This guidance is currently being reviewed to ensure it aligns with Government expectations as announced on Monday 23 September.

The following resources are designed to help agencies at different points in moving to flexible-by-default. You can select whichever of these resources are useful, depending on where you currently are in your move to flexible-by-default.

Resource 1: Case studies of flexible-by-default in practice

Resource 2: Flexible working options

Resource 3: The benefits of flexible working

Resource 4: Example processes for establishing flexible working arrangements

Resource 5: Agency self-assessment tool

Resource 6: Example communication objectives and key messages

Resource 7: Common questions and concerns and suggested responses

Resource 8: Flexible working challenges and suggestions for addressing these

Resource 9: Tips for leaders, managers and employees

Resource 10: Addressing health and safety, and information security and privacy


The principles of flexible-by-default - ‘If not, why not?’, ‘Works for the role’, ‘Works for the agency and teams’, ‘Championed by leaders’, ‘Mutually beneficial’, and ‘Requires give and take’ - set out the balance that needs to be achieved between what works for the agency as a whole, what works for teams and what works for employees. They also establish expectations of fairness for all - employees, team members and managers - and of openness and flexibility on all sides.