Things to do before you start

Once you have received and accepted an offer of employment from the University there are a number of steps which usually take place before your first day in your new role.

These may vary depending on your role and additional steps may apply in some cases. Communications may be sent to you from your line manager or the departmental HR team or Head of Administration.

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You will receive a contract of employment before your first day, which sets out the offer and terms and conditions of employment. You should check this, and then sign and return it according to the instructions contained within it. You need to do this before you start work. 

The University carries out pre-employment checks for all new starters in line with legislation, policy and good practice.   

All offers of employment with the University will be conditional upon you satisfying some or all the following requirements as applicable to the post. Information on the pre-employment checks that will or may be carried out can be found on the University jobs pages.  

You will be asked to complete forms to provide the necessary information to set you up in relevant University systems including payroll, HR employee record, access to IT and email systems, the University card system for identification as a University employee and for building access. 

Once a conditional job offer has been made, you will also be sent a New Starter Health Declaration form.  This will allow you to tell us about any health conditions or disabilities that may impact on your capability to perform the proposed role so that appropriate advice and support can be sought.  

Please provide all of the requested information as promptly as you can as this will help to ensure a smooth start into your new role.    

You will be told where and when to report and receive guidance on the person you should report to on your first day, as well as any items you may need to bring.

You should ensure that you have this information with you and make sure that you have a contact number for the person who will be meeting you in case you need to communicate with them on the day, for example if you are unwell or delayed.

All University staff can access a range of benefits for both work and personal life. These include transport schemes and other financial benefits that you may wish to review in advance to help you plan for starting your new role. 

The University offers occupational pension schemes for eligible staff members. If eligible, you will automatically be enrolled into the appropriate pension scheme unless you give notice in writing within 1 month of being enrolled that you do not wish to belong to the scheme.

The Welcome Service provides resources and information for new members of the University and their families who are relocating to Oxford.  

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