethical Conduct : Upholding high ethical standards, ensuring integrity and fairness in all staff interactions and decision-making processes; - Quality Education : Aligning staff development with the School's focus on delivering high-quality education, incorporating cutting-edge methodologies and technologies; - Continuous Improvement : Striving for continuous improvement, regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of staff induction and development processes to enhance their impact and relevance. REGULATORY CONTEXT: ------------------ This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following: R1. Office for Students (OfS): Regulatory Notices and Advice - Regulatory notices are additional information about OfS' regulatory requirements and are part of the regulatory framework. Regulatory advice helps providers understand and meet OfS requirements. R2. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): Advice - Learning and Teaching - R3. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): Advice - Enabling Student Achievement - R4. Office for Students (OfS): Regulatory framework for higher education in England - This framework outlines OfS' primary aim to ensure positive outcomes for students, including access, success, and progress in higher education. It covers quality academic experience, progress into employment, and value for money. R5. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): The Quality Code - This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality. METRICS AND KPIS: ------------------ The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations: M1. Annual Appraisal Completion: Ensure 100% of staff receive annual appraisals on time. Regular appraisals help monitor performance and development needs. M2. Induction Programme Completion: Ensure 95% of new staff complete the induction programme within their first month. A comprehensive induction is critical for new staff integration and preparedness. M3. Staff Satisfaction Score: Maintain an average staff satisfaction score of 90% or higher in annual surveys. High satisfaction indicates that staff feel valued and supported. M4. Training Completion Rate: Ensure 100% of staff complete mandatory training within three months of their start date. Completion of training is crucial for equipping staff with necessary skills and knowledge. M5. Training Effectiveness: Achieve a 90% positive feedback rate from staff on training programmes through post-training surveys. Positive feedback ensures that training is effective and beneficial. SECTION 1: Staff Onboarding and Professional Growth ------------------ 1.1. Staff Induction and Development: The School provides a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing development opportunities for new and existing staff to ensure they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform effectively. Some contracts include dedicated time for research and scholarship. This policy outlines core roles, responsibilities, and rights. The Executive Committee oversees this policy; Ensuring new and existing staff are well-prepared and supported through induction and development fosters an environment of excellence and helps meet the School's needs efficiently. Regular oversight by the Executive Committee ensures these standards are maintained. SECTION 2: Terminology: Equality Act 2010 and Yearly Training Scheme ------------------ 2.1. Adherence to the Equality Act 2010: This policy is influenced by the Equality Act 2010, which promotes equality in employment; The Equality Act 2010 ensures that employment practices are fair and non-discriminatory, fostering an inclusive workplace environment. 2.2. Annual Staff Training Plan: The Annual Staff Training Plan outlines the training scheduled for staff in the upcoming year, including a timeline for delivery; Documenting and scheduling training ensures staff receive necessary development opportunities in a timely and organised manner. SECTION 3: Leadership Accountability for Compliance ------------------ 3.1. Executive Committee Responsibility for Adherence (by Executive Committee): The Executive Committee and senior management must ensure that all staff are aware of and comply with this policy; This rule ensures that the policy is consistently applied and understood across the organisation, maintaining uniform standards and adherence. SECTION 4: Induction ------------------ 4.1. Communication of responsibilities and expectations (by Human Resources Team): Detailed qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations for each role must be provided to candidates during the recruitment process. The Human Resources (HR) Team will also confirm these details as part of the induction; This ensures that staff have a clear understanding of their role from the outset, promoting transparency and setting clear expectations. 4.2. Comprehensive Staff Induction and Ongoing Training (by Human Resources Team): All new staff members must complete a comprehensive induction programme. This includes an introduction to the School, its values, and its policies and procedures. Specific aspects of the induction will cover:; Stage 3 of the Programme Approval Process: Understanding the requirements for designing programme documentation, academic regulations, and the School’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, including innovative pedagogy and teaching systems; Programme and Module Design Strategy: Familiarisation with programme approval rules, learning and teaching strategies, and programme design frameworks; Ongoing updates and training in educational design and accessibility will be provided as part of the School’s staff training programme; This approach ensures effective onboarding and integration of new staff, promoting familiarity with key policies and practices, and supporting continued professional development. 