A buddy scheme is where a colleague is selected to act as a guide to a new employee.
The buddy system provides an informal contact point for all kinds of queries and is intended to assist the employee as they settle in to working at the Institute.
The Role of the Buddy:
The role of the Buddy is to support the new starter, offering advice and assistance. They should help the new starter feel welcome by making sure they meet other colleagues, find the location of key facilities, and support their settling into the Institute. They can also signpost the new starter to relevant employees when they have questions. They should also maintain ongoing regular contact, approximately biweekly, checking in with the employee.
The new starter should feel able to approach the Buddy for support on their general induction, specific areas such as policies, and any general questions they have to help them adapt to their new role and CISI.
The selection of a Buddy:
When selecting a Buddy, the line manager should look for a Buddy who is:
- Available
- Approachable and friendly
- Willingness to listen
- Able to appreciate the challenges facing a new employee
- Confidential and discreet
The Buddy is not meant to take the role of the line manager, who should also be providing support, but can be a valuable additional source of information or way of clarifying queries the new starter may have.
The Buddy will normally be:
For new employees who are not a member of the Executive Team or a Manager: the preference is for the Buddy to be outside the team, unless not practical.
For Managers or Head of Department: a Manager or Head of Department
For a member of the Executive team: a member of the Executive Team
The Buddy should not be the line manager of the new starter.
Meetings / lunch
The line manager will arrange for the New Starter to meet with their Buddy ideally on their first day of employment, either face to face or via teams.
There is also a Buddy lunch usually during the employee’s first week, which is paid for by the Institute. The cost can be claimed with a valid receipt, via the expenses system.
The lunch can last up to 1½ hours.
The allowance for lunch is:
- UK - up to £25 a head
- Sri Lanka - up to Rs 5,000 for two people
- International offices - please contact HR