An existing flexible working arrangement may be permanent and contractual, temporary, non-contractual or a reasonable adjustment. The department’s ability to change or end it depends on what was agreed, the policy, the contract and any equality duties.
On this page
Start with the status of the arrangement
Find the original request, approval, contract variation, hybrid agreement, adjustment record and review letters. A manager should not assume that every home-working or altered-hours arrangement is informal. Equally, a long-running non-contractual pattern does not automatically have the same status as a permanent contractual change.
Why arrangements may be reviewed
- A change in role, team, location or service need.
- A department-wide office or hybrid policy change.
- A trial or temporary period reaching its end.
- Performance, quality, coverage or attendance concerns.
- A change requested by the employee.
- A reasonable-adjustment review or change in disability-related need.
Consultation and written clarity matter
Where the department proposes a significant change, ask for the contractual or policy basis, reasons, evidence, consultation process, implementation date and alternatives. A reasonable-adjustment arrangement also requires consideration of the disadvantage and effective alternatives before it is removed.
Do not argue from memory
Use the documents. The exact wording about permanence, review, withdrawal, business need and notice can determine the strongest response.
Unlock the detailed agreement-protection plan below, including the document audit, contractual and non-contractual response routes, office-policy changes, adjustment reviews, consultation questions, model wording and options where no workable agreement is reached.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in