Orientation Programme
As a new member of staff it is very important that you take part in the programme of events that has been organised specifically to allow you to find out much more about the School, its activities and its plans for the future. You will learn about a range of School activities, and meet key existing staff members and new staff members from across the School. There will also be a chance to find out more about the local Bloomsbury area. Past feedback on these events has been very positive:
“The day made me feel valued as a new SOAS employee”.
“A great opportunity to network and meet people from all over the School”.
“Although I have been working here for several months, I have learnt lots of new and useful things which will help me in the future”.
Below is the programme outline for the main Orientation day:
| Time | Session | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| REGISTRATION & COFFEE | Russell Square | |
| 09.30 | Welcome & Introductions; Serena Yeo | |
| 09.40 | Preparing for the day; Serena Yeo | |
| 09.55 | Getting to Grips with Acronyms; Serena Yeo | |
| 10.10 | Vision, Strategy and Future Challenges, Registrar & Secretary Donald Beaton | |
| 10.40 | What do you know about SOAS? Quiz; Serena Yeo | |
| 11.00 | COFFEE | |
| 11.15 | Welcome to the work of: Finance and Planning; Barry Douglas | |
| 11.30 | Welcome to the work of: Student & Registry Services; David Christmas, Alison Barty & Evan Hancock | |
| 12.05 | Welcome to the work of: Research and Enterprise Directorate; Tony Doherty | |
| 12.20 | Welcome to the work of: Library & Information Services; Libby Homer | |
| 12.35 | LUNCH | |
| 13.15 | Welcome to the work of: Academic Development; Mandy Bentham | |
| 13.30 | Health & Safety Briefing; Heidi Alderton | |
| 14.00 | Russell Square Tour (including the SOAS Library); Sian Jones, Beth Clark | |
| 14.45 | COFFEE | |
| 15.00 | Welcome to the work of: Human Resources; Martine Baraket & Serena Yeo | |
| 15.40 | Welcome to the work of: External Relations & Development; Fiona McWilliams | |
| 15.55 | Welcome to the work of: The Student’s Union and Trade Unions; Peter Baran | |
| 16.10 | Evaluation & Close | |
| 16.30 | Director's Reception | Staff Common Room |
You should automatically receive an invitation to attend the next event soon after you start work. If you are a new member of staff please feel free to contact Staff Development at any time: staffdevelopment@soas.ac.uk.
Other essential courses for new staff include:
- Equality & Diversity training
- Information Compliance
Highly recommended:
- Walking Tour of Bloomsbury
Details of which can be found on our Course Calendar.
The Staff Development Office has also developed an Induction Checklist to help you find your way round the School and its varied systems. There is also a Checklist for Managers which will guide your manager in helping you settle in.
