Flexible working

The University’s flexible working policy sets out the procedure to be followed when staff ask to work flexibly to achieve a better work/life balance. The policy applies to all staff, regardless of length in service, who request flexibility in their working arrangements for a period of time of longer than three months.

The most common reasons for such requests are:

• To fit in with a dependant’s care arrangements.
• Preparing for retirement.
• Coping with a disability.
• Combining part-time University employment with other professionally-related work (if of benefit to all concerned).

The most common forms of flexible working arrangement are:

• part-time working
• job share
• flexitime

Staff wanting to request a change to their existing working pattern should read this policy and discuss their proposal with their immediate supervisor before applying (using the FLEXAF form if a permanent change is requested or by letter if temporary). They should be prepared to give full details, e.g. proposed pattern of work and how their duties would be covered, and to attend a meeting with their Head of Institution to discuss their request (accompanied by a colleague or union representative if they wish). The Head of Institution will assess the request, taking into account operational requirements and the nature of the person’s job, and write to the member of staff giving their decision. Any permanent change to terms and conditions resulting from the changed working pattern will be confirmed in writing.

Requests to work flexibly for periods of less than three months, for example for compassionate reasons or as a graduated return from sick leave, should be reviewed with the member of staff and agreed locally by the Head of institution or comparable authority, in accordance with guidance given by the Human Resources Division.

This policy also applies to staff wishing to apply to work flexibly for a limited period in certain circumstances such as:

• career break
• family leave
• graduated return from maternity
• sick leave

Further guidance on flexible working is available from the relevant contact in the Clinical School HR Team.