Case Study: Flexible Working - HM Revenue and Customs

The Diversity Action Plan is a coordinated series of activities to improve equality in the Department. The Plan activities include:

• Reviewing policies and job design to maximise the use of flexible working
• Trying to eliminate the long hours culture, particularly at senior levels. All Senior Civil Service and feeder grade posts are available on flexible working patterns unless there is robust business justification otherwise
• A new policy on alternative working patterns, including part time, part year, home and distance working. Work life balance is promoted on the basis of benefits both to the business and to individuals.
• Developing an induction programme and tailored development objectives for women returners.
• Diversity proofing training delivery to address flexibility issues including residential requirements, attendance times and location
• Conducting a series of focus groups to determine key barriers to progression faced by women: the findings have led to further ongoing work to address these.

Package of family friendly policies to help staff continue their development at the same time as meeting domestic responsibilities

Achievements/Lessons learned

The percentage of women employed at HMRC increased between July 2006 and April 2007: from 21% to 28% at the most senior levels and between 2 and 3% at feeder grades.

Relevant guidance on long hours was built into the Department’s policy on the Working Time Regulations, published in October 2006. This explained the disadvantages of working long hours and gave practical examples of ways to achieve a better work/life balance.

The Department is finalising a policy on remote and mobile working An intranet site is being developed to offer information and advice to staff and their managers on this policy, covering the practical or domestic sides, such as IT equipment, health and safety issues and security issues, plus advice on time management, stress management and countering isolation. It also provides advice for managers on building and successfully maintaining a remote team.

A series of one day workshops are being organised to look at development and work/life balance issues for women.

Contact Point

Lynda Binney