Dynamic working patterns

Do I have to agree on set days or is there flexibility on the day/week?

This will depend on your team and how it operates. For some, a planned pattern might be required for business reasons and for others a more flexible approach might be possible.  In all cases a degree of flexibility will be needed from all to accommodate business needs and staff should expect Dynamic Working arrangements to change over time to meet the needs of the University. Any Dynamic Working arrangements that are agreed are non-contractual.

Do I have to agree one working pattern that stays the same all year or could it be flexed, for example having one pattern in term time and one in vacation?

You do not have to agree a working pattern that is the same across the year unless business needs require this. Having a Dynamic Working arrangement which changes to reflect term time i.e. when students are on campus or other demands of the academic cycle may be perfectly feasible, but it must be agreed with your manager. It will be for you and your manager to agree what works best for your role and the team, any changes remain non-contractual.

Are there any “core hours” that I need to work and be contactable when Dynamic Working?   Do we need to have someone in each service ‘on call’ 9-5:30pm?

The University will continue to operate as it currently does so each school and service will need to ensure that it has adequate staffing cover during its own normal operating hours.

Is there scope for working during non-standard office hours? 

Yes, potentially there may be tasks that can be done outside of normal office hours. It will be a matter for you and your manager to agree whether this can be accommodated within your role and how you balance when you can be contacted by others with those tasks which could be done outside of core hours.

I want to formalise a set pattern because of external commitments, is that possible?

Not under Dynamic Working, as all agreements are non-contractual and subject to change. This will require a Flexible Working request should you wish to agree a more formal arrangement. 

Can I come in every day if I want to/need to? 

Yes, this is possible. You should discuss this with you manager to ensure that there is a suitable workstation available for you to do this. This would not guarantee you access to a dedicated desk however and you may need to be demonstrate a willingness to hot-desk.

I would like to work 100% remotely, is that allowed?

No, this is not possible. It has been determined that an important aspect of our community and vibrant campuses is the physical presence of all colleagues for at least some of their time.

Will I be able to work in the office in the morning and WFH in the afternoon?

Yes, potentially there may be roles where this pattern of work is suitable. It will be for you and your line manager to agree whether it is for your role. Any such working pattern will not be fixed and will need to be adjusted to suit the needs of the team or service.

How will Dynamic Working impact on the flexi-time system? 

The flexi time system will continue to operate as it does now. If appropriate in your role you will continue to keep timesheets as you do now. It may only be the location in which you undertake your duties which changes.

Does Dynamic Working mean I can choose when I am available to work with others as well as choose when I do work on my own? 

No. It means that you can agree with your manager a working pattern that enables you to work dynamically. It doesn’t mean you can determine when you are available to work with others.

Will I have to change my pattern or location to cover a colleague’s absence? 

All working arrangements will be dynamic which means they can be changed to meet the needs of the team or service. This flexibility works both ways so can be adjusted to accommodate changes to your usual pattern too, with the agreement of your manager.

I want to work a pattern of hours which means that I will not be available a lot of the time to be contacted by other team members. Is this allowed?

No. The needs of the team/service are an important factor when deciding on dynamic working patterns and if the arrangement requested is likely to adversely impact the team or service delivery it will not be agreed.

I would like to work from home for an extended period, is this considered under Dynamic Working? 

No. Colleagues will need to work regularly from site and the place of work in your contract will remain unchanged. Any other arrangements sit outside the informal Dynamic Working arrangements.

How much notice should I give when switching my location of work for a particular day?

It is important to indicate clearly in your diary where you intend to work each day and you should try to stick to that where possible. Changing your location from on campus to working off-site last minute should be avoided particularly where in person meetings were planned. Due care to the impact of the change on others should be considered.  You should consult with the meeting organiser of any in person meetings you have on that day, to determine whether switching to online would impact the effectiveness of the meeting, hybrid meetings are the least preferred method.