JNC Flexible Working Guidance 10 06 25

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Agenda Item .......... 
Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers 
To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers 
On: 10 June 2025 
Report by
Joint Secretary (Management Side)/People & OD
Flexible Working – Amended Guidance
1. Background
1.1. The Council’s Flexible Working Policy applies to all employees including
teachers, and was revised in 2024.
1.2. In this revision it was agreed that all applications for flexible working should be
permanent in the first instance.  Any applications on a temporary basis can
only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
1.3. The definition of exceptional circumstances has caused some difficulties and
inconsistencies of application of the policy.  It has been discussed already
with EIS and agreed that the absence of guidance for the policy has also
caused issues for the Head Teachers and Heads of Centre to manage
requests.
2. Recommendation
2.1 It is proposed that separate guidance will be drafted to assist Head Teachers
and Heads of Centre to manage requests.
2.2 Requests from 14/8/2025 can be made on a temporary basis for a maximum
of 12 months with no requirement for exceptional circumstances, and will be
considered in line with the needs of the service and operational viability.  The
temporary arrangement will not be extended beyond 12 months and a
decision should be made as to whether the employee will revert to their
substantive hours/work pattern or request to make the amended hours/work
pattern a permanent arrangement, subject to the needs of the service and
operational viability.
2.3 Any requests already submitted for commencement in August 2025 can be
reconsidered as temporary should employees wish to amend a permanent
request, and will be considered in line with the needs of the service and
operational viability. 
2.4 Committee notes this additional separate guidance will be prepared over the
summer period.