4.3. Policy Review for New Staff (by Human Resources Team): New staff must review all School regulations and policies; This ensures they are aware of and adhere to the School’s regulations and policies.. 4.4. Training and Support (by Human Resources Team): New staff will receive training in data protection, safeguarding, and other relevant areas; This ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards. 4.5. Health and Safety Training (by Human Resources Team): New staff must complete health and safety training to ensure a safe working environment; This prioritises employee well-being and safety. 4.6. Tailoring to the Individual's Needs (by Human Resources Team): The induction programme will be customised to each individual's needs and include mentoring and support to help new staff integrate into their roles and the School; This approach ensures new staff receive personalised assistance, facilitating a smoother transition into their roles and the School environment. 4.7. International Staff Support (by Human Resources Team): International staff receive tailored sessions, language support, and mentorship to assist their integration; This support promotes inclusion and facilitates the effective functioning of international staff, ensuring their successful integration into the School. SECTION 5: Professional Development and Continuous Learning ------------------ 5.1. CPD: The School offers continuous staff development through in-house training, external courses, and secondments; These opportunities support professional growth and enhance staff expertise. 5.2. Annual Lifelong Learning Allocation (by Human Resources Team): Staff will receive 40 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) annually, which can be used for internal or external modules; This allocation supports ongoing learning and professional growth by providing dedicated time for further study. 5.3. Lifelong Learning: LSI Modules (by All staff): Staff members may enrol in School modules worth up to 30 credits, subject to module availability and approval; This allows staff to enhance their skills and knowledge through relevant School modules while ensuring that module selection is feasible and authorised. 5.4. Unique Educational Focus: AI and Technology Training (by Human Resources Team): The School has a unique educational focus on artificial intelligence and real-world application of knowledge. Specialised training on AI and technology trends will be provided for relevant staff. Ensures that the School is equipped to deliver cutting-edge education; This ensures that the School remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge education in its unique focus areas. 5.5. Support for Further Study and Professional Development (by Human Resources Team): The School will support staff who pursue further study or professional qualifications by providing funding and time off for relevant courses or conferences; This encourages continuous learning and skill enhancement, benefiting both staff and the School. 5.6. Requests for External Training (by Department Directors): External training needs can be identified by a department director or the employee. Requests must be emailed to the relevant departmental director and include:; Details of training costs; Benefits to the employee and the School; The director will assess:; Cost and timing of the training; Benefits of the training; Previous external training for the employee; Alignment with the School’s strategic priorities; The director will then decide whether the School will fund the training; This ensures that training is assessed fairly, considering cost, benefits, and alignment with strategic priorities, promoting effective use of resources. 5.7. Personal Development Responsibility (by All staff): Staff are encouraged to take charge of their professional development. They should:; Identify their own development needs; Create a personal development plan; Support will be provided to assist in this process; This empowers staff to actively contribute to their own growth, ensuring that their professional development aligns with their career goals and the needs of the School. 5.8. Review of Training Logs (by Department Directors): Department Directors will review training logs quarterly to ensure employees utilise the provided training opportunities and complete mandatory training; Regular review of training logs ensures employees are engaging in available training and fulfilling mandatory requirements, supporting their professional development and compliance with School policies. 5.9. Annual Staff Training Plan (by Human Resources Team): An Annual Staff Training Plan will be established to:; Ensure all staff receive adequate training; Align training with strategic objectives; This plan ensures that training is systematically planned and its effectiveness can be measured, supporting the strategic goals of the School and ensuring all staff are properly trained. 