Launch of 'Smart Working' framework

A Smart Working framework, developed by the ‘Ways of Working’ pathway of the Strategic Foundations Programme, has been launched today.

The framework builds on our remote-working experiences during the pandemic so that colleagues can maintain the benefits of flexibility in working hours and location balanced with the needs of our colleagues, teams and the University community as a whole.

As we transition back to campus this term, we will also need to take account of the COVID-19 requirements that continue to apply. Many teams are still in the process of building up a presence on the campus, which will be necessary in considering how they will support Smart Working.

Working remotely has brought benefits for many of us, supporting our wellbeing and work-life balance. Equally, many have also missed the professional and personal benefits of being on campus. The framework reflects this feedback and the principles developed by a working group of academic and professional services colleagues – drawn from different roles and grades – as part of the ‘Ways of Working’ pathway.

Detailed information is available on the Smart Working webpages, including information for staff and for managers. Heads of School or Function will set expectations around how ‘Smart Working’ can be applied in their areas balancing individual preferences and circumstances with how their services can be provided. Discussions on ‘Smart Working’ will be based on the following high-level guidelines:

• The campus environment is important, and it remains your normal place of work.
• All roles will require some presence on campus.
• All arrangements are temporary and informal.
• Normal expectations in respect of compliance with all relevant University policies, practices and other regulations remain unchanged.

It is important to note that Smart Working changes are informal and temporary. If a colleague is looking at permanent changes, they can consider the Flexible Working Policy which covers changes in the number of hours or days worked per week plus job sharing, term-time working arrangements and contractual changes to start and finish times. 

Conversations, flexibility and understanding are key to embedding any Smart Working changes. If you are a manager, invite discussions on Smart Working in your team, think creatively about the solutions and make sure the changes are applied fairly. If you are a colleague, think about what a Smart Working request will mean for you and those you work with, be prepared to come to campus when required and be flexible with your manager.

Our People Development team has put together a collection of Remote Working Resources in UoR Learn to support you. You may also find the information on Digital Technology Services’ Remote Working and Health and Safety Services’ Healthy working with computers webpage useful.