Equip managers with the practical knowledge to support new starters, address performance concerns early and manage probation periods fairly and compliantly.
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The importance of probationary periods eLearning
Probationary periods are one of the most important stages of the employee lifecycle. They provide an opportunity for employers and new starters to assess whether the role is the right fit, while helping new employees build confidence and settle into the organisation.
That role is set to become even more important, with the Employment Rights Act reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from two years to six months in January 2027. With 6.3 million employees expected to gain earlier unfair dismissal protection, the need to strengthen probation processes starts now (GOV).
This course, developed collaboratively by our group eLearning experts and employment law specialists, introduces managers to the purpose of probationary periods, how to support employees effectively, and how to manage situations where performance concerns arise. Learners will also understand when probation may need to be extended and how to approach decisions fairly and consistently.
Probationary periods eLearning course overview
Understand the purpose of probationary periods and how they support both employers and new starters, helping managers create a positive experience while assessing whether someone is the right fit for the role.
Develop confidence to manage probation fairly and consistently, including how to support employees throughout the process, when an extension may be appropriate, and how to approach decisions to confirm or end employment.
Recognise common probation pitfalls and learn practical ways to avoid them, reducing the risk of inconsistent decision-making and helping managers apply a fair, structured approach from day one.
Build the skills to identify and address performance concerns early, giving employees the opportunity to improve while ensuring conversations are handled confidently, constructively and in line with good employment practice.
On-demand webinar | Why the 6-month window changes everything
The Employment Rights Act has transformed probation from a best practice into a business-critical process. Watch this webinar to understand how the reduction in the unfair dismissal qualifying period changes recruitment and probation strategies, and the practical steps organisations should take now to reduce risk.
Complete the form below to watch the on-demand session
Find out more about our Probation playbook
As organisations prepare for changing employment rights, managers need the confidence to set expectations, monitor performance and make fair, consistent probation decisions.
Discover our free Probation playbook overview to discover how our comprehensive toolkit can help strengthen your probation process with practical resources, expert guidance and targeted eLearning.
Probation Pack overview
Book an eLearning demo
Book a 30-minute demo with our eLearning experts to explore how this course helps managers support new starters, address performance concerns and confidently manage probationary periods.
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