How flexible is the Civil Service

[Hello1290]

I've heard a lot about how flexible the CS is but is it the same in all departments or only certain ones. Does flexible mean flexi time where you build up hours and can have time off or does it mean flexible start and finish times or working different days each week, part time etc.. I'm looking for a new role and flexibility is important to me. I guess mainly in terms of start and finish times. A lot of advertised CS jobs mention flexibility, can anyone tell me their experience of this within the CS.

It can be all of those things and can depend on the specific role and department. In my dept, everyone has the right to flexitime (starting time anytime between 7am-10am, working hours of 7hrs12mins per day, finishing between 3pm-7pm). You can accrue up to 3 days of flexitime per month and take up to 2 flexidays leave per month. We also can agree part time, job share, 9 day fortnights etc separately with HR. But i have friends in other CS roles /departments, which need cover at all times so less flexibility.

If flexibility is so important, its worth contacting the HR contact on the job spec before applying and asking what's available. They are usually very happy to answer questions and there is a big push to support flexible working in lots of departments so chances look good. But as there are something like 450,000 civil servants in a huge number of different roles, it will be tricky for anyone here to give you a definitive answer.

Thanks Guiding for all the info, it's interesting to get an insight from inside and also for the tip about contacting the HR person named on the job spec. I will do this

It's a role in HMCTS in case anyone has any experience in this department. Thanks.

Hi, does anyone here work for HMPPS? I have accepted a job as SAO, just completed pre employment checks and now awaiting my contract. Would also like to know how flexible this position would be as I have a 5 year old and my DH works shifts. I just want to be able to look in ti childcare options. They have said I will be based at two different local probation offices.

Also my application centre currently says "allocation requested". What does this mean please?

Thank you in advance.

@Cheeseandchutney

Hi, does anyone here work for HMPPS? I have accepted a job as SAO, just completed pre employment checks and now awaiting my contract. Would also like to know how flexible this position would be as I have a 5 year old and my DH works shifts. I just want to be able to look in ti childcare options. They have said I will be based at two different local probation offices.

Also my application centre currently says "allocation requested". What does this mean please?

Thank you in advance.

I work for HMPPS, I never had the awaiting allocation message, I assume it is awaiting a start date after you have had your contract?

Re flexibility would be best to contact your Line manager as everybody is different, luckily my team is very flexible so if I need time off using flexi it's fine but I'm not sure if that is the same for everyone.

Good luck in your new role, I joined a few years back and it is the best thing I ever did I absolutely love my job!

Thank you so much @catmum789 for your reply. I actually got an email from my bee line manager yesterday and we have set a start date today. I'm so nervous yet so excited!

@Cheeseandchutney

Hi, does anyone here work for HMPPS? I have accepted a job as SAO, just completed pre employment checks and now awaiting my contract. Would also like to know how flexible this position would be as I have a 5 year old and my DH works shifts. I just want to be able to look in ti childcare options. They have said I will be based at two different local probation offices.

Also my application centre currently says "allocation requested". What does this mean please?

Thank you in advance.

Pick up the phone and ask HR/recruiting manager what the options are. As @GuidingSpirit says there are so many variations you need to ask your prospective employer who will know the options for your role.

Trust me this is a frequent question from new recruits.

Congratulations on the new job.