Rethinking Onboarding

Joining a big, multi-layered project like Belong in Plymouth can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new.

That’s why we’ve been reworking how we bring people in. As Stuart Jones said: “We often forget what new people don’t know, and it can feel overwhelming if we don’t guide them properly.”

We heard this loud and clear. So we started shaping an approach that’s warm, simple, and clear. Karen Pilkington suggested a “Welcomer” role—someone who could offer a friendly hello and stay available for a follow-up chat. “Sometimes a single phone call can answer all those little questions people hesitate to ask,” she said.

We also started rethinking how we introduce the project—shifting from dense documents to plain-language summaries and light-touch guides.

This isn’t just about admin. It’s about culture. When people feel seen and supported from day one, they’re more likely to stay engaged, contribute ideas, and feel like they belong.

And if belonging is our goal, that’s got to start with the welcome.