What goes on an onboarding checklist?
Include the new starter's required paperwork, systems, equipment, introductions, induction tasks, target dates and status.
Onboarding checklist template
Use this free onboarding checklist template to track new-starter tasks, categories, dates, status and notes. Download it in Excel or Word.
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2 entries
Track the admin items each new starter needs, with target dates and progress.
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This tool is free to use with no account. The rows below are examples so you can see the layout, edit or delete them and add your own. Nothing you type here is stored on our servers, so it will be gone if you close the page. Create a free account to keep it, and to get your free monthly Excel or Word download.
Staff Onboarding Checklist
| Staff member | Task or item | Category | Target date | Status | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example staff member 1 | Example task or item 1 | Paperwork | 19 Oct 2026 | Pending | Example entry, replace this with your own details. | |
| Example staff member 2 | Example task or item 2 | Systems | 18 Nov 2026 | Done | Example entry, replace this with your own details. |
These tools are provided for general business administration, organisation and record-keeping purposes. They do not constitute legal, medical, clinical, safeguarding, health and safety or regulatory advice and do not guarantee compliance with any applicable requirement. Businesses remain responsible for ensuring their own policies, procedures and records are appropriate for their circumstances.
Using this template
An onboarding checklist keeps the practical steps for a new starter in one place. Small employers, care services, contractors and office teams use one to coordinate paperwork, system access, equipment, introductions and role-specific induction. Each row should identify the staff member, task, category, target date, current status and any useful note. The checklist helps different people see what has been done and what still needs attention.
Adapt the tasks to the role rather than giving every starter an identical list. Decide who owns each stage, keep sensitive personal information outside a widely shared checklist, and confirm completion from suitable evidence. Common mistakes include treating a sent document as an acknowledged one, forgetting to remove temporary access, omitting site-specific induction and leaving overdue tasks without follow-up. Review the list with the new starter and manager during the early weeks. This template organises administrative tasks only. It does not establish whether checks, training, employment documents or induction content meet the requirements that apply to your organisation.
Questions about this template
Should every role use the same checklist?
Keep a consistent core but add or remove tasks to reflect the role, workplace and applicable requirements.
Does ticking a task prove compliance?
No. Keep the appropriate supporting records and verify that each required process was completed properly.