Probation for a staff member can be managed through iP.
At the start of the probation period, an initial review is held between the line manager and the staff member.
Go to My Staff from the left-hand menu
Next to the staff member you want to start a probation review for, click Start New Review
The process can be completed by a line manager or by an administrator using Bulk Actions (see guidance: How to Bulk Open a Review Period)
Enter a title for the review period (e.g., Probation Review 2024/2025)
Check the Start Date and End Date
Defaults to the academic year
Adjust to match the probation period if needed
Staff on probation are usually not part of the main appraisal/performance management process
The Objectives section may be disabled in their portfolio
Click Add Monitoring
In the Form drop-down, select the Probation Form template
Typically used three times during the probation: Meeting 1, Meeting 2, and Meeting 3 (end of probation)
Add the Date of the meeting
Select Observers
Choose a Purpose from the drop-down
Enter Comments if required
Click Add to save
Note: All forms can be added at once with future meeting dates set
Relevant standards are automatically shown based on the Staff Member Type
To remove a standard that does not apply, click the bin icon next to it
Go to the Areas for Development tab
Click Add Area for Development
Complete the fields:
Focus - Priority area (e.g., leadership)
Area - Specific area needing attention
Action - Short description of the required action
Due Date - Deadline for completion
Collaborators - Add staff involved in supporting this area
To add collaborators, click Add Collaborator
Once all sections are complete, click Agree to Targets & Start Review to save the probation review
Note: Setting up probation reviews correctly ensures staff have structured monitoring, relevant standards, and clear development areas from the start of their probation period.