Flexible working support: a programme for Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools

About the programme

Capita, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), are delivering a programme to promote flexible working practices in Multi-Academy Trusts and schools, which includes a series of free training and support webinars.

Webinar and resource topics will include, amongst others, implementing flexible working, best practice and case studies, diversity in the workforce and co‑leadership and job sharing.

Important changes from 6 April to flexible working legislation, login to find out more

Alongside our partner Flexible Teacher Talent, and in partnership with Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS), we are delivering a programme to support schools to adopt flexible working.

The programme will support school leaders to design flexible roles, adopt a proactive approach and navigate the challenges flexible working can pose in schools.

The programme will increase awareness of the benefits of flexible working and the full range of flexible working practices available, which can include part-time working, job sharing, home or remote working, phased retirement and personal/family days.

Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) have been appointed by the DfE to provide bespoke peer support to school leaders to assist them to establish a culture of flexible working in their schools. 

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Future courses and recordings

Co-Headship
Join us for this one-hour session where we will explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview. We will discuss how co-headship provides a collaborative partnership model which can help to make headship more desirable and sustainable for great leaders who we need to retain and promote. Case-studies will be presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
06/02/25
10:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (North of England)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with other schools and trusts in your region.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
23/01/25
10:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - specialist workshop (high disadvantage)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with schools and trusts working within similar settings.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
16/01/25
14:00
Online
Book course
Leading culture change in a multi-academy trust
This one-hour session will explore how flexible working, as a culture change programme, can be beneficial to all in schools and trusts. We will share experiences from two Trust HR Leads. Practical advice on how to take important first steps in this cultural change will be discussed. You will be provided with information around the types of flexible working which are possible and examples of how challenges, and mindset, have been overcome.


To ensure access to all functions during the webinar/workshop, please join via the latest version of Microsoft Teams.
HR and business leaders within schools and trusts
12/12/24
11:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (Midlands)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with other schools and trusts in your region.


To ensure access to all functions during the webinar/workshop, please join via the latest version of Microsoft Teams.
School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - Midlands
11/12/24
10:00
Online
Book course
The governance role in flexible working
During this one-hour webinar we will explore the prevalence and benefits of flexible working, how boards can promote and support greater employee flexibility, and share examples of effective governance practice working alongside senior leaders in schools and trusts.

We aim to give trustees and governors, and those they work with, the confidence and knowledge needed in order to be more flexible employers and begin to address recruitment and retention issues.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
28/11/24
14:00
Online
Book course
Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (East of England)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with other schools and trusts in your region.


To ensure access to all functions during the webinar/workshop, please join via the latest version of Microsoft Teams.
School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - East of England
27/11/24
14:00
Online
Book course
Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion
We hope you can join us for this one-hour webinar that will focus on how flexible working can promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within schools. During the webinar we aim to demonstrate how flexible working can help to recruit, retain, and develop teachers and leaders. We will explore and challenge existing barriers to accessing flexible working arrangements and how different groups may be impacted by this e.g., those with a disability, carers, and parents, those reaching retirement age. There will be practical advice provided, including case studies, on how schools can use flexible working effectively and model inclusive workplace practices. Responsibilities under the Equality Act including PSED will also be discussed.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
12/11/24
11:00
Online
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Supporting progression with flex
Join us for this session where we will be exploring how flexible working works with senior leadership roles in schools – with career progression. We will look at how drawing on your previous skills and experience can support your application for flexible working, as well as alternative approaches to progression and case studies of ‘Now Teachers’ in promoted posts.
This session will particularly support career-changer teachers who want both flexibility and additional responsibilities/leadership roles. It will also be helpful to those wanting to explore what career progression looks like for career-changers who don’t want to be in senior leadership roles. Anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Teachers
07/11/24
15:00
Online
Book course
Smarter timetabling to support flexible working
This webinar will help schools find ways to support flexible working without compromising on timetable quality – the timetable need not be a barrier to supporting flexible working.

We will discuss the timetable challenges associated with flexible working as well as when, and how, to factor it in during the timetabling process.

We will explore case studies where challenges have been overcome and you will receive tips for resolving timetable issues you may encounter.

