User-alt

Quaker A-Z Clerking: O is for Onboarding

What do we mean by Onboarding?

Onboarding is the action or process of integrating a new person into an organisation ensuring they have the tools and support need to help them be productive and do the work that they are expecting to do.
scrabble pieces related to learning
Photo by Gilles Roux on Unsplash

Don't you mean Induction?

In the upcoming MBS course ‘Thinking About: Onboarding‘ I explain…
 
“I tend to use induction for the specific ‘this is how to do a task’ measurable goals, while onboarding starts when the job or role is accepted, and gives the new person support and training to ensure they know how to actually do the job or role you’ve given them.”
 
Browse our course catalogue and sign up for our newsletter for all the latest news and information from MBS. 
 
So, onboarding starts when someone accepts a nomination or job offer and ideally is then welcomed and walked through the necessary steps to be able to do the job/role.

What is involved with onboarding someone?

For a new co-clerk that might include, giving them access to document storage, the generic email account – and then explaining the filing structure, how agendas are created, the type of wording and the Quaker Business Method.
 
As a new trustee that may require them to complete the ‘fit and proper person form’ and get their details to enable the Charity Commission records to be updated. It might mean that they get access to document storage and generic email accounts as well as a ‘welcome pack’ including minutes, governing documents etc.
 
For a new employee that would include things that are done by you to get them registered. This could include, payroll, asking about pension choices, and then giving them access to the document storage, generic emails, and perhaps keys and other items required.
 
You can read more about the history of this term (and its synonym induction) at Wikipedia.

Useful resources...

We cover this topic from both the DIY onboarding which is needed when you accept a job/role and then are just left to get on with it. Together with in the F5 Onboarding looking this at a basic level from the Clerk or Trustee or supervisor/employer/volunteer management person’s point of view.

If you wonder if this applies to the worshipping community – of course it does! Helping people decide to turn up at a new place of worship, actually attend and then how that community helps them feel part of the community is more commonly called ‘outreach’ but is definitely similar to onboarding.

Emily Provance discusses these parts of the ‘From Seeker to Quaker‘ process and follows that post up with ideas for each step. For more details on how to make enquirers welcome visit the Quaker.org.uk outreach page.

You might also be interested in the following blog posts:

Planning & Goals for 2021

Or any of these blogs in our ‘Outreach‘ category.

Picture of Wendrie Heywood

Wendrie Heywood

MBS Founder

Getting ready to onboard new volunteers?

Don’t miss our #ValuingVolunteers webinar on Wednesday 6th September from 18.00-19.30 (BST). To book your FREE place and learn techniques to motivate and engage new members of the team, contact the MBS Education Team.

Valuing Volunteers

Latest Posts

Improving Relationships
Free Resources
Book Consultation

Resources

Contact

Get in touch to book FREE 30-minute consultation.

Legal

Keep in touch

Sign up  below to receive our newsletter.

© 2023 Mindful Business Services