Flexible working
Read about our DfE funded programme of practical support to help you make flexible working more accessible for all staff.
Flexible working is an essential part of the workplace for many, yet there are challenges in implementing it in multi-academy trusts and schools, and there is further to go in embedding flexible working approaches in education in comparison to other industries.
In March 2023, Capita and our delivery partner Flexible Teacher Talent were awarded a new contract to deliver a programme of practical support to promote flexible working practices in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools across England.
“We are delighted to launch this programme, funded by the Department for Education. It is inspiring to be involved in a programme that offers the education sector the support and guidance to make flexible working more accessible for all staff. We are excited to work alongside the appointed FWAMS to achieve this.”
Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS)
As part of the programme, the Department for Education (DfE) has now appointed Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS) to support school leaders to implement and embed flexible working in their schools.
The FWAMS will offer practical advice on overcoming common challenges such as timetabling and budgeting, as well as highlighting the importance of ‘flexible hiring’ and providing support on designing a flexible working policy. Bespoke support will be available to leaders in MATs, mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools and alternative provision/pupil referral unit settings.
FWAMS will build on the work of a previous cohort of ambassadors appointed by the Department. Participants from the previous programme reported increased understanding of flexible working and feeling more equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement it.
Appointed FWAMS
School or Trust
Specialism/Region
Abbey School of Nexus Multi-Academy Trust
Special schools
Charles Dickens Primary School of London South Teaching School
London
Harrogate Grammar School of Red Kite Learning Trust
Yorkshire and the Humber
Malmesbury School of The Athelstan Trust
South West
Ormiston South Parade Academy of Ormiston Academies Trust
North West
Thomas Gainsborough School of Unity Schools Partnership
East of England
Upton Court Grammar School of Pioneer Educational Trust
South East
We do not yet have a named FWAMS in every region but the DfE are working on plans to secure full coverage. In the meantime, regardless of location or specialism, if you need support please contact us. We will be working to ensure that requests are dealt with, and appropriate support offered.
Boosting flexible working is a key pillar of the Department for Education (DfE)’s strategy to recruit new teachers and help retain the existing workforce. With the aim of modernising working conditions, through offering a range of working patterns that better suit teachers and leaders, it is possible to improve staff wellbeing, and create a more diverse teacher and leader workforce.
Fully funded workshops and webinars
Capita will work with the ambassador MATs and schools to deliver support to schools and trusts to help implement flexible working practices. This includes a national programme of free workshops and webinars.
Webinar and resource topics will include, amongst others, implementing flexible working, promoting diversity in the workforce and co‑leadership and job sharing. These will be brought to life by best practice examples and case studies.
Learn more
For more information, to access resources or register for a free webinar visit www.flexibleworkingineducation.co.uk