What is the Probation Period?

Your probation period is the first stage of your journey at Digital Science, a time for you and your manager to get to know each other, confirm the role is the right fit, and give you the support you need to succeed. It’s not just about evaluation; it’s about learning, settling in, and growing into your role.

Probation Period Length

  • UK, Spain, Germany, Australia - 6 months

  • Netherlands - 2 months

  • Romania - 90 days (non managerial roles), 120 days (managerial roles)

  • US - no probation period

Note: Fixed term contract probations vary. Contact us by raising a People Support ticket for information.

What Probation is for:

  • Giving you time and space to learn your role and DS ways of working

  • Helping you and your manager align expectations early

  • Making sure you have the resources, training, and coaching you need

  • Creating space for regular feedback, both ways

Your Action Plan

Stage

What happens

Your role

Day 1

Welcome & onboarding

Log in to our systems (email, Slack, Bob)

Meet your manager

Read your welcome emails

Join your team’s Slack channels

Week 1

Initial setup

Ask questions, explore tools and systems

Complete mandatory training

Meet your buddy

Schedule a 1:1 with your manager to clarify expectations and co-create SMART objectives & record them in Bob

Month 1

30 day check-in

Reflect on your first month: what’s working well, what’s challenging, what you’ve learned

Share updates with your manager on progress against SMART objectives

Continue meeting your buddy weekly

Midpoint

Mid-probation review

Prepare a short self-review of your work so far

Ask for feedback from your manager and peers

Identify areas you want to develop before probation ends

Final Month

End of probation review

Summarise your key achievements

Discuss your goals for the next 6–12 months

How Feedback Works at DS

We believe in being Brave in the pursuit of better. That means honest and open feedback.

  • Your manager will give you feedback regularly

  • Feedback will highlight what’s going well and where to improve

  • You’re encouraged to give feedback to your manager and team too

Possible Probation Outcomes

  • Pass – You’ve met expectations and your role continues

  • Extended – More time is needed (with clear objectives and support)

  • Fail – Rare, but means the role isn’t the right fit for you

Tips for Success

  • Keep open communication with your manager

  • Ask for help when needed

  • Keep track of your SMART objectives and progress

  • Be proactive in building relationships across DS

Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact us via People Team Support ticket.