Two women in a meeting, sat across a table from a man with his back to the camera

Starting work with us

Discover what you'll need to do and what to expect next, once you've accepted our job offer

The interview and application process is over and we've offered you a job. Next up, we'll send you a contract to sign and a Starter Pack to explore, together with our congratulations on starting a new adventure with us.

The information is arranged under the following headings to help you find what you want quickly:

Before you start

Your starter pack

Your Starter Park will contain various documents that you'll need to complete before your first day, plus information about the following:

Health assessment

Your offer will be accompanied by an invitation to complete relevant health screening questionnaires to confirm that you're fit for work and to assess if you need any adjustments to your working environment.

Applying for a visa

If you're newly arrived in the UK, see our arriving from overseas page for more details about Visas.

Claiming relocation expenses

You may be able to claim relocation expenses if you're a newly-appointed academic, research or support staff member on grade 7 (spine point 32) or above.

This discretionary scheme can provide reimbursement of certain expenses you incur with house removals, subject to the conditions as outlined in our Relocation Policy – for a copy of this policy, contact the People Operations Team via the People Hub. Please note, this scheme does not apply to part-time hourly paid, casual and variable hours contracts.

If we agree to reimburse relocation expenses, we'll provide you with a Personal Declaration form and a Relocation Expenses form that you'll need to complete and return to us. 

On your first day

Discover what to expect on your first day, and double-check that you're prepared with all the relevant paperwork.

Meeting your line manager

Your line manager will arrange to meet you, so they can:

  • Welcome you to the department and outline its structure
  • Introduce you to your new colleagues
  • Take you on a tour of the building, including the location of toilets, kitchen facilities and fire escape routes
  • Outline office procedures – including the use of computer systems and office equipment, and policies around smoking, disposal of waste, and consumption of food in work areas
  • Arrange for you to collect your staff card

Your line manager will also take you through and fully explain the University’s induction process, which includes the following:

  • Induction and Probation reviews
  • Health and Safety – essential training and procedures
  • University policies and procedures
  • Mandatory core training
  • Performance and Development Review (PDR)
  • Booking a place on the Staff Induction Conference
  • The UK Professional Standards Framework (for Academic staff)
  • Identification of any specific and individual needs
  • Identification of immediate training requirements

After your line manager has explained the induction process, you'll need to complete an induction checklist to make sure you complete everything when you need to.

Getting to work

Our maps and directions page has advice on travelling to Portsmouth and getting around the city. Information on travel to and around Portsmouth is also available from MyJourneyPortsmouth.

Portsmouth is well connected and there are excellent train, bus and road links, including connections to the major airports at London Heathrow, Gatwick and Southampton.

If you're arriving by car, there are University car parks located around the campus, with 1-day permits available to buy – please email car.parking@port.ac.uk for more information, or to enquire about getting a staff parking permit, once you've accepted a role with us.  

To reduce the number of vehicles in the city we actively support staff using cycles around the city, and we have secure bike compounds at the following locations:

  • Burnaby Terrace Car Park
  • Eldon Building Car Park
  • Harry Law Car Park
  • Mercantile House

All members of staff need their staff ID card to gain access – for more information, please email campus.security@port.ac.uk.

Dress code

We don't have a dress code. You should dress appropriately for your role. If you're unsure on what to wear, please check with your manager.

Collecting your staff card

Your staff card (known as your 'University Card') gives you access to our buildings, including the Library. This is a photo identification card and should be visible at all times while on University premises.

You'll get information on how to get your staff card from HR and your line manager on your first day.

Your induction period

We know how important it is for new members of staff to feel immediately supported in a new job.

Our Induction period helps you understand what's required of your role, how it fits with your department's aims and objectives and what we expect from you within the first months of starting. Your Induction also helps make you feel at home in your new surroundings.

Completing your induction is an important part of the next stage of your role at the University – your probation period.

Your probation period

When you start working with us, you'll be in a probation period where we support you in finding your feet in your new role.

Depending on which area you're working in, your probation period will last 6–12 months. In most cases, if your role is academic or a senior role, your probation will be for 12 months, and if your role is in research or Professional Services, your probation will be for 6 months.

During this time, we'll:

  • help you to identify structured development opportunities, support mechanisms and give constructive feedback on your performance so far
  • offer you support, encouragement and guidance to help you adjust to your new position
  • take early remedial action to rectify the situation, if any difficulties occur
  • at the end of the period, make a fair, reasonable and open assessment of your suitability for your role, taking into account factors ranging from your timekeeping and interpersonal relationships, to the quality of your work and your attitude towards your job

When your probationary period is up, you'll be invited to a probationary review, where you'll receive a clear statement identifying your strengths, areas for development and advice on how you can improve your performance.

In the unlikely event that your probationary period isn't completed satisfactorily, your manager will consider various appropriate measures, as outlined in our employment procedures.

How HR can help you

People Operations Team (People Hub)

The HR People Hub is the main point of contact for HR administration for all University staff and managers, providing advice and guidance and
administrative support for all HR policies and procedures. They can also help you, once you're settling into your new role, to use our three HR systems – Employee Self Service (ESS), the HR System, and our E-Recruitment System.

Contact the People Operations Team via the People Hub

HR Business Partner Team

The HR Business Partner team provides professional guidance and support for individuals and managers across all HR policies and procedures across the University, with each team supporting different faculties and professional services. They also provide advice on employment solutions, best practice, and legislative advice.

For more information see the HRBusiness Partnering (HRBP) Team pages.

Reward & Recognition Team

The team provides information about pay, reward and benefits, including salary scales, employee benefit schemes, pensions, recognition awards and other employee benefits.

For questions on reward and benefits, email reward@port.ac.uk.  For pensions, contact pensionenquiries@port.ac.uk.

Learning and development

Our Learning and Development team work with faculties and professional services to create, organise and facilitate development events throughout the University and provide advice and guidance relating to leadership, management and staff development.

You can contact the team at learninganddevelopment@port.ac.uk.

Occupational health

The Occupational Health Service is available to provide confidential advice and support on any health issues, including:

  • Health assessments for all new staff, with follow-up advice as appropriate
  • Ergonomic advice and workstation assessment
  • Health assessments for staff driving on University business
  • Counselling advice
  • Health surveillance for designated workers
  • Health promotion
  • Support for first aiders
  • Advice for those travelling abroad on University business
  • Early eyesight tests, if required for health reasons
  • Advice on rehabilitation following sickness absence, regardless of how short term, if an employee is in need of support or advice or management are concerned.

To contact the Occupational Health Service, please email: enquiries@cordellhealth.co.uk

Equity, Wellbeing & Inclusion

Each year, the University welcomes students from more than 120 countries. Our Equity, Wellbeing & Inclusion team provide expert consultancy enabling colleagues to play their part in creating a working, learning, cultural and social community, where all colleagues and students: feel they belong; are able to reach their full potential, and; are treated with dignity and respect.

To contact the team, email equality@port.ac.uk.