Agenda item

Paul Young, Head of HR and Contracted Services presented the Homeworking Policy. It was reported that following the increase in homeworking as a result of the pandemic, a policy to address homeworking had been produced to formalise an increase in homeworking and to release the demand for the office space in Time Square.

As detailed in the wellbeing surveys a high number of staff and indicated that they would be more willing to work from home more than they had pre pandemic. It was important to note that this was different from the current working from home arrangements which were due to the pandemic, this would be a permanent change in staffs working arrangements going forward with contractual changes. One these changes had been implemented then it was expected that staff would spend 80% of their time in their home working environment.

The service need was still the priority throughout the policy and where there was a need for an employer to be based in the office then there would be flexibility to work in the office or other council locations.

It was highlighted that there was an ongoing need for people to still come to the office, and particularly when there are new starters so they can be properly inducted in a team environment and meeting individuals face to face.

and the procedure for requests for extended homeworking. Some contracts of

employment may need to be modified to align with the new homeworking policy

and any individual that could not work from home were addressed in the policy.

RESOLVED that Bracknell Forest Homeworking Policy be approved.