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

Register Future courses and recordings Supporting resources Resources by theme

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.

Important changes from 6 April to flexible working legislation, login to find out more

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. 

Find out more

Future courses and recordings

Co-Headship
Join us for this one-hour session where we will explore different models for co-headship and how co-heads make their case at interview for flexible working. We will discuss how co-headship provides a collaborative partnership model which can help to make headship more desirable and sustainable for great leaders who we need to retain and promote. Case-studies will be presented to examine the opportunities and potential challenges of this model of school leadership.
Teachers, School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustee
06/02/25
10:00
Online
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‘It won’t work here’ – practical tips for timetablers
During this one-hour panel discussion we aim to help schools address timetabling barriers to flexible working. We will discuss when and how to factor flexible working in to timetabling processes. You will also hear about challenges that have been overcome and receive top tips for resolving timetabling issues you may encounter. There will be an opportunity to pose any questions to our panel. This session will be helpful for school leaders and timetablers. However, anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend.
School leaders and timetablers
29/01/25
10:00
Online
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Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (North of England)
Join us for an engaging two-hour workshop dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to connect and build support networks with other schools and trusts in the North of England region.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
23/01/25
10:00
Online
Book course
Supporting progression with flex
In this session we explore how flexible working works with senior leadership roles in schools – with career progression. We will look at how drawing on your previous skills and experience can support your application for flexible working, as well as alternative approaches to progression and case studies of ‘Now Teachers’ in promoted posts.
This session will particularly support career-changer teachers who want both flexibility and additional responsibilities/leadership roles. It will also be helpful to those wanting to explore what career progression looks like for career-changers who don’t want to be in senior leadership roles. Anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to watch.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Teachers
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Embracing flexible working - regional workshop (East of England)
This workshop is dedicated to highlighting the importance of flexible working for trusts and schools in the East of England region. This session will provide you with guidance on designing a flexible working strategy. You will leave having received practical advice regarding the implementation of flexible working practices.


School/Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees - East of England
View
Leading culture change in a multi-academy trust
In this session we explore how flexible working, as a culture change programme, can be beneficial to all in schools and trusts. We share experiences from two Trust HR Leads. Practical advice on how to take important steps for cultural change will be discussed. We will provide information about the various types of flexible working and examples of how challenges, such as reframing mindsets, have been overcome.

HR and business leaders within schools and trusts
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The governance role in flexible working
During this webinar we explored the prevalence and benefits of flexible working, how boards can promote and support greater employee flexibility, and share examples of effective governance practice working alongside senior leaders in schools and trusts.

We aim to give trustees and governors, and those they work with, the confidence and knowledge needed in order to be more flexible employers and begin to address recruitment and retention issues.
School leaders, Business/HR leaders, Governors/Trustees
View

Supporting resources

PDF
Thought piece - flexible working at all stages of career
11/12/24
Dr Suzanne Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education at the Sheffield Institute of Education. Her research interests and publications are around flexible working in the teaching profession as part of improving teacher recruitment and retention. In this article she explores the importance of teachers being able to work flexibly at all stages of their careers.
URL
Flexible Teacher Talent Website
15/11/24
Link to Flexible Teacher Talent website with further information and resources
URL
The Athelstan Trust - Case Studies
15/11/24
Link to The Athelstan Trust website with featured case studies.
URL
Find your flex website
15/11/24
Link to further resources from Find Your Flex
URL
Thought piece - More than just part-time: Five types of flexible working for teachers (SecEd Best Practice)
21/10/24
In this latest Sec Ed Best Practice article, one of our FWAMS corrects the latest press narratives on flexible working in schools. Neil Renton considers five approaches and urges schools to begin experimenting if they want to hold onto their teachers.
URL
Embracing flexible working in schools and academies - podcast
20/09/24
In this episode One Education: Rethinking Education are joined by Matt Perry, Headteacher of the Halifax Academy, which is a flexible working ambassador school. Matt talks about flexible working in education.
URL
FWAMS update - Harrogate Grammar School
07/08/24
In this short recording, Neil Renton and Julie Wellacott reflect on their journey of flexible working. Neil is an established Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire which is part of the Red Kite Learning Trust and Julie is the HR Partner for the Trust, they are also the appointed FWAMS for Yorkshire and Humberside area.
PDF
Case study - Strategic flexibility: Upton Court Grammar School's innovative approach
31/07/24
Upton Court Grammar School (UCGS) is leading as the flexible working ambassador for the South East. As part of Pioneer Educational Trust, they have pioneered flexible working in schools since 2019 and continue to find creative and innovative ways to use flexible working to deliver their school mission
PDF
Case study - Empowering change: Halifax Academy's flexible approach
31/07/24
A case study on Halifax Academy's flexible working approach to help retain a valued member of staff.
PDF
Case study - Championing flexible working for staff
31/07/24
Over the past five years, Charles Dickens Primary School has been at the forefront of reshaping perceptions around flexible working. They have collaborated closely with schools, emphasising the immense value of promoting flexible work arrangements for their staff.
PDF
Thought piece - Balancing acts: navigating flexible work, religious days and cultural sensitivity in schools.
18/07/24
In this blog, we’ll delve into Nazia Aslam’s experiences of navigating flexible working to accommodate her religious practices and the importance of promoting cultural understanding across different backgrounds. 
PDF
Case study - Navigating flexibility: Sara's journey as an office manager and executive assistant at the Athelstan Trust
17/07/24
Case study - As an Office Manager and Executive Assistant in the Central Team of the Athelstan Trust, Sara’s journey exemplifies the positive impact of flexible working.
PDF
Flexible working self-assessment tool
09/07/24
This tool will support leaders to assess their current flexible working arrangements and provide ideas for next steps to further develop their practice. It shows steps to take for those starting out on their journey and more advanced steps to help leaders embed a culture of flexible working. All of these things are important in helping a school work towards a strong flexible working culture. This tool is voluntary and can be used internally to develop your flexible working practices.
PDF
Thought piece - A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests
28/03/24
A consideration of the Timelines inherent in flexible working requests by John Faulconbridge
PDF
Adjustment questions resource
02/02/24
Adjustment questions resource - requested during the 'Introduction to the Flexible Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Delivery Network - Q&A' webinar.
URL
The benefits of flexible working
10/05/23
Schools can use this poster to promote the benefits of flexible working.

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

Register

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.