Induction Guide for On-boarding developers
Inducting contractors differs slightly from inducting normal staff. Firstly it involves a basic technical approach induction followed by minimum agency training, this allows us to spot any concerns early and also enables contractors to begin work much faster than the core staff induction.
There are 4 key stages throughout the process and checkpoints to reach which set a ‘status’ for the contractor.
Documentation list
The following documents need to be created and completed per contractor.
Induction spreadsheet - this is the main roadmap to follow for the induction. Agency documentation, Technical approaches etc are covered and linked in this spreadsheet.This spreadsheet also features a cover sheet which enables NDP to quickly refer to the status of the contractor (eg In approval phase)
Ongoing performance review spreadsheet - After the induction is completed there will be an ongoing performance document for regular contractors, this allows us to track people's skill level and readdress any areas which are sub par.
Email template - This is used to send email updates to senior staff and project managers regarding the individual's performance at breakpoints
Overview of induction stages
Process in detail
Before commencing the induction, it’s a good idea to allow the new contractor to read through the following docs:
Pantheon Documentation - Current hosting platform
The overall process of inducting a contractor is tracked on an Induction spreadsheet. The spreadsheet has 4 Key stages (listed below). Upon completion of each stage, the inductee must send an update out to the relevant staff members using the Email template.
1. Approval point 1 - Technical approach
This phase is the Technical Approach. It includes reading the developer guide and production techniques and also explanations from the inductor regarding process and build techniques. Additionally there are some optional tasks for the contractor the carry out.
What : ‘how do we do Drupal’ a tour through our approaches.
Goal : Good understanding of our approach to build and theme. Approval point 1 met and email is sent out updating senior staff on status
Timescale : 1 day
Qualification : Goal achieved, inductor is satisfied that skills and attitude are aligned with agency requirements.
The main breakpoints are:
Site building and development (including data management and lastpass)
Front End.
2. Approval point 2 - Minimum agency training
This phase gives the contractor the minimum information needed to work with the agency systems, for example, explanations of the Doc Stack and what preflights are.
The main breakpoints for this stage are:
What : time logging, PMs, Basecamp etc
Goal : Understanding of our systems and planning, able to log time and update PMs. Approval point 2 is met and email sent out updating senior staff on status
Timescale : 1 day
Qualification: Goal met, inductee shows a good understanding and willingness to work inside the agency processes.
Output : Contractor status now ‘approved, unqualified’ - this is marked on the cover sheet on the template
The main breakpoints are:
Explanations - Agency guide and zero defects
Systems we use
Project documentation
Working with Project managers.
At the end of the Minimum agency training, it is expected that the contractor should be able to begin work.
3. Approval point 3 - Practical Unqualified
Fully billed work. Supported with a minimum of 50% billed time alongside another employee working as the lead.
What : Fully billed work. Supported with a minimum of 50% billed time alongside another employee, working as the lead.
Timescale : Varied
Qualification : Daily breakpoint reviews with senior lead. Daily review between lead and Head of Production
Extra risk management : Plan B is in place and budgeted for - i.e. break at 2 day point and agree if happy to continue with contractor, or move work over to lead to finish, or bring in another team member or approved contractor.
Output : If results of QA and delivery acceptable contractor status now ‘approved, qualified’. If not acceptable, but deemed close this phase can be repeated.
The main breakpoints for this stage are:
Completed the checklist consisting of tasks more involved with NDPs systems, for example, preflights.
Explanation of support work
Explanations of higher level documentation (UML, Devplans)
4. Approval point 4 - Practical Qualified
The final qualified stage ensures the contractor is able to work with minimum support and is able to log hours independently.
What : contractor is now a qualified resource. This was established through 1 or more finished and QA approved projects. Can be trusted to work as any other team member.
Qualification : Minimum of 2 day breakpoint reviews. Weekly report to management on progress.
Breakpoint is the completion of the checklist including the following items:
Demonstrated a high level of responsibility on the project
Attended stand ups with the project lead
Full understanding of all documentation
Able to work with other staff members at NDP (not just the lead)
Able to work with support
Logging hours via tickspot
After the above process is complete, the contractor may also have an ‘on going performance review’ tracker. Although this will only exist for contractors that reach Approval point 4