1. Introduction

1.1         Staff who join the University are contractually required to complete a 6-month probationary period (typically), which serves to ensure that new employees are supported to perform to the standard expected of them and ultimately, to ensure that they have the required knowledge, skills and ability to carry out their appointed role. This policy outlines how a new employee’s probation period should be managed in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach.

2. Scope

2.1         This policy applies to all University of Glasgow employees currently working within a probation period (which typically lasts for 6 months, but can be extended in exceptional circumstances). Any performance issues which arise beyond the probation period should be managed in accordance with the University’s Managing and Supporting Performance Policy.

2.2         For relevant new academic members of staff, the steps set out in this policy should complement initial elements of the Early Career Development Programme (ECDP).

2.3         For fixed-term members of staff, this policy should still be applied irrespective of the length of the contract in recognition of the fact that fixed-term contracts may be extended.

3. The Probation Period

3.1         The probation period lasts for a minimum of 6 months from the date of appointment but may be extended in exceptional circumstances. Extensions would not typically extend beyond a further 3 months (i.e. making a probation period of 9 months in total).

3.2         The probation period typically consists of the following structured meetings, with informal discussion taking place around these as required:

 - Induction Meeting
 - First Review Meeting (2 months)
 - Second Review Meeting (3 – 4 months)
 - Final Review Meeting (month 6 – in advance of probation end date)

3.3         The aims of the probation period are to:

  • Maximise the support provided to new employees in order to assist the effective performance of their duties at work and to ensure that they have the required knowledge, skills and ability for the role to which they have been appointed
  • Contribute to a culture of excellence within the University
  • Encourage communication and dialogue around performance during the early stages of employment with the University
  • Ensure the University acts in a fair, reasonable and consistent manner when dealing with performance management issues during the probation period

3.4         Throughout the probation period any new employee’s performance and development should be regularly discussed. This includes holding Review Meetings as outlined below, in addition to routine management.

3.5         Where conduct or attendance issues arise during probation, they will be managed in line with the principles of the University’s Disciplinary Procedure or Managing Attendance Policy as appropriate. Due to the short-nature of the probation period, such cases may progress immediately to the final stages of these policies.

3.6         Where an underlying medical condition or disability is affecting performance at work, advice should be sought from People & Organisational Development (P&OD).

 

3.7         Where it is established at an early stage that an employee is unsuitable for the role (and where there is documented evidence that the need for improvement has been discussed previously) it may be appropriate for the manager to consider ending the probation process early (i.e. dismissing the employee), without having to wait until the 6 month point. P&OD advice should always be sought in these circumstances.

3.8         During the probation period, an employee’s employment may be terminated by giving the relevant period of notice (by either party). This is typically one weeks' notice for grades 1 to 5 or one months' notice for grades 6 and above, however the specific period is outlined within individual contracts.

3.9         Where a probationary employee takes maternity, adoption or shared parental leave then their probation period will be extended accordingly on their return from leave. P&OD advice should be sought in such cases to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to support the employee during their probation period.

4. Starting the Probation Period

4.1 All new staff should be fully supported to integrate into the University, their team, their working environment and their new role.

Induction

4.2       The probation process should work alongside a new employee’s induction at both a local level and at a University-wide level to support them in feeling welcome in their new environment and allow new employees to learn the key elements of their job within a reasonable and realistic timescale.

4.3       All new employees will be signposted via email to their Induction checklists and additional support for managers can be found on the Induction web pages.

Induction Meeting 

4.4       Managers should ensure that new employees are fully aware of the expectation of them in their new role. This typically involves outlining clear and measurable objectives or performance standards, particularly accounting for the requirements of the individuals job description (see Guidance – Setting SMART Objectives). Training needs (including mandatory training) should also be identified and fulfilled for all new employees in order to ensure they receive all the relevant training required to support them in carrying out their role. Some suggestions for additional training can be found within the Induction Hub – Role-specific training pages.

4.5       An Induction Meeting should take place within the first week to discuss the requirements of the new employee’s role and the expectations during the probation period and beyond. Line managers of new staff will be required to launch an online Probation form to note the agreed objectives/performance standards as well as any training needs, support or adjustments required before being signed by both the employee and line manager to acknowledge agreement. These will be reflected upon throughout any subsequent probation discussions or meetings as outlined below.

