Being Flexible December 5, 2006
Posted by Brian in : CPD, ICT, Single Status, Uncategorized , trackback
Today I contacted the business manager here at Musellburgh Grammar and also the personnel department about taking part in the flexible working hours scheme that the council runs.
Council policy states :-
All administrative, professional, technical and clerical staff will be included in the scheme except where, in the view of the Director concerned, and after discussion with the Trade Union Representatives the inclusion of any post is considered impracticable or detrimental to the level of service to the public.
As far as I am aware I have no knowledge of the Director of Education and Childrens services ever being in consultation with unions in regard to stopping school support staff from having access to the flexible working hours scheme so I have asked for clarification on the matter.
Using Flexi time is by far the norm amongst local government employees. It enables staff to be flexible to the needs of their work. Schools should be no exception.
For example Ollie Bray runs excellent after school ICT training. It’s a great way for all staff to access the basic tools and knowledge required in todays multimedia education environment and its making an impact by improving the way ICT is being used to promote good learning and teaching within East Lothian schools. Teaching staff put it down for their CPD, council staff who attend from John Muir House put it on their flexi time, but school support staff have no way of gaining back the time.
Some may say that is just being petty, but rather than being petty I think it’s unfair.
Under single status, local government employees, with some exceptions e.g Teachers, are meant to be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment. If one sector of employees is being treated differently that others without explanation then surely that cannot be in the spirit of the agreement.
Here’s how it could work in schools
- flexi time would have to be subject to the operational requirements of the school
- flexi-time would be taken in consultation with and the approval of the line manager
- staff who required to work additional hours would inform line managers and gain approval where possible before commencing
- staff would be required to keep their own log of their hours and submit them to their line manager on a weekly or monthly basis
- the flexi time agreement in schools would be subject to the councils policy on flexible working arrangements in all other respects
Please feel free to comment with ideas, suggestions or to start a debate. It would be great to hear how it works in schools that do have flexi time.
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Comments»
I have the right to flexitime, I guess, but have never used it or logged my time. I work quickly, too, so I maybe end up selling myself short, working for nothing. The point? Not all staff in more office-bound or less-timetable-bound roles take flexitime or think about watching the clock. In fact, I’ve yet to meet someone who does.
Good point Ewan. I probably wouldnt use flexi that much myself but having the option to do so would be good. Its also unfair to treat one group of workers differently than others when single status treats us as one entity (not my rules).
I dont watch the clock but take offence when members of staff comment on me walking out the door at my alloted time on a Friday (14.15) thinking I am leaving early when I have been working over my hours the rest of the week.
Hi very interseting point about teachers conditions bing different from support staff.
i worked upmy maximun 12 days flexi time last year.
i work two extra hours per term week and that enabled me to take two weeks extra holidays so i could Lead the Sports Development Departments Trail Cycle leading sessions at Glentress Forest.
I really enjoyed the experience and if it was not for the flexi time agreement i have with my line manager i would have missed out as would 40 or so 7 to 11 year olds.
I Have Just been accepted in to the Lothian and Borders Fire Service as retained Fire Fighter and need Two Weeks off work to Attend Basic Training.Once again my line manager has agreed that i can use my Flexi time hours so i stil get my holidays.
Flexi time for me has been a very positive and my PT likes the fact i am now on hand in the prep room or class room to assist at extra workshop sessions at Lunch time or after school.
Everyones a winner so i would encourage anyone who fancys trying it to approach there line manager and tell them how it could benifit them as well as you!