(1) This Procedure is effective from 1 August 2023. (2) This Procedure outlines the range of flexible work arrangements available at the University and the ways in which these mutually beneficial arrangements can apply and be managed. (3) This Procedure applies to all staff of the University. For staff employed on Senior Staff Performance Contracts, this Procedure applies subject to clause 19 of the Deakin University Enterprise Agreement 2017 (EA). (4) This Procedure is pursuant to the Employment of Staff policy. (5) There are a range of flexible work arrangements that, subject to the operational requirements of the University, leaders can agree to for their staff: (6) More than one flexible work arrangement is able to be requested by staff and supported by leaders at any time during a staff member’s employment. (7) Flexible work arrangements can be short term or longer term and are determined by leaders. (8) Discussions on flexible work arrangements should occur as part of DeakinAchieve conversations, as well as regular conversations between staff and leaders. Leaders should also consider what flexible work arrangements can be offered as part of the recruitment of new staff. (9) Flexible work arrangements are sometimes experimental and are subject to change and should be regularly reviewed by leaders and staff to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the individual, team and University. Flexible work arrangements that are able to be supported by a leader may be different for different staff. (10) Further information in relation to: (11) Blended work arrangements are determined by leaders with individual staff members and as teams. (12) All Blended work arrangements: (13) As part of enabling blended working arrangements the University provides access to information and communication technology to enable staff to stay connected whether they are working at another University campus, from home or anywhere else. (14) Off-campus locations where blended working can be undertaken, including working from home, must support safe and productive work. The University is able to direct a staff member to work at another location where any risk to safety or productivity is considered to exist. Further information in relation to supporting staff to work effectively and safely from home can be found on DeakinHub. (15) There is no provision for staff to permanently work from Deakin Downtown as an alternative to, or substitute for, working on campus. (16) If a leader or staff member requires support as part of their blended work arrangement conversations they should (17) Staff are supported to raise a request for one or more other flexible work arrangements with their leader. (18) A leader should assess any requests with an inclusive, transparent and fair approach with the aim of working towards a mutually beneficial outcome for the staff member and the University. (19) Any request by a staff member for any flexible work arrangement will be considered by their leader within a reasonable timeframe, with a decision made no longer than 21 days from receipt of the request. (20) In considering flexible work arrangement requests, leaders should take into account: (21) If the staff member or leader requires further advice and support in relation to a flexible work arrangement request, they can discuss this with their Head of Organisational Area and/or their People and Culture Partner. (22) If a mutually beneficial flexible work arrangement is not immediately achievable, the leader should propose a timeframe in the future for when flexible work arrangement options can be revisited. The staff member may also seek a review of the request for a flexible work arrangement by the Chief People and Culture Officer (cp-co@deakin.edu.au) or nominee. (23) The Chief People and Culture Officer or nominee may, in consultation with the staff member and the leader; (24) Given the mutual benefits of flexibility, the University is committed to seeking to accommodate requests by staff where possible. In addition, in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 the University will ensure that if the staff member requesting the flexible work arrangement has been employed by the University for more than 12 months and they are: (25) Leaders who receive a request from these staff for a flexible work arrangement should review the further (26) Where an agreed flexible work arrangement is required to be recorded in DeakinPeople (for example a reduction in time fraction or part-year employment) then the leader must immediately advise People Services of this arrangement. (27) All other flexible work arrangements are managed by local area leaders. Flexible work arrangements must be discussed and reviewed regularly by leaders as part of ongoing and regular conversations, and as part of a staff member’s DeakinAchieve discussions. (28) The University encourages staff to explore the flexible working options available to help staff manage their caring and additional responsibilities. (29) Staff are responsible for ensuring that any child or other dependent care arrangements that are in place whilst working from home do not impact their productivity and ability to perform their role. (30) Further information is available in relation to: (31) The University is an accredited breastfeeding friendly workplace. Staff will be supported by their leader with flexible arrangements to support breastfeeding, including time off to breastfeed and/or flexible meal breaks and work commencement and finishing times. Breastfeeding facilities are available at all campuses. (32) A staff member may request permission to bring a child on campus for a limited period of time. Approval of any such arrangement is at the discretion of the staff member’s leader who may approve the request in the following circumstances: (33) For the purpose of this Procedure:Flexible Working procedure
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Policy
Section 5 - Procedure
Blended Working Arrangements
speak to their Head of Organisational area. Requesting Flexible Work Arrangements (other than Blended Working)
information available on DeakinHub and contact their People and Culture Partner for further advice.Recording a flexible work arrangement
Managing caring responsibilities
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the University meets its legislative obligation to respond in writing to these staff members within 21 days.