5. Routine Management

5.1       Day-to-day discussions are a quick, effective and informal tool for managers to gauge a new employee’s performance whilst offering the opportunity for the new employee to raise any concerns or request any support they might need. Day-to-day discussions should therefore take place as often as required, normally at agreed intervals, to ensure that an appropriate level of support is available outside of the more structured interim and final review meetings.

6. Reviewing Progress and Performance

6.1       Ongoing review, throughout the duration of the probation period, is vitally important and should be a mixture of routine management as well as more structured review meetings. Structured meetings should typically take place at around 2 months, 3-4 months then in the 6th month (final) as described below. Additional meetings may be held as appropriate.

7. First Review Meeting (2 months)

7.1       A first review meeting should be scheduled, typically around the 2-month point to allow for a structured ‘check-in’ discussion. This ensures that the employee is settling into their new role and provides the opportunity for any concerns or problems to be raised and for early feedback to be provided on performance so far.

7.2       The online form used at the Initial Probation Meeting can be used by managers to guide and record the discussion at this second meeting. The form should be completed and signed off electronically by both the line manager and new colleague after each stage.

7.3       Where it is identified at an early stage that improvement is required, managers should discuss with the employee the areas which are causing concern before clearly outlining the expected level of performance (See Guidance - Having a Constructive Conversation ). Any relevant objectives or timescales for improvement should be clearly outlined and any supportive measures or adjustments should be recorded, implemented and reviewed. In such circumstances it may be appropriate to hold more structured review meetings on a more frequent basis. Depending on the level of underperformance, it may be appropriate at this early stage for managers to outline the risks of the employee’s employment not being confirmed after probation, should their performance not improve.

7.4       Where an underlying medical condition or disability is affecting performance at work, advice should be sought from your local P&OD Team.

7.5       Following the first review meeting, managers should continue to use supportive routine discussions as appropriate in order to support a high-level of performance, or to support the employee in improving their performance (where relevant). 

8. Second Review meeting (3 - 4 months)

8.1 A second review meeting should be scheduled, typically around the 3 to 4 month point in order to review the employee’s performance to date, specifically in relation to any objectives set. It is also a further opportunity to discuss any concerns or problems which may have arisen and to reflect on any training, development or support requirements, including reviewing the effectiveness of any supports which have already been put in place. Arrangements should also be made to undertake any mandatory training, if it has not yet been completed by this point.

8.2       The same form used at the Initial Probation Meeting can be used by managers to guide and record the discussion at this second meeting. The form should be completed and signed off electronically by both the line manager and new colleague after each stage.

8.3       In any areas where improvement is required, the expected level of performance should be clearly outlined and any supportive measures or adjustments should be recorded, implemented and reviewed. Where improvement is required, it may be appropriate to hold more structured review meetings on a regular basis. It is also important in such cases that the employee is made aware that a determination will be made at the final review meeting (outlined below) as to whether or not their probationary performance has been satisfactory. In such cases where it is deemed that performance has not improved to a satisfactory level, then dismissal is a potential outcome of the final review meeting. In cases where it is apparent that dismissal may be a potential outcome, P&OD support should be sought at this early stage.

8.4       Following the second review meeting, managers should continue to use routine discussions to support a high-level of performance, or to support the employee in improving their performance if appropriate. 

9. Final Review Meeting (month 6)

9.1       The final review meeting should be held in advance of the probation end date. Whether or not the employee’s performance has been satisfactory over the probationary period will determine how the meeting should be held, as per below:

Satisfactory Probation Performance

9.2       Where satisfactory performance is demonstrated throughout the probation period, managers should hold a final review meeting in the normal way and record the outcome on the online form. Once acknowledged by both the line manager and colleague an automatic notification will be sent to the appropriate local P&OD Team who will confirm the employee’s successful probation in writing.

9.3      The employee should then be managed as normal, with any agreed supports maintained and reviewed on an ongoing basis as needed.

Unsatisfactory Probation Performance

9.4       In cases where satisfactory performance has not been demonstrated despite a period of review and support, the employee should be invited to a more structured final review meeting and should be made aware that dismissal is a possible outcome of the meeting. P&OD advice should be sought in such circumstances and an P&OD Adviser should be present at the meeting. Appropriate template documentation is also available from P&OD.

