New job and made an error

[BigGlassOfRedPlease]

So anxious about this at the moment. 2 weeks ago I started a new (part time) school admin job after a 4 year period of being a SAHM. On the whole enjoying the role, although I have received absolutely zero training on any of the computer systems/ what processes are followed etc. completely feeling my way around in the dark. Yesterday I made a mistake when sending out some corespondance - luckily it was very generic but it could easily have been something confidential. This happened not because I got mixed up with who I was sending it to but because the way the computer system works and which again I have received no training on. This happened a few minutes before I had to leave to pick my kids up from school so all I could do was tell my colleague what had happened and then I called into work once I was home to see if I could speak to anyone but nobody was available. I’ve felt sick since worrying I’m either not going to pass my probation or they’re going to think I’m useless etc. I feel as though I’ve been placed in a vulnerable position where I have to deal with so much sensitive info but using a system I’ve had no training on - it feels like a recipe for disaster. Am I right to be feeling stressed about this? And how likely am I to be badly thought of at work for making this error?

You need to say what you've posted to your line manager. You need to be shown the ropes before you make a serious error through no fault of your own.

Don't stress- I've known so many errors from school offices that hardly anyone notices and nobody cares about.

I am a manager and the amount of data protection breaches we get from email errors etc. Usually you would get recommended to attend data protection training but it sounds like no confidential info was shared. Don't worry I never tell any of my team off, we are all human as long as the same mistake isn't repeated and sounds you need some training. It will be fine xx

Lack of training and induction appears to be a common theme. Terrible way to start a role. At least you were able to spot your error so you are learning fast.

You need to tell your line manager what you've said here. And if no training appears to be organised you need to follow up in writing.

School do that all the time. I've got four bits of confidential info already this year.

The time you’re most likely to make a mistake is when you’re new in a job I would think, especially if you’ve had no training.

If I was you I’d try not to stress and request a meeting with the person you report to as soon as you go in next. Apologise calmly for the error and request that you are given appropriate training so that you are familiar with their systems and less likely to repeat the mistake.

good luck OP.

Well you were honest about it with a colleague and attempted to speak to someone later about it also, how you deal with errors is often more important than whether you make them, and sounds like you did everything right. I would push for training on the system, this should highlight the importance to them.