Flexible Working Programme now available

Offering the education sector the support and guidance to make flexible working more accessible for all staff...

Flexible working is an essential part of the workplace for many, yet there are challenges in implementing it in multi-academy trusts and schools, and there is further to go in embedding flexible working approaches in education in comparison to other industries. Boosting flexible working is a key pillar of the Department for Education (DfE)’s strategy to recruit new teachers and help retain the existing workforce. With the aim of modernising working conditions, through offering a range of working patterns that better suit teachers and leaders, it is possible to improve staff wellbeing, and create a more diverse teacher and leader workforce. 

In March 2023, Capita and our delivery partner Flexible Teacher Talent were awarded a new contract to deliver a programme of practical support to promote flexible working practices in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools across England.  

As part of the programme, the Department for Education (DfE) has now appointed Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) to support school leaders to implement and embed flexible working in their schools. The FWAMS will offer practical advice on overcoming common challenges such as timetabling and budgeting, as well as highlighting the importance of ‘flexible hiring’ and providing support on designing a flexible working policy. Bespoke support will be available to leaders in MATs, mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools and alternative provision/pupil referral unit settings.  

Capita will work with the ambassador MATs and schools to deliver support to schools and trusts to help implement flexible working practices. This includes a national programme of free workshops and webinars.  Webinar and resource topics will include, amongst others, implementing flexible working, promoting diversity in the workforce and co leadership and job sharing. These will be brought to life by best practice examples and case studies. 

Jayne Thorpe, Capita said: “We are delighted to launch this programme, funded by the Department for Education. It is inspiring to be involved in a programme that offers the education sector the support and guidance to make flexible working more accessible for all staff. We are excited to work alongside the appointed FWAMS to achieve this.”

For more information, to access resources or register for a free webinar visit www.flexibleworkingineducation.co.uk