Flexible Working

We are delighted and extremely proud that our Trust is a Flexible Working Ambassador Multi-Academy Trusts and Schools (FWAMS), appointed by the DfE to support school leaders to implement and embed flexible working in their schools.

Mr Neil Renton, Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, and former Red Kite Learning Trust HR director, Julie Wellacott, have been delivering on their Flexible Working project; being Ambassadors for this cultural change programme with the DfE.  They have been working with and learning from partners, comprising 9 Trusts and Schools, representing around 50 schools in total.  They have been raising awareness and applying this new thinking, looking at ways to support our own colleagues in accessing the benefits of flexible working.  We recognise that this can make the difference in achieving a better work life balance, can energise colleagues, create further enjoyment in roles and ensure we recruit and retain the very best talent. 

This is not just about colleagues moving to part time (that’s just one element), we are actively encouraging discussions to support colleagues with a range of Flex types; from Sabbaticals to condensed hours, everything in between and moving to a concept of “reason neutral”.  It’s about recognising that it does not matter why a colleague needs some flex, it is about looking for solutions and supporting needs wherever possible.  It is a journey and we have made a positive start to build on next year.