we have a powerpoint presentation that was put together by my colleague that we deliver to new staff and contractors,both directly and non-directly employed.

We also show a slips trips and falls DVD complete with ham acting and cheesy case studies!

I transferred my paper-based inductions to iAuditor recently, which I find much better. Instead of filing or scanning in the paper-based copy I can send myself a pdf directly (which I then save on the network).

Face to face inductions are critical I think. I try to schedule one-on-one inductions, although I will do groups if necessary. 

The induction is standardized, but with a section to identify any additional inductions or training required.

The induction is broken down into sections - fire, first aid, COSHH, DSE, maternity etc. and the depth of each section depends on the job (e.g. an office based role will not go into specifics on COSHH, just basics, but a COSHH-centric role will be much more in depth).

My current employer (HE Sector) has a somewhat fragmented approach to inductions. At my previous employer (Civil Service) we had a more formal approach.

There, the inductions were run weekly and nobody was issued with a full pass or IT password until they had completed the induction process.

Part 1 was general orientation which lasted a day:

• Shown around the site including location of toilets and canteen etc.
• Sessions of the responsibilities of civil servants, diversity, organisation’s mission statement etc.
• IT introduction
• HSW talk- 45 minutes explaining what the organisations HSW duties were and their responsibilities under the law and the organisation’s policies. NUMBER ONE RESPOSBILITY WAS TO ASK QUESTIONS!

  Certain types of people were given extra H&S talks including those working in labs and doing fieldwork- explaining to them how the system for risk assessment worked- again each talk was about 45 minutes

  Finally local managers were expected to fill in the gaps and explain how the H&S system worked in their area eg they were  give a tour of their local area, showing them where the fire exits were, who the first aiders were, where PPE was stored etc.