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New ECRs

Find out how to make the most of your first few weeks as an ECR and discover useful guidance for starting your researcher role at Sussex.

We warmly welcome you into the researcher community here at Sussex and look forward to seeing you at future ECR events. We particularly hope you will join the Researcher Development-hosted Welcome event which you will be invited to in your first six months, as part of your wider community induction process.

Induction Checklist for New Researchers

Starting a new role as a researcher at Sussex is an exciting step. To help you settle in, we’ve created a tailored induction checklist for early career researchers (ECRs), adapted from the HR checklist for new starters. This guide sets out what you should do before you arrive and during your first weeks and months.

The checklist is divided into sections to support you at each stage:

• Pre-Onboarding – what to do before you arrive.
• First Day – essential steps to complete on your first day.
• First Week – activities and resources to explore during your first week.
• First Four Weeks – follow-up actions and further training.
• Local Induction – role-specific information arranged by your manager.

You will complete the induction checklist with your line manager, and both of you should keep a copy. Local induction will be tailored to your specific role and department.

Before you arrive

• Visit Human Resources (where possible) to complete starter documentation and ID/Right to Work checks before beginning any work activity.
• Familiarise yourself with the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
• Read the University’s Safeguarding Policy.
• Review the ECR Welcome Guide*, and the Sussex Digital Pack from Organisational Development.
• If coming from abroad, arrange visas and work permits in advance. See the University’s website for guidance and visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for requirements.
• Ensure you have documents required to open a UK bank account or rent accommodation (e.g. proof of address, proof of income, guarantor details).
• Arrange accommodation and, if relevant, register children with childcare/schools. The University has a nursery and pre-school on campus.
• Familiarise yourself with the Researcher Development webpages, a hub of information and resources available to Sussex researchers.
  
  

On your first day

• Meet your line manager, buddy, and research group colleagues.
• Contact the SEF Print Unit to request your University ID card (email a passport-style photo). Cards can be collected or posted.
• Visit technicians (with your line manager/buddy) to collect your SALTO card/office key.
• Visit the ITS Helpdesk in Shawcross with your manager/buddy to collect your laptop, set up email, and get your login details.
• Set up printing with your SALTO and IT login.
• Familiarise yourself with your ECR Representatives and their roles (see the ECR Reps webpage).
• Complete mandatory online training modules: Unconscious Bias and Equality and Diversity (via LearnUpon).
• Subscribe to relevant seminar mailing lists in your department or research group.
  
  

In your first week

• Complete your DSE (Display Screen Equipment) self-assessment.
• Check and update your Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) data in MyView.
• Familiarise yourself with:
  • ECR Development Series training courses
  • Sussex 2035 Strategy, Inclusive Sussex, People Strategy, and Sustainability Strategy
  • The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion webpages
  • The Policy and Resources Library for ECRs webpage
  • The Staff Networks webpage (and join relevant ones)
  • Organisational Development webpages
  • ITS staff page: Getting Started with IT
• Attend a Health and Safety induction with your building’s Health and Safety Coodinator
• Get your office door sign (emailed by the clerical assistant).
• Read your staff handbook for information on building hours, parking, and travel.
• Complete any enrolled training on LearnUpon.
• Familiarise yourself with a campus map.
• Meet the ECR Rep(s) for your school
• Check the Staff Newsletter for events and updates.
  
  

In your first few weeks

• You will be invited to a University induction from Organisational Development for all new members of staff.
• You will be invited to an ECR Welcome Lunch, hosted by the Researcher Development. This event will give you an opportunity to:
• Meet other researchers that have also recently started at Sussex
• Find out about the range of support on offer to ECRs across the university
• Find out about opportunities to get involved in the wider university community
• Identify some goals for your ongoing career development
• Ask any questions you may have relating to your role or working at Sussex in general
• Ensure all mandatory training on LearnUpon is complete.
• Read the University’s Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy, and review the Master Records Retention Schedule.
• Have a professional headshot taken (arranged by your School office).
  
  

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your role as a ECR, the Researcher Development are here to help. Please contact us with your questions via researchstaffoffice@sussex.ac.uk. Discussions with the Researcher Development are treated in confidence.

Resources for ECRs