Probation and PPDP

During probation, you are learning about the role and whether it is suitable for you, and your manager is making a similar assessment.

Advice and information on the role should be available during probation from your manager or head of school, or your mentor, if assigned.

Towards the end of the probationary period, the decision is made whether to confirm your appointment, or whether your probation should be extended or your appointment terminated.  The exact process varies by staff group.

• Academic teaching staff
• Non-teaching academic and related staff 
• Support staff 

Academic teaching staff

All new members of academic teaching staff may be subject to a probationary period at the beginning of their appointment, which will be notified in the letter of appointment.

The usual probationary period for academic teaching staff is three years. This can be extended once, up to a maximum probationary period of five years. If the head of college intends to extend your probationary period or terminate your appointment, s/he should first consult either the Vice-Principal or the Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources).

The process for consideration of final probationary reports is set out in Ordinance 3.24 of the Revised Model Statute

Guidance for Academic Teaching Staff
Probationer Guide
PPDP Plan Template
End of Probation Review Form
Annual Review Form
Probation Flowchart

If you require any additional support or documentation please contact HR via HR Service Portal.

Non-teaching academic and related staff

All new members of staff, and some members of staff who transfer to a new post, are subject to a probationary period at the beginning of the appointment. For non-teaching academic and related staff, the probationary period is usually one to two years. Probation for non-teaching academic and related staff cannot be extended more than twice.

If your probation is extended or appointment terminated as a result of failed probation, you have the opportunity of making representations before a decision is reached.

Probationary procedure for non-teaching academic and related staff

Please note that for non-teaching academic staff, the procedures for extending or terminating appointments set out in Ordinance 3.24 of the Revised Model Statute (PDF - 17KB) apply.

Support staff

All new members of staff, and some members of staff who transfer to a new post, are subject to a probationary period at the beginning of the appointment. For support staff, the probationary period is usually six months.  Probation can be extended once, for a maximum of three months.

In variance to the standard terms and conditions of employment, during probation the notice period is one week, and sick leave is unpaid. Once probation is passed, these conditions are lifted.

If your probation is extended or appointment terminated as a result of failed probation, you have the opportunity of making representations before a decision is reached.

Probationary procedure for support staff

Contact

If you need to find out more about the information on this page, or require additional support, please get in touch with us via the HR Service Portal