The Department for Education has published new guidance and updated its suite of supportive resources to assist schools in implementing flexible working arrangements. This includes support available from Flexible working ambassador multi-academy trusts and schools (FWAMS). They have been appointed by DfE to support school leaders in implementing and embedding flexible working in their schools. FWAMS can offer advice on topics such as:
- designing a flexible working policy
- flexible hiring
- overcoming common challenges such as timetabling and budgeting
Training is also available for senior leaders and teachers on topics including:
- the benefits of flexible working
- co-headship and applying and working as a job share
- supporting equality of opportunity and diversity through flexible working
The new guidance has been issued in the context of falling enrolments on to ITT courses (with just 50% of the target at secondary level met this year), in the post-pandemic landscape, where an element of hybrid working is increasingly viewed as a non-negotiable for many job seekers. The DfE has already acknowledged the clear positive impact of flexible working arrangements on staff wellbeing by including the commitment to making them work as a key plank in the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Changes to the way flexible working requests are managed are expected to pass into law later this year following a government consultation. HR Customers can see a summary of the forthcoming changes on the Family Friendly Rights area of our HR Resources Hub.
You can view our FREE sample resource Handling a Flexible Working Request here.
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