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

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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.

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

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
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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
Online
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Resources

MP4
Managing flexibility in a Trust central team
01/12/23
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.
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
Why flexible working is a priority now
17/11/23
Recording of the Why flexible working is a priority now webinar
MP4
Making a flexible working request
09/11/23
A recording of making a flexible working request webinar recorded on 12 October 2023
URL
Flexible Working Bill - Royal Assent.
23/07/23
The Flexible Working Bill has now received Royal Assent. Included within this article is a consultation on informal flexible working.

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

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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.