9.5       The employee should be given reasonable notice in writing of the final review meeting (typically no less than 5 working days) and be advised of their right to be accompanied by a Trade Union Representative or work colleague. The final review meeting in these circumstances will typically be conducted by the direct line manager involved throughout the probation period subject to being at grade 7 or above. Where the manager is below grade 7, a separate manager at grade 7 or above should be appointed to conduct the meeting.

9.6       In such cases, the manager will consider the following at the final review meeting:

  • The issues or problems which have been identified and discussed throughout the probation period
  • The level of consultation which has taken place with the employee across their probation period
  • The level of support offered to support an improvement
  • The period of time over which performance has been assessed
  • Any mitigating factors, or advice provided by Occupational Health
  • Representations made by the employee or their representative

9.7       Following consideration of the above, a decision will be made regarding the outcome of the employee’s probation period. This decision may be dismissal from employment with the University subject to the applicable notice period (see para 3.8) plus payment for any accrued but untaken annual leave). Where a decision is taken to dismiss, full reasons for the decision should be communicated by the manager and confirmed in writing. In some cases, an extension to the probation period may be considered as an alternative to dismissal. Where the probation period is extended, the further review meetings should be held as necessary however extensions should not normally take the probation period beyond 9 months in total. The process outlined within section 9 should be repeated as the 9-month point approaches.

9.8       In exceptional circumstances, cases may progress to this stage at an earlier point where it can be evidenced that an employee is clearly unsuitable for the role despite a reasonable level of support and guidance having been provided.

9.9       P&OD advice should be sought in cases where there may be visa implications as a result of any decision to dismiss an employee.

10. Appeals

Lodging an Appeal

 10.1     If an employee wishes to appeal the outcome of a decision made at the final probation meeting, they should submit an appeal in writing outlining their full grounds for appeal, to the appropriate College/University Services Head of Human Resources within 5 working days of receipt of the University’s decision. Employees will be notified that their appeal has been received within 5 working days.

10.2     The appeal stage is not intended to be a rehearing of the original case. Hence the grounds for appeal should typically fall within one of the following: 

  • Procedural error
  • The outcome and recommendations are unreasonable and significantly out of line with the issues considered
  • New information is now available which could not have reasonably been provided when the original outcome was communicated

10.3     Where the appeal relates to new evidence there should be a clear statement provided outlining the reason why this was not available for consideration at the previous stage.

 

The Appeal Meeting

10.4     The University will invite the employee in writing to attend an appeal hearing, normally within 10 working days of receipt of an appeal. The employee may be accompanied by a Trade Union representative or work colleague.

10.5     Appeals will be heard by an independent and normally more senior manager (the Appeal Manager) who will consider the hearing outcome with an open mind. Appeals in relation to dismissals will be heard by a panel of 2, the chair being a senior member of University staff (of minimum Grade 7) and the other being an appropriately trained member of staff*.

*For staff engaged in teaching, the provision of learning or research the trained member of staff will be a senior member of academic staff drawn from a grouping proposed jointly by University Management and the recognised Trade Union(s) and approved by Court.

10.6     If the employee or their Trade Union representative is unable to attend the appeal meeting, steps will be taken to rearrange this as soon as possible. However, if the employee is persistently unable or unwilling to attend a meeting, the Appeal Manager may review the available materials and reach an outcome based on the information available to them. A decision to proceed in this way will be communicated in writing to the employee in advance.

10.7     Appropriate training/guidance will be provided to Appeal Managers and members of Appeal Panels by People & Organisational Development. Further information and guidance on the appeal process is available from the appropriate College/University Services P&OD team.

  

The Appeal Outcome

10.8     Once the Appeal Manager has considered all the points raised they will normally provide a response, in writing, within 15 working days of the Appeal Meeting.

10.9     Where an appeal is upheld and an appellant is reappointed, it may be appropriate for them to return to their role subject to an ongoing probation period appropriate to the circumstances.

10.10   The decision of the Appeal Manager is final and there is no further right of Appeal.  

11. Review

11.1     This non-contractual policy was developed in full consultation with the Campus Trade Unions.

11.2     The policy will be reviewed periodically by the University and may be amended at any time following appropriate consultation. 

Document Control

 

Policy name

Probation Policy

Approved by

Policy Review Group (15 May 2017), HR Committee (23 May 2017)

Implementation date

2 October 2017 

Last reviewed

October 2023

Owner

Central HR – Employee Relations

Equality Impact Assessment

 8 May 2017