On 21 August the Premier’s Department advised it was commencing consultation with staff from Wednesday 21 August to Friday 20 September.

The PSA was provided with the draft Flexible Working Policy following the recent Premier’s Memorandum – NSW Government Sector Workplace Presence for its consideration.

On 30 October the PSA was advised by the Premier’s Department that the Secretary had emailed all staff to advise the Final Flexible Working Policy had been released following the 21 August-20 September consultation period.

The finalised flexible working policy has been provided to the PSA with advice as to the changes made following consultation with members.

The departments advised they received plenty of feedback on the policy from staff and from employee-led diversity groups during the consultation period. Following this feedback a number of policy changes made were:

• Defining “formal agreements” – in line with processes for all flexible working options, staff will need an individual arrangement approved if they request to undertake some work from home on a regular basis. People will need to work from an approved workplace most of the time.
• Caring responsibilities – clarified language around fulfilling primary caring responsibilities whilst working.
• Regional and internationally based roles – updated the Policy to ensure it recognises unique aspects of regional and internationally based roles, whilst ensuring staff based in these locations can still connect in-person.
• Approval process – there was feedback around the requirement Executive Director approval. However, ED approval requirement as per the draft policy, with Manager endorsement.  The form to request regular working from home will not require personal or health information to be included.
• For clarity, workplace presence and hybrid working arrangements are not intended to substitute for provisions established to support people with disability to participate in work and employment, with dignity.   Those provisions have their own process and are not subject to the additional approvals referred to in the Workplace Presence Circular.
• Implementation – to start beginning of 2025 however staff are encouraged to begin having discussions with their manager now. Please obtain feedback in writing if you require any ongoing support or advice.

If you have any ongoing concerns regarding this policy please email the PSA Member Support Centre  and quote Call Number 225312.

The PSA is convening a meeting with delegates to review the feedback from consultation and individual member contact with the PSA Member Support Centre. A meeting has been requested with the department in the week beginning 11 November to deal with any outstanding issues.

A further bulletin will go to members after 11 November to update you on outcomes from ongoing consultation with the department around the implementation of the Flexible Working Policy.