The PSA has been provided with a Draft Flexible Work Policy, Procedure and Toolkit for consultation and seeks your feedback.

Please click links below for copies of the Policy, Procedure and Toolkit

DRAFT DCJ Flexible Work Policy

DRAFT DCJ Flexible Work Procedure

DRAFT DCJ Flexible Work Toolkit

Flexible Work Policy

The Draft Policy states that Flexible Work includes adjusting when work is done, how work is done, who does the work and where work is done. The draft policy references hybrid work (working remotely and from the workplace) and working remotely (working principally from home), providing some general definitions, while the Procedure and Toolkits outline how requests for flexibility will be considered.

Where Work is Done

The procedure effectively pushes the decision for how flexible work is performed to a “Team” level.  It envisages a process of a “Team” (which is undefined) creating a flexible work plan together, and a manager reviewing the plan to ensure it fits in with “operational requirements”. While the Toolkit does provide useful templates for managers to use, the PSA has initial concerns that the policy and procedures are too open to individual interpretation.

Consultation is ongoing

The Policy, Procedures and Toolkit are open for consultation.  The PSA would like to see changes to the policy, which will be further explored with DCJ in the new year.  There should be no immediate changes to any current flexible work arrangements based on this “draft” policy. Initial feedback from reviewing the material includes:

• The policy is too open to individual interpretation
• The need for the policy to include and define a standard hybrid way of working as the starting point for “where work is done”.
• Clearer support for more agile arrangements in particular areas within the Department. For example, Child Protection Helpline or Housing Contact Centre.
• Clarifying that any leave taken (including sick leave) does not require a “making up” of workplace attendance

Send us your feedback

Please provide your feedback to the Flexible Work Policy, Procedure and Toolkit by email .  We will keep members up to date in the new year with the progression of consultation.