5.10. Staff Training Feedback and Evaluation (by Human Resources Team): Staff feedback will be collected on training provided according to the Staff Training Plan. The effectiveness of this training will be reviewed based on the feedback received; This approach evaluates the impact of the training on staff development, ensuring that it is effective and meets staff needs. SECTION 6: Appraisal ------------------ 6.1. Appraisal Frequency (by Department Directors): Formal appraisals will be conducted annually, supported by quarterly performance check-ins and monthly progress meetings between staff members and their line managers; This approach ensures a continuous and dynamic appraisal process, providing comprehensive annual reviews along with regular feedback to support staff development and improve performance throughout the year. 6.2. Annual Appraisal (by Department Directors): Staff members will participate in an annual formal appraisal to assess overall performance, set goals, and discuss career development; This process provides a structured opportunity to evaluate performance, establish objectives, and plan for future career growth. 6.3. Annual Appraisals: Core Values Assessment (by Department Directors): The formal appraisal process starts with a detailed review of the individual's alignment with the School's values. Staff members must provide examples demonstrating how they have embodied these values; This approach ensures that staff evaluations are rooted in the School’s core values and that performance assessments are based on concrete examples of value-driven behaviour. 6.4. Collection of 360-Degree Feedback (by Department Directors): Before the annual appraisal, 360-degree feedback will be collected on the staff member. This includes online surveys from colleagues and one-to-one feedback sessions between the line manager and individuals who have worked closely with the staff member. This process helps identify strengths and weaknesses and ensures an objective performance evaluation; Gathering comprehensive feedback from various sources enhances the objectivity and accuracy of the performance appraisal, providing a balanced view of the staff member’s strengths and areas for improvement. 6.5. Annual Appraisals: Competency Assessment (by Department Directors): In the appraisal process, individuals will be assessed against specific competencies relevant to their roles and the organisation's goals. Competencies are rated as follows:; Banding; Definition; Silver; Represents proficiency in this competency where essential standards and expectations are reliably met; Gold; Reflects a higher benchmark of excellence, denoting a level of performance that surpasses basic requirements and demonstrates exemplary capability; Platinum; Embodies the aspirational goal, setting a leading example of innovation, mastery, and influential excellence within LSI and the broader educational community; To allow objective assessment of individuals and better track individual progress through the competency framework, as well as ensuring that individuals' strengths are tracked in such a way that the School fosters the competencies that best align with the School goals; This competency-based evaluation allows for objective assessment, tracks individual progress through the competency framework, and ensures that staff strengths are recognised and developed in alignment with the School's objectives. 6.6. Regular Review of Competency Frameworks (by Department Directors): Competency frameworks will be reviewed and updated regularly to align with the organisation's evolving needs, industry standards, and organisational goals; Regular updates ensure that competency frameworks remain relevant and effectively support both the organisation’s objectives and industry best practices. 6.7. Performance Metrics and Evaluation (by Department Directors): In addition to 360-degree feedback and an assessment of adherence to School values, specific metrics may be used to evaluate individual roles. Examples include student pass rates, student feedback ratings, and the number of publications. These metrics will be tailored to each role and may vary by department to ensure relevance and comprehensiveness; Tailored metrics provide an objective and trackable way to measure performance, ensuring that evaluations are relevant and comprehensive to each role. 6.8. Appraisal Grading System (by Department Directors): After each appraisal, a grade will be assigned based on the following scale:; Grade; Definition; D; Working Towards; C; Competent; B; Strong; A; Exceptional; Grades will consider 360-degree feedback, adherence to the School’s values, relevant metrics, and performance against the competency framework; This grading system ensures a comprehensive evaluation of staff performance, integrating various assessment methods for a balanced and accurate appraisal. 6.9. Individual Development Plans Post-Appraisal (by Department Directors): After appraisals, individual development plans will be created based on competency assessment outcomes. These plans will outline steps for improvement or further development in specific competencies; Creating development plans after appraisals ensures targeted improvement and growth in identified competency areas, leading to enhanced professional performance and skills. 6.10. Maintenance of Appraisal Records (by Department Directors): Detailed records of appraisal outcomes, performance ratings, and development plans will be kept for future reference; Keeping comprehensive appraisal records ensures a clear history of performance and development, supporting informed decision-making and ongoing staff improvement. 