Home | Flexible working in 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.

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.

Future courses

Online webinars and workshops

Flex Your Way to the Top: working part-time and flexibly at senior leadership level

Join us for this hour-long panel discussion where we hope to “bust” key myths around flexible working at senior leadership level.

Our panellists (three senior leaders), all work flexibly or part-time and they will share their practical tips to overcome the challenges, based on their experiences.

The webinar will be particularly helpful for current and aspiring senior leaders. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.

Current and aspiring senior leaders

25/01/24

15:30

Online

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Creating a flexible working strategy: why, how, what

An hour-long workshop to help school leaders create a flexible working strategy that aligns with the organisation's values and priorities.

School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees

23/01/24

16:00

Online

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Flexible working in conjunction with diversity, equity and inclusion

Join us for this hour-long session where we aim to raise consciousness of diverse identities/lived experience. To build confidence in modelling inclusive workplace behaviours and language, and to develop competence in inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.

Drawing on data from other sectors, and case studies from education, we will challenge the stereotype of flexible working being for mums only. We will showcase how it has recruited, retained and developed diverse staff.

SLT/HR/Line managers who want to expand their view/understanding

22/01/24

16:00

Online

Book course

Smarter timetabling to support flexible working

This hour-long 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 attend.

Secondary school leaders and timetablers

18/01/24

15:30

Online

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Developing effective flexible working in primary settings

Join us for this hour-long webinar to explore the benefits, pitfalls, myths, successes and positive case studies relating to flexible working.

A space to share best practice and flexible working models that have been successful in primary settings, and for a range of roles.

We will be discussing the role that flexible working can play in recruitment, retention and staff development, as well as exploring the idea of developing flexible leadership teams.

This webinar will be particularly helpful for school/trust leaders, governors and HR/School Business Managers in primary settings. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.

Primary school leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees

15/01/24

11:00

Online

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Flexible working in a SEND school and trust

This hour-long session will demonstrate how flexible working can be achieved in a SEND school environment, taking into account all stakeholders and challenges which may be faced.

Find out about the barriers and issues and how these can be overcome by giving options and choices, enabling and facilitating.

School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees in SEND

07/12/23

10:00

Online

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Managing flexibility in a Trust central team

This hour-long session will focus on how flexible working can sustain academy trusts and help them to develop and grow.

Find out how to effectively manage a central team who work flexibly and how flexible working helps with Central Team recruitment and retention.

Hear from our FWAMS, Athelstan Trust, on the lessons they have learnt in their team.

Trust CEOs, COO, CFO and HR managers

01/12/23

09:00

Online

Book course

Resources

URL

Flexible Working Podcasts

28/11/23

Flexible Working Programme podcast

PDF

Overcoming the challenges of flexible working in schools

21/11/23

The urgency for schools to adopt flexible working policies has never been greater. With the upcoming employment law changes in 2024, driven by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act of July 2023, schools must adapt. The Department for Education is investing significant resources to guide schools towards flexibility, through a funded programme of support.

PDF

Transforming flexible working in education: Insights from Flex Fest

21/11/23

Flex Fest, a webinar series funded by the Department for Education, was delivered in partnership with Capita, Flexible Teacher Talent and Flexible Working Ambassadors in Multi Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS), to promote the Flexible Working Multi-Academy Trust and Schools programme.

MP4