Planning a Placement

Some Points on Placement Design

• Build in breadth of experience rather than having a single task dominating. A placement that consists mainly of data entry is not likely to stretch a student. Our research suggests that the strongest placement outcomes are a result of authentic experience of a number of steps in the research process and a feeling of ownership by the student.
• While placements help to develop independent working, students also appreciate the opportunity to work with a range of academic staff and other researchers including postgraduate students. Avoid leaving students to work in isolation for most of the project. 
• Six weeks is a short period so goals need to be realistically achievable within the timeframe.
• Before application, consider exactly how the placement contributes to your own research and what outputs it will lead to (joint publications, conference papers, grant proposals etc).
• It's better if a placement doesn't coincide with more than a week of annual leave or other heavy committments.

Some Points on Student Selection

• Though placements do not formally constitute employment, student selection needs to be transparent, open and fair. Think through exactly what skills need to be included in the person specification and select on this basis.  
• Be open-minded about the possible benefits of recruiting a student from a different School. A students from a neighbouring discipline may bring a new perspective to your work.
• If you do not have previous experience of interviewing and selection consult the University's  Recruitment and Selection Handbook and/or with your Head of School for advice and to ensure that you meet the University's requirements on equal opportunities.
• Please retain records of all applicants and interview/selection notes for at least six months and store these securely. They may then be disposed of in confidential waste or shredded.
• Placement students are not taxed and the Guidance Notes contain all the information you need to ensure that we meet the tax regulations attached to this funding. Failure to follow them may result in loss of tax exemptions and a significant financial liability being incurred by the Department and/or student.

Some Points on Placement Management

• A placement must include a structured induction and regular review meetings so that the student gets the maximum benefit from the placement.
• Organise administrative requirements in advance (a place for the student to work, swipe cards, printing etc).
• Consider the student's training needs. Other members of staff may be able to undertake responsibility for certain aspects of training.
• All placements require a proper risk assessment and the induction which takes place in the first week must include a health and safety briefing.

• Stay in touch with your student. Circumstances change and the best way to ensure that your student does start their placement is to maintain regular contact, keep them informed about what is happening and ensure that they are starting to feel part of the team.