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

Register Future courses and recordings Supporting resources

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. 

Find out more

Future courses and recordings

New flex legislation – are you ready?
Understand the new Flexible Working Act and how schools can prepare for the changes.

The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act will soon introduce new requirements for employers. Secondary legislation is planned that will allow employees to request flexible working from the start of their employment. This means that schools will need to adjust hiring practices and reconsider how flexible working requests are managed.

As well as introducing the new legislation, we will discuss its importance, the types of flexibility covered under the legislation, what it means for you, how you can prepare and action planning.
Headteachers, Business Managers, HR Leaders, Governors, Trustees
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Supporting career-changers to work and train flexibly
What are the various options for flexible initial teacher training? Why may career changers need/want flexibility? These are just of couple of the questions Graihagh Crawshaw-Sadler (CEO, Now Teach) will be exploring in this session focused on supporting career changers. We will be providing practical guidance for requesting flexible working and encouraging you to think creatively about flexible working patterns which benefit schools and your needs.

This session will be helpful for school leaders that are keen to attract more career changers, as well as career changers themselves. Anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders, business/HR leaders, career changers
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Supporting resources

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A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests
28/03/24
A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests by John Faulconbridge
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Preparing for changes to the flexible working legislation (Podcast)
26/03/24
In this podcast, Michelle Gabriel (Head of HR in Capita’s People Partnering team) and Jenny Arrowsmith (Employment Partner at national law firm Irwin Mitchell) delve into the upcoming changes to flexible working legislation set to take effect from 6th April 2024. Employers and employees alike need to be aware of these changes and understand their implications.
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Thought Piece - Flexible working: let’s jump through the looking glass
21/03/24
In 2019, more than a quarter of senior leaders said that flexible working requests had been declined in their schools and in the DfE's Working Lives of Teachers Survey, a minority of teachers and leaders (33%) agreed that flexible working was compatible with a career in teaching. Warren Carratt; CEO of Nexus Multi Academy Trust examines how flexible working in schools can meet the needs and expectations of pupils, parents, and school staff.
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Embracing flexible working at secondary level (SecEd blog)
18/02/24
A blog by Neil Renton (headteacher) discussing how his own mindset, regarding flexible working, has evolved.
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Flexible working legislation changes from 6 April 2024
12/02/24
From 6 April 2024, employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a new job. From 6 April 2024, employers will need to make a decision within 2 months of getting the request. From 6 April 2024, employees will be able to make 2 applications for flexible working in any 12-month period.
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Flexible Working Podcast
28/11/23
Flexible Working Programme podcast
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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.
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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.

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

Register

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

Share your story

What flexible working initiatives have worked well in your school?

Useful links

Costs and benefits of flexible working

Guidance for flexible working in schools

Resources to support flexible working in schools

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.