Flexible working toolkit
- Includes a comprehensive policy
- Step-by-step guidance to help you
- Includes documents to cover different outcomes
This flexible working toolkit takes you step-by-step through the process you need to follow if you receive a formal flexible working request from an employee. It contains a handy how-to guide as well as all the documents that you are likely to need.
The toolkit includes template documents to cover each stage of the decision-making process, including:
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a clear flexible working policy for you to follow;
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a full range of formal letters and notices to cover all different outcomes and decisions that are available to you; and
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documents for use in your appeals process if you choose to have one.
It is very important that you get the process right when considering a flexible working request. Using this toolkit will help you to deal with one with confidence.
Q&A
When should I use this toolkit?
You should use this flexible working toolkit if you have received a formal request for flexible working from an employee. It will take you through the proper process to follow when considering and granting or refusing such a request.
This toolkit can also help you get organised before any employees make formal requests for flexible working. It includes a flexible working policy and a model letter that you can provide to your staff to help them if they want to make such a request in future.
What does this toolkit cover?
This toolkit includes everything you need to deal with flexible working requests from your employees. It includes a helpful how-to guide that leads you step-by-step through everything you need to handle them, and also covers all the documentation you are likely too need, including:
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a flexible working policy that you can adopt and distribute to your staff or include in your staff handbook;
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formal letters dealing with the request and the different decisions that are open to you; and
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appeal documentation if you choose to allow your employees an appeals process (as is best practice).
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Why do I need this toolkit?
This toolkit will help you make decisions about flexible working with confidence, ensuring you follow a fair and open process from start to finish. It is important that your staff feel their requests have been taken seriously and that you are dealing with them in a uniform and appropriate way.
Once completed, the template documents in this toolkit can also be kept as a record of what you have done with a particular request.
Where can I find out more?
For full guidance about flexible working rights and requests, including how to deal with informal requests from your staff, and how to manage flexible working arrangements if you agree to one, see Staff flexible working.
Documents in Toolkit
Flexible working - Acceptance of request- Flexible working - Acknowledgement of request and invitation to a meeting
- Flexible working - Appeal outcome letter
- Flexible working - for employee - Request for flexible working
- Flexible working - Invitation to attend an appeal hearing
- Flexible working - Notice to treat the request as withdrawn
- Flexible working - Rejection of request
- Flexible working - Trial period
- Flexible working policy
- How to guide: Flexible working toolkit
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