Department for Communities and Local Government
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have a clear Flexible Working and Home Working policy which was nominated as best practice by “Opportunity Now”
DCLG has a laptop Remote Access Service (RAS) for up to 1200 staff that supports up to 500 concurrent connections. DCLG also has a Blackberry service that provides a further 500 staff with email facilities. “Drop Down” office space with full IT is currently being rolled out across the UK, with 14 sites scheduled to be in operation by the autumn. Audio and limited video conferencing is also available.
The following impacts have been observed:
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As travel budgets have reduced, there has been an increase in the use of IT facilities.
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These measures contribute to reducing the need for office space and will eventually reduce departmental accommodation costs.
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Hot desking and space flex have also contributed the uptake of flexible working patterns.
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Flexible working has a positive impact on staff retention for good staff who want flexibility (e.g. due to caring responsibilities) who might otherwise have left.
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Staff are more engaged with the Department as a result of being able to work more flexibly.