Induction is vital for practitioners in new or changed roles. Good induction ensures these practitioners settle in quickly as productive team members. Induction as well as being about the basics that we all take for granted: what's the routine for holidays, sickness; who’s who, is also about understanding the organisation's mission, goals, values, ethics, personnel practices, health and safety rules, and of course the job role, with clear methods, timescales and expectations. Professionally organised and delivered induction is your opportunity for a positive first proper impression of you and your organisation.

Proper induction not only sets the right tone between the employer and the new practitioner, it is increasingly a legal requirement. Employers will, for example, have a formal duty to provide new employees with all relevant information and training relating to health and safety particularly. Remember induction can be achieved through very many different methods - use as many as you need to suit the individuals and the organisation including:

• mentoring
• on the job coaching
• delegated tasks and projects
• reading assignments
• presentation assignments
• attending internal briefings and presentations, eg 'lunch and learn' format
• special responsibilities which require obtaining new skills or knowledge or exposure
• video
• internet and e-learning
• visits
• attachment to project or other teams
• job-swap
• shadowing (shadowing another employee to see how they do it and what's involved).