I am a solicitor for a local authority. I have been job hunting and received one offer which went nowhere as they completely shut down any notion of part time work (dodged that bullet!).
I have now received another offer - it is still in a public body/ civil service - I was upfront when applying that I would like part time or a job share (it was an option on the original application). I got the offer yesterday morning - for a full time role. I went back to the HR person (who I have been dealing with throughout - since September, it has been a loooong process) and said that I had asked for part time hours, is that a possibility? they have just sent me back the email address of the line manager saying "ask them".
How do I phrase it? I have never met the person, I interviewed with three others (lower down the pecking order) and this person is the head of a huge department - I feel like they are not going to give a shit if I need to pick up little Jonny for violin on a Tuesday.
I don't want to appear difficult or demanding before even starting!