AbstractBristol Polytechnic has run a formal in‐service training course for new staff since 1973. During this period a number of changes have taken place in the philosophy and detail of the course which now has four broad components: ‘assessment’; ‘setting objectives’; ‘learning activities, materials and methods’; and ‘evaluation’.The rationale for these changes is explained in terms of a reappraisal of the perceived needs of new members of staff, and the characteristics of the approach are outlined along with details of the programme.A discussion section includes data from the interim and final evaluations of the programme by the course members.In a series of appendices, examples of exercises and activities drawn from the four broad areas of the program