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Probation

All new fixed-term and ongoing appointments at ECU are subject to a probationary period.

During this period, new employees are provided with structured support by their manager, to help them integrate into their team and ECU, gain clarity on their role, and align with performance expectations. This period allows both the employee and their manager to assess if the role is the right fit.

Regular catch ups between the employee and their manager allows for discussions on progress towards work outcomes, as well as identifying any further actions required to achieve a satisfactory probation outcome before the end of the probationary period.

The provisions regarding probation for professional and academic staff are set out in the Enterprise Agreement and relevant policy.

Managers' responsibilities

Managers play a key role in ensuring a positive and productive probation experience.

At the beginning of the employee's appointment

  • Familiarise yourself with the Probation policy
  • Set clear expectations: provide a clear outline of the role, responsibilities and performance objectives.  Share the team’s operating rhythm and norms.  Examples of information you can share include:
    • A simple overview of what the team or area is aiming to achieve
    • What the role involves, including key tasks and what good performance looks like
    • How their work will be reviewed and supported
    • How the probation period works and what to expect during that time

During the probation period

  • Any concerns about performance or conduct during the probation period should be referred to your People and Culture Business Partner as soon as they arise.
  • Schedule regular formal and informal check-ins:  meet regularly (weekly or fortnightly) to provide support and discuss development options and to acknowledge their achievements.

At the end of the probation

To confirm successful probation, hold a formal review meeting near the end of the probation. Following the review make a recommendation to confirm the employment.  Complete the template probation outcome form and send it to people@ecu.edu.au.

Templates

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