6.11. Quarterly Performance Check-ins (by Department Directors): In addition to the annual appraisal, quarterly performance check-ins will be conducted to ensure ongoing development and address any immediate issues or opportunities. These check-ins will be informal and conversational, providing continuous support and feedback; Quarterly check-ins promote continuous development and allow for timely resolution of issues, ensuring that staff receive regular support and constructive feedback. This approach complements the annual appraisal by maintaining an ongoing dialogue about performance and opportunities for improvement. 6.12. Quarterly Performance Check-ins: Setting Actions (by Department Directors): During performance check-ins, developmental actions will be set and overall progress reviewed by the employee's line manager, a member of the Human Resources Team, and the President; This structured review ensures comprehensive oversight of employee development and progress, promoting consistent and effective growth aligned with organisational goals. 6.13. Monthly Catch-ups (by Department Directors): Monthly catch-up sessions will be conducted to provide a platform for open communication and immediate feedback. These sessions offer staff regular opportunities to reflect on their performance and make necessary adjustments; Frequent catch-up sessions ensure ongoing dialogue, allowing staff to promptly address any issues and continuously improve their performance. This regular interaction supports staff development and enhances overall effectiveness. 6.14. Monthly Catch-ups: 360 Degree Feedback (by Department Directors): To inform performance catch-ups, 360 feedback will be collected from individuals who work with the relevant staff member; Gathering 360 feedback ensures a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the staff member’s performance, providing valuable insights for more effective developmental actions. 6.15. Appraisal Monitoring (by Department Directors): Automated reminders for upcoming appraisals will be implemented. Line managers are responsible for ensuring their direct reports conduct appraisals for their teams; Automated reminders help maintain a consistent appraisal schedule, ensuring that all necessary appraisals are conducted promptly. Holding line managers accountable guarantees that appraisal processes are completed, promoting regular performance evaluations and development. SECTION 7: Commitment to Diversity and Equality ------------------ 7.1. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (by Executive Committee): The School is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage participation from underrepresented groups and aim to create a workplace where everyone is respected and valued; Promoting diversity and inclusion enhances workplace culture by fostering respect and appreciation for all individuals, leading to a more harmonious and productive environment. 7.2. Equal Opportunities (by Executive Committee): The School is committed to providing equal opportunities to all staff, regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Discrimination or harassment based on these attributes is not tolerated, ensuring a fair and inclusive environment for all staff during induction and development; Ensuring fairness and inclusion for all staff promotes an equitable and supportive workplace, enhancing overall employee satisfaction and productivity. SECTION 8: Regulatory Adherence ------------------ 8.1. Reasonable Adjustments for Disabilities (by Human Resources Team): If applicants or employees need specific accommodations, they should inform the Human Capital Team to ensure appropriate adjustments and an inclusive experience; Making reasonable adjustments demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and fairly in the organisation. 8.2. Compliance with Employment Laws and Regulations (by Human Resources Team): The School is committed to complying with all relevant employment laws and regulations; Adhering to employment laws and regulations ensures legal and ethical conduct in our employment practices. SECTION 9: Confidentiality and Data Protection ------------------ 9.1. Privacy and Confidentiality of Personal Data (by Human Resources Team): All information provided by employees will be handled in compliance with data protection laws. Personal data will be stored securely, used only for intended purposes, and not disclosed to third parties without explicit consent, except as required by law; Ensuring compliance with data protection laws maintains the integrity and privacy of employees' personal data, fostering trust and legal adherence. SECTION 10: Evaluation and Policy Updates ------------------ 10.1. Collection and Tracking of Staff Feedback (by Human Resources Team): Staff feedback and satisfaction will be collected and tracked to inform the ongoing development of staff development programmes; Gathering measurable insights from staff feedback ensures continuous process improvement and enhances the effectiveness of development programmes. 10.2. Review of Staff Induction and Development Processes (by Executive Committee): The effectiveness of staff induction and development processes will be reviewed regularly to ensure they meet the needs of the School and its staff; Regular reviews ensure continuous improvement and relevance, adapting processes to better serve both the School and its employees. 10.3. Annual Policy Review (by Executive Committee): The policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure it remains current and relevant; Regular reviews and updates ensure the policy stays up-to-date and applicable, maintaining its relevance and effectiveness.