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Flexible Working at SWB

March 8, 2024

Flexible working is defined as “An arrangement which supports an individual to have a greater choice in when, where and how they work”.

An effective flexible working arrangement balances the needs of the individual, with the ability to deliver safe, high-quality services, and good patient experience and considers the work-life balance of the wider team.  It can help to improve work-life balance, health, and wellbeing, reduce turnover, sickness absence, and bank & agency costs, and recruit and retain a more diverse range of colleagues.

Anyone can apply regardless of their length of service, job role/grade/department, or their reason for wanting flexible working. Whilst it may not be possible to support all flexible working requests in every situation, requests will be carefully considered.

To support this, it is important that colleagues can have an open and constructive conversation about flexible working with their manager. By creatively exploring ways in which an individual can be supported to work flexibly and meaningfully considering any compromises (on either part), it is often possible to find a solution that works for all parties.

There are a range of resources available on Connect to help you understand more about flexible working: Flexible Working (swbh.nhs.uk)

  • Flexible Working Policy: All requests will be seriously considered in line with the process set out in the policy.
  • Flexible Working Myths: There are many myths around flexible working – which ones do you recognise?
  • ESR Flexible Working Applications: Applications for Flexible working should be made and responded to via ESR. See guidance on how to create and respond to a request here: Employee Self Service (swbh.nhs.uk)  Microsoft Word – MSS – Processing Flexible Working Requests updated 120123 (swbh.nhs.uk)
  • NHSE Manager and Individual Flexible Working Toolkits: Toolkits to help colleagues think through how to make a successful request and to help managers know what to consider.
  • Line Manager guides: a range of guides have been created in response to feedback. These include: Managing Multiple Flexible Working requests, How to review an existing Flexible Working arrangement, Designing Flexible jobs.