New Staff Guide
From confirming your job offer to your first week with us, learn everything you need to know as a new member of staff at Kent.
Once you have accepted your verbal job offer, you will receive written confirmation with a confirmed start date.
You will be asked to complete some basic onboarding forms which will be used to set up your Kent IT Account and HR staff record.
Shortly after your written confirmation, you will receive your contract of employment. It is important that you read your contract carefully and sign as soon as you can, to avoid any potential delays to your start date.
Our HR team will keep you updated on what is required at each stage. You can also read through our FAQs on the My Onboarding page.
If you are planning to relocate to Canterbury/Medway, or any of the surrounding areas, we would recommend that you look into accommodation once you have accepted your offer of employment and, if applicable, you have received confirmation that your visa has been approved.
Information on short-term and long-term accommodation can be found on our Accommodation and Relocation page.
After your contract is signed and you have completed the onboarding forms, you will receive an email on how to activate your Kent IT account, where you will receive your username and Kent email address.
Once your account is active, you will be able to use your Kent email account, access your online payslips through Staff Connect and view the University intranet pages (SharePoint).
See our Driving and Parking pages for information on where you can park on your first day, including how to apply for a staff parking permit (or temporary parking if you are unable to access your Kent IT account).
Your line manager will let you know in advance where you will need to go on your first day.
On arrival, you will meet with your line manager and receive your Kent One card and IT equipment.
Your line manager will introduce you to the team, detailing different team/individual responsibilities and will show you around the wider department.
At this stage, you will go through the New Starter Guide & Checklist. Your line manager will talk you through the probation process as well as your job description and main duties of your role.
Once your IT equipment is set up, you will be invited to complete the online induction module on the Staff Moodle page, with the option to register for the in-person Welcome to Kent event.
You will have access to the compulsory online training modules for new staff, which will also take place through the Staff Moodle page.
As you continue in your first week, you'll continue to work through the probation checklist along with completing job related duties set by your line manager.
At the end of your first week, you'll have the opportunity to discuss with your line manager how you are settling in and any support you may need.
Moving forward, you will be set objectives and goals by your manager and when you will meet to review your progress (i.e. one-to-one meetings).