Probation

Probationary periods are part of our onboarding experience and play an important part of the start of a new joiner's career at Essex County Council (ECC). They are a 2-way process which allow both the new joiner to acclimatise, feel supported and connected to their team, but also for a line manager to have a defined period to set them up for success so that they can perform well in their new role.

Probation guidance

• Manager's guidance to probation
• Employee's guide to probation
• Probation procedure (PDF, 114KB)
• Probation hearing guide (PDF, 95KB)

Tracking performance in probation

Probationary check-ins should happen regularly and at least every 4 weeks, with formal reviews happening at 12, 20 and 26 weeks. These check-in conversations can be recorded in My Performance.

Letters and forms

• Confirmation that probation period is passed (DOCX, 67KB)
• Invite to probation hearing (DOCX, 70KB)
• Invite to probation appeal (DOCX, 66KB)
• Probation appeal form (DOCX, 47KB)
• Probation review form (DOCX, 52KB)

Template letters for unsuccessful probation periods and outcomes letters are available from People Support.