Education Members Flexible Working Arrangements and Office Presence
21 February 2025
We know flexible working is a significant matter of concern to our members.
Following the Department of Education announcement of proposed changes to flexible working arrangements, and expectations that staff return to working in the office in accordance with the Premiers’ Circular C2024-03 NSW Government Sector Workplace Presence published on 5 August 2024 the É«ÀÇÉçÇøheld several member meetings to gather your feedback on this important issue.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøcan advise that late last year we compiled and provided your feedback and advocated for the department to maintain best practice flexible working in your workplace.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøcan assure our Education Support Staff (ESS) members that we previously engaged in comprehensive consultation over Flexible Working Arrangements Provisions, advocating for all roles to access flexibility on an ‘If Not, Why Not?’ basis and will be fighting to ensure this remain.
Patterns of Attendance
The department’s proposal does not prescribe particular patterns of attendance, however the expectation is that all staff will work principally from an approved office, workplace or related work site, as expressed in the Premier’s circular.
Your employer may direct employees in relation to their working arrangements if the direction is lawful and reasonable.
What’s next?
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøstrongly encouraged members to complete the survey on the proposed changes and approval settings to express any individual impacts and to inform office accommodation requirements during the feedback period last year.
We understand ESS staff have been invited to attend a Town Hall meeting on 27 February 2025 to be updated on the Flexible Working Arrangements Procedure amongst other things.
PSA: supporting members collectively and on an individual basisÂ
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas asked to be provided with consolidated feedback and the intended communications on the Flexible Working Arrangements procedure prior to the all-staff meeting and will continue to advocate on an ‘If Not, Why Not?’ basis.
Members with particular circumstances, including carer’s responsibilities and/or disability or medical conditions can be assured that the É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill continue to advocate for the department to support reasonable adjustments.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill continue to communicate with members about this issue following the Town Hall next week.
Remember if you have an individual concern, please contact the É«ÀÇÉçÇøMember Support Centre for assistance.