New ECRs
This page provides information to help you in your first few days and weeks as you begin your role at Sussex.
We warmly welcome you into the researcher community here at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ and look forward to seeing you at future research staff events. We particularly hope you will be able to join the Researcher Development hosted "welcome lunch" which you will be invited to within your first term as part of your wider community induction process.
Researcher Development are very pleased to bring you a 28 page interactive Welcome Guide* for new ECRs joining the University.
Alongside general information about the University, the Welcome Booklet includes information about:
- Researcher Development (formerly Research Staff Office) and other support services around the university
- Support for your career development
- Support for your research
- Practical guides on factors such as policies, employment queries, term dates, insurance
- Information on living in Brighton and relocating from overseas
The booklet also contains a helpful induction check list for new ECRs to complete in their first few days and in their new role.
*Please be advised that the Welcome Guide is currently not fully updated. However, it still contains valuable information for new starters. We encourage you to visit the University's webpages for all staff and other resources. We appreciate your patience as we work to transfer the guide's information into a more accessible format.
Checklist for New Researchers
- Before you arrive... (Logistics)
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- Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions of Employment
- See the Welcome Guide* for more information
- See the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Digital Pack from Organisational Development.
- If you are coming from abroad arrange any necessary visas and work permits
- See the University's website for visa information guidance. You can check what you will need by . Make sure you leave plenty of time to arrange your visas.
- Sign and return your “the Staff Record of Acceptance form” to HR business services coordinator.
- Register any children with local childcare/schools
- There is a nursery and pre-school on campus
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See the Welcome Guide* for more information
- Ensure you have the appropriate documents required for opening UK bank account (if coming from abroad) and for renting property.
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For banks you will need proof of your UK address and proof of income (e.g. last 3 months bank statements, previous payslips and University appointment letter)
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For renting you will need proof of income and guarantor information
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Check with banks and letting agents as to the specifics of the documentation you will need to provide
- Arrange accommodation
- See the Welcome Guide* for useful websites
- Familiarise yourself with the Researcher Development's webpages, a hub of information and resources available for ßÏßÏÊÓƵ Researchers
*Please be advised that the Welcome Guide is currently not fully updated. However, it still contains valuable information for new starters. We encourage you to visit the University's webpages for all staff and other resources. We appreciate your patience as we work to transfer the guide's information into a more accessible format.
- On your first day at Sussex... (Essentials)
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- Familiarise yourself with the Campus Map!
- Take your paperwork to Human Resources (room 338, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ House). You will need:
- Staff Record of Acceptance Form (if not returned in advance)
- P45 or P46 (if you do not have a P45)
- Completed Immigration, Asylum and Nationality form
- Passport and/or other forms of identification as specified in your appointment information.
- Obtain your ITS username and password from IT Services in Shawcross building.
- Login to to check your personal information. If required, you can apply for a staff paperless parking permit via , or visit the Transport webpages for more information.
- Visit the Print Unit in York building to obtain your University Card.
- Meet your supervisor and research group colleagues
- In your first weeks... (Local induction)
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- Have a meeting with your supervisor/line manager to discuss your work objectives and career development goals: Guidance and templates to support your start of contract objective setting and career development discussion.
- Meet your Head of Department and/or Head of School
- Meet your departmental/school administrator
- Meet the person with responsibility for research staff development within your school
- Health and Safety induction from your building’s Health and Safety Coodinator
- Meet your HR contact
- Meet the ECR Rep(s) for your school
- Familiarise yourself with key policies and guidance relating to your research, development and employment.
- Familiarise yourself with Finance System information and policies.
- Familiarise yourself with support and opportunities on offer to researchers through the Researcher Development Webpages.
- Familiarise yourself with University Strategy and Governance.
- You will be subscribed to the ECR Mailing List, which is used to communicate news, events and other information relevant to researchers and those involved in supporting researchers.
- In your first few months... (Wider induction and community)
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- You will be invited to a University induction from Organisational Development for all new members of staff.
- You will be invited to an ECR Welcome Lunch, hosted by the Researcher Development. This event will give you an opportunity to:
- Meet other researchers that have also recently started at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ
- Find out about the range of support on offer to ECRs across the university
- Find out about opportunities to get involved in the wider university community
- Identify some goals for your ongoing career development
- Ask any questions you may have relating to your role or working at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ in general
- Enjoy a free lunch!
Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your role as a ECR, the Researcher Development are here to help. Please contact us with your questions via researchstaffoffice@sussex.ac.uk. Discussions with the Researcher Development are treated in confidence.
Don't forget to arrange a start of contract discussion with your supervisor/manager
It is a University expectation that as part of their induction process, new members of research faculty should meet with their principal investigator/supervisor within the first month of the research contract to discuss and agree some initial research and career development objectives. This process will help you to establish yourself quickly in your new role and to identify any training/development requirements to support you in your current role and future career aspirations.
Resources for ECRs
Come along to our next to meet other new researchers to ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, find out about the range of support and opportunities on offer and ask any questions.
Find answers to frequently asked questions by ECRs along with links to further information.
Find information and links to a range of practical support and resources.
New Strategic Framework, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ 2025
The ßÏßÏÊÓƵ launched its new Strategic Framework, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ 2025.
The framework is a seven-year transformation - an expression of what we stand for and how we will continue to build on our success whilst reinventing ourselves for the future. It sets out our vision for the kind of university we want to be and shares the values that we hold dear.
Contact Us
E: researchstaffoffice@sussex.ac.uk
T: 01273 877979
Researcher Development, Research and Innovation Services, Level 1, Falmer House, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, BN1 9QF