Employers are being encouraged to support the momentum being built with the Get Ahead on Flex campaign by pledging to complete three actions in support of flexible working.
Last year, the SoR joined with the other unions in support of the #TalkAboutFlex campaign, which seeks to improve the experience of flexible working for staff across the NHS.
The campaign encouraged NHS staff side committees to write to their employer’s CEO, inviting them to sign the Get Ahead on Flex pledge to ensure every employee has a consistent and positive experience with flexible working.
Now, employees are being encouraged to follow up these efforts and build momentum across the service.
Fulfilling flexible working promises
Get Ahead on Flex is a public commitment from NHS employers to speed up progress and work with staff side reps to fulfil the promise of flexible working for everyone.
The joint 18 NHS unions are asking employers and leaders to sign the pledge and make flexible working the norm for all staff who need it, so that members can deliver better care for patients and employers can resolve the recruitment crisis.
Two key actions can be taken to support the campaign as it continues to build momentum:
Firstly, complete a two-minute survey to update NHS Unions on action and progress so far at each respondent’s employer. Those who have not already written to their employers can encourage them to sign the pledge using the campaign’s letter to chief executives and NHS leaders.
Secondly, they can follow up with their employer if they’ve not heard back to arrange to meet with them once they have signed the pledge.
Vital for wellbeing
The joint unions’ letter to employers explains: “We all know that access to flex is vital for people’s wellbeing, for building an inclusive and supportive culture, and to recruit and retain desperately needed staff, which all adds up to better care for patients.
“But despite the promises, we hear from our members that there are gaps between policy and practice across the NHS, and disparities between the areas with the best flexible working culture and those where it’s harder to access.”
Signing the Get Ahead on Flex pledge is a clear opportunity to demonstrate leadership, share best practice and demonstrate commitment to delivering on the NHS People Promise of flexibility.
For more guidance on next steps and resources, members can visit the website here.