1. Introduction
The LSE has recently reviewed exit procedures for research staff as part of the School's commitment to improving the quality of feedback on the staff experience and is piloting the offer of an exit meeting or the completion of an exit questionnaire. This gives research staff leaving the School an opportunity to comment on their employment experience - including the overall employment package for research staff, working relationships and environment, career development support and opportunities etc. The information provided is used to monitor and identify any trends that may need to be addressed in order for the School to maintain its ability to attract and retain the best quality staff and improve the employment experience of all research staff.
2. Confidentiality
Attendance at an exit meeting and completion of the questionnaire is completely voluntary and information derived from exit meetings and questionnaires will be confidential. The exit questionnaire can be completed anonymously and specific information will not be passed on to other members of staff without the permission of the individual providing the information. In the event that there is a discernible trend of comments relating to a particular area which may require further investigation, HR would contact you for your consent to the disclosure of any relevant information. However, in the event that an individual raises a formal complaint, the matter may have to be referred to the Employment Relations team within Human Resources to be dealt with under the relevant School procedure(s). In this event, the identity of the individual making the complaint may have to be disclosed. Information given will not affect references provided by the School or any future employment opportunities at the School.
3. Procedure
Research staff leaving LSE will be contacted by a member of staff from the Academic and Research Staff Policy team within Human Resources who will carry out exit meetings and analyse the results of exit questionnaires. There is no prescribed structure for the discussion at the exit meeting, the discussion can follow the structure of the exit questionnaire or individuals can raise particular issues for discussion in advance of the meeting. A record of the main points discussed at the exit meeting will be made by the member of staff from HR and agreed with the member of staff leaving the School. The member of staff may choose to bring their own summaries of points for discussion and have these attached to the agreed record of the meeting.
4. Reporting
The information collected will be collated into an anonymous report that will be presented annually to the HR Director and the Research Staff Committee. The HR Director will be responsible for ensuring that, where appropriate, action is taken to address any issues as a result of information obtained from exit meetings and questionnaires.
5. Monitoring and review
The operation, impact and effectiveness of the new arrangements will be reviewed in the 2009 Michaelmas term - i.e. after one full year of operation.
6. Further information
If you would like any further information on the exit procedures please do not hesitate to contact Meeta Bhatt (Human Resources)
A copy of the Research Staff Exit Questionnaire is available here