This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
Secondary school leaders and timetablers
View
Flexi-timetabling: does everyone need to be off on Fridays?
In this session watch Michael Scott, Flexible Working Ambassador from Newport Girls' High School Academy Trust, to learn different ways to best align staff flexible working requests with staffing, curriculum and timetabling models. There will be lots of practical hints/tricks provided irrespective of the software you may/may not use.

Often cited as the reason why flexible working is 'not possible', the timetable can be adapted to meet new requests for flex and Michael will show you ways to achieve this. Follow-up support may also be possible through the Flexible Working in Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools Programme.

This session is ideal for Timetablers, Curriculum Deputy/Assistant Heads and other School/Trust leaders. It is focused more on the secondary/special/middle school sectors but principles will apply to larger primary schools, too. An awareness of timetabling principles is helpful, but not essential.
Timetablers, Curr. Deputy/Assistant Heads, School/Trust Leaders
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Identifying and communicating a vision for flexible working
Join us for this session, which aims to support you in defining and creating a vision for implementing flexible working.

We’ll explore the drivers and priorities for change, as well as how to effectively communicate this vision to colleagues to encourage buy-in.
School, Trust Leaders, HR and Business Leaders
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Flexible working and early teaching careers
Join us for this session where we will discuss how the need to work flexibly is something that we are all likely to need, and possibly be able to do, at some point in our working lives. This webinar will have a particular focus on ECTs, highlighting the value of flexible working in supporting teacher recruitment and retention. If flexible working is to be successful, there are obligations and expectations of the employer and employee. During the session we will look at the likely and particular nature of support required for ECTs who work flexibly.
School Leaders supporting ECTs and ECTs
View

Supporting resources

Thought piece - More than just part-time: Five types of flexible working for teachers (SecEd Best Practice)
21/10/24
In this latest Sec Ed Best Practice article, one of our FWAMS corrects the latest press narratives on flexible working in schools. Neil Renton considers five approaches and urges schools to begin experimenting if they want to hold onto their teachers.
Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
27/09/24
Creating a flexible working strategy - why, how, what
Embracing flexible working in schools and academies - podcast
20/09/24
In this episode One Education: Rethinking Education are joined by Matt Perry, Headteacher of the Halifax Academy, which is a flexible working ambassador school. Matt talks about flexible working in education.
FWAMS update - Harrogate Grammar School
07/08/24
In this short recording, Neil Renton and Julie Wellacott reflect on their journey of flexible working. Neil is an established Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire which is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust and Julie is the HR Partner for the Trust, they are also the appointed FWAMS for Yorkshire and Humberside area.
Thought piece - Teaching, menopause and flexible working
31/07/24
In this article Dr Suzanne Brown explores how we might better support women to thrive and remain in the classroom during their menopause transition.
Thought piece - Balancing acts: navigating flexible work, religious days and cultural sensitivity in schools.
18/07/24
In this blog, we’ll delve into Nazia Aslam’s experiences of navigating flexible working to accommodate her religious practices and the importance of promoting cultural understanding across different backgrounds. 
Case study - Trusts leading the way: promoting loyalty and well-being through flexibility
17/07/24
Case study - As a Senior School Improvement Lead at the Athelstan Trust, Michelle embodies the spirit of flexibility. Her team, composed entirely of part-time professionals, has embraced flexible working arrangements, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
Case study - Navigating flexibility: Sara's journey as an office manager and executive assistant at the Athelstan Trust
17/07/24
Case study - As an Office Manager and Executive Assistant in the Central Team of the Athelstan Trust, Sara’s journey exemplifies the positive impact of flexible working.
Case study - Leading by example: Danielle's success with work-life balance
17/07/24
Case study - As an Assistant Principal at Harris Primary Academy Shortland's, Danielle England exemplifies the power of flexible working arrangements.
Case study - Debbie's flexible retirement approach
17/07/24
Case study - Debbie has used flexible working to enjoy a phased retirement.
Case study - A model of flexible work-life integration
17/07/24
Case study - Ben Newark has integrated flexible working into his work-life to commit time to his family responsibilities.
Thought piece - Flexible working: how our trust is reaping the benefits (TES article)
21/11/23
The CEO of a flexible working ambassador MAT explains the changes it has made and the advantages of schools allowing more flexible working.

Register for free access to live webinars, workshops, on demand training, resources and to send questions directly to our flexible working experts.

Register

This programme is funded by the Department for Education but this website should not be interpreted as Governmental policy. Please see here for Department for Education Policy.