Policies and procedures

If you want to work flexibly, we offer the following flexible working arrangements. Some options are not available to colleagues in certain roles, but we aim to be as flexible as we can while making sure the service continues.

We recognise that how we work, and the flexibility we have within our work brings a range of benefits for both the Council and our colleagues. 

Flexible working

We recognise that colleagues need flexibility to balance work and personal life. Some roles are eligible for flexible working arrangements, including variable start and finish times, part-time working, compressed hours, home working and job sharing provided service needs are being met.

You can request formal flexible working from the first day of your employment and make up to two formal requests each year. You're also able to agree informal flexible working arrangements with your manager where the service area allows. Speak to your manager to see what might be possible in your particular role and what the request process is.

Flexible retirement

Changing working pattern, reducing working hours, and changing the duties of a job are popular options for colleagues working in later life. These changes can benefit you and us. They give you the opportunity to wind down to retirement, while opening up opportunities for recruitment and promotion to other colleagues.

Employment breaks

In the course of your working life, you may want some time away from work. If you have two years’ continuous service with us, you can take an unpaid employment break of up to two years, or five years in the case of teachers, and return to work without it affecting your continued employment.

Other authorised unpaid leave

We also understand that you have other commitments outside of work and you may wish to take a period of unpaid leave but not take an employment break. Unpaid leave is available to all colleagues allowing you to take up to three months unpaid leave during a 12-month period.