Fair Work - economic inactivity: flexible working project report

Group Activity and Knowledge Sharing

All group-based activity outlined in the original funding proposal was delivered.

Peer Learning Session (Chatham House Rules)

A two-hour knowledge-share session hosted by WEEE Scotland (Circulus) enabled all partners to:

• Share progress and challenges
• Discuss frontline flexibility in a trusted space
• Learn from each other’s approaches

The meeting was attended by seven participants: two representatives from SLG, two from Merson, and one each from Circulus, CeeD and Flexibility Works. Feedback from participants was strongly positive. For SLG, already one of the most progressive employers in this space, the discussion provided reassurance that their current approach to flexible working is effective, while also reinforcing their commitment to continue evolving and strengthening their practice. For the other participating organisations, who are at earlier stages in their flexible working journeys, the session increased confidence that relatively small, well-considered changes can have a meaningful impact, and helped to reduce perceived risks associated with introducing greater flexibility. One specific example shared by SLG focusing on reducing hours across the business was picked up on specifically by Merson as they are also considering something similar at this time and it helped to give confidence about how this might work (risk vs reward etc).

A clear and tangible outcome from the meeting was a request by one of the project partners for CeeD and Flexibility Works to convene similar peer-learning groups in the future, supporting ongoing sharing of HR knowledge and practical learning on flexible working and related issues across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The partners felt that others could really benefit from similar types of candid, ‘closed door’ conversations. CeeD took on this action, supported by Flexibility Works.

End-of-Project Sector Event

An end-of-project knowledge-share event was also co-hosted with CeeD Scotland and hosted by ACS Clothing at theirwarehouse in Motherwell at the end of March.

Again, this was another example of securing a good relationship with a manufacturing company who were happy to share their knowledge and approach with the wider sector for the purposes of this project. We are working with ACS on another project and they are developing their approach to Fair Work and flexible working, so were delighted to be asked to host our end of project knowledge-share event and to help the sector better understand what may be possible in regards to flexible working.

In regards to the event;

• We hosted around 40 manufacturing and engineering employers
• The event included a site tour of ACS, panel discussion and Q&A focusing on how to practically implement flexible working in the sector
• Panel contributors included SLG, WEEE Scotland (Circulus) and ACS

Project partners shared their learning from the project and ACS shared learning from related flexible working activity focusing on frontline shift patterns, reinforcing the relevance of the project’s learning across the sector.

(Note: Merson group was unable to take part at the last minute due to a large order).