Guidance for Line Managers

Our expectation is that Heads of Department will review the service they provide and determine what staffing cover needs to be provided on site in conjunction with their VCEG lead. What is required will vary from team to team, but there is an expectation that these arrangements will enhance rather than detract from service delivery, for example by allowing staff quiet time to focus on completing tasks which require concentration.

Heads of Department should develop local principles which are consistent with the policy, explain these to their team and apply these fairly across the team, seeking support from HR if required. If flexibility is agreed, this will normally be for one day per week (pro rata for part time staff).  This may be extended to two days per week subject to management approval which will be based on role and business need. 

It is not anticipated that student facing roles will work from home, other than by exception due to the importance of providing an on-site service to students.

No, the University acknowledges that academic and research roles already work in a more flexible way.

Flexible working at home arrangements are not guaranteed and may change at short notice. It is unlikely that there will be any regularity of working at home on specific days and people should expect that they could be called onto site at any time.  You should make this clear when agreeing the arrangement with your team members

The policy and these arrangements are subject to review and all staff will be notified of any significant changes

There is an expectation that departments will keep their own arrangements under review throughout the next few months and make adjustments as required to ensure that service delivery expectations are still being met.

Working at home arrangements will usually be for one day per week but could be extended to two subject to management approval which will be based on role and business need. 

 The University’s position is that everyone should be on site for a minimum of three days each week. We see on site presence as key to maintaining a vibrant atmosphere for students, but also to enable teams to work well collaboratively, pass on knowledge and develop new starters and more junior members of the team.

All staff should currently be working from campus for four days unless it has been reduced to three days with management approval. You should be setting expectations with your team and being clear about what working arrangements are expected. If you need support with these conversations, please seek support from HR.

No, working from home is entirely voluntary and all staff have the right to work from campus for their full contracted hours should they wish to.

No, any arrangements put in place through the flexible working would constitute a change to contractual terms and conditions and would be honoured.

You should set the expectation that all your team members have their schedules up to date on their Outlook /Teams Calendars and be available at the expected times unless otherwise agreed with their manager. 

Staff are required to have a suitable environment in which to work and should consider their responsibility for keeping information associated with the University secure at all times including IT equipment screens and voice calls.  A private location is encouraged and it is expected that cameras will be on during Teams meetings.

We would encourage you to contact HR if you have any queries: https://in.beds.ac.uk/hr/