Overview

Line managers should ensure that they operate effective probationary periods for all new employees, and in some cases in respect of employees who have been transferred or promoted into new posts. This line manager briefing aims to help line managers to understand the processes involved in managing probationary periods and to explain the law and good practice in this area.

This briefing includes information on:

1. The purpose of probation
2. Length of probationary periods
3. The legal status of probationary periods
4. Structuring the probation programme
   • training plan
5. Progress meetings
   • planning progress meetings
   • action plans
   • conducting progress meetings
   • communication skills required for a progress meeting
   • keeping records
6. Final review
7. Extending probationary periods
8. Terms and conditions during probationary periods
   • notice periods
9. Instituting probationary periods for employees transferred or promoted internally
10. Dismissing an employee during or at the end of the probationary period
    • the statutory dismissal and disciplinary procedure
11. Test yourself

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