Starting work

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
• On your first day
• Your induction period
• Your probation period
• How HR can help you
• Equality and diversity

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:

• MyPensionPlus Scheme Guide (Permanent and fixed term, salaried colleagues)
• UASL NEST Scheme Guide (Casual and hourly paid colleagues)
• NHS Pensions (for clinical and academic staff in the Dental Academy)

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, please email peopleenquiries@port.ac.uk. 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 HR

As well as containing important paperwork for you to complete, your Starter Pack will also include an invitation to meet our Human Resources team on your first day, at the HR Service Centre at Mercantile House, Hampshire Terrace.

During your meeting, a member of the HR team will take you through the New Starter Checklist. You'll need to bring:

• Your right to work documentation (if applicable) – please note, the University is legally required to take a photocopy of and verify your Right to Work documentation. This should have been completed when you attended your interview; if not, we'll need to see your documentation before you start work.
• Written evidence of any relevant qualifications.
• Completed bank and tax status forms from your Starter Pack.
• Emergency contact forms from your Starter Pack.
• Your P45 and National Insurance number.

The HR team will show you the University’s Employee Self-Service system, which allows you to manage your annual leave, check your payslips and P60s, and record any absences.

If your role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring check, HR will also collect your details and complete the submission during your visit.

If you have any questions or queries after you've received your Starter Pack, you can contact Human Resources on peopleenquiries@port.ac.uk or 023 9284 3141.

Meeting your line manager

After your HR meeting, 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.

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.

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

Reward & Benefits 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

Equality and diversity

Each year, the University welcomes students from more than 120 countries. Our Equality and Diversity team works to widen participation in higher education by attracting a broader variety of students and staff.

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