Office Presence – one month on…
The PSA has been keeping a close eye on how the transition back to office presence for Education Support Staff is progressing under the new Flexible Working Arrangements Procedure.
We will continue to work with delegates and members to track issues and concerns impacting members, as well as identifying any hotspot areas or sites, where barriers to flexibility are imposed which do not align with the procedure.
Review the PSA FACT SHEET
PSA delegates and staff have prepared this FACT SHEET to assist members in navigating the changes.
The PSA advises all members seeking flexible arrangements to discuss their proposed arrangement with their manager and submit the Flexible Work Arrangement Application Form.
We are committed to ensuring that flexibility is not withheld from members unreasonably and that all efforts are made by the Department to continue to support maximum flexibility wherever possible.
If your request is denied, please log this with the PSA Member Support Centre providing them with a copy of the application and reasons for the rejection. PSA industrial staff will review the matter and can make representations on your behalf.
Current Concerns and Next Steps
The union has received feedback from delegates and in member meetings, specifically around lack of access to certain office sites, incorrect application of approval levels, and in some parts of the department, communications implying that flexible work arrangements should not be sought or that the availability of the baseline 50% work from home will not be considered in a particular directorate.
The PSA anticipated that the department would need to audit available office sites to ensure fair and equitable access to appropriate, safe and fit for purpose office spaces for all staff.
We have documented members concerns and will continue to do so as the new procedure is implemented throughout this transition period.
PSA staff will be discussing these issues with your elected Departmental Committee delegates at their meeting this week and will raise the concerns of members at the next departmental consultative committee meeting on 4 June 2025.
