SAMPLE STATUTORY REQUEST
FOR MEMBERS
This sample statutory request for flexible working should be used in conjunction with the NUT’s Flexible Working Guidance for Members
[Date]
Dear Local Authority Personnel Officer [community, voluntary controlled, maintained nursery and special school]
Chair of Governors [foundation, foundation trust, voluntary aided, independent school, academy, free school or sixth form college]
Request for Flexible Working
This is my formal application made under the statutory right to request flexible working. [My head teacher/principal/line manager has agreed to my request in principle/supports my request.]
[Community, voluntary controlled, maintained nursery and special schools: Although I am applying to X Local Authority as my employer, I understand that my governing body and head teacher will consider my request and will implement any changes should my request be granted. I would be happy to discuss this further with my head teacher.]
I would like to apply to work a flexible working pattern that is different to my current working pattern under my right provided by law. I confirm that I am eligible to apply for flexible working.
I have been continuously employed by my current employer for a period of not less than 26 weeks.
I [have/have not] made a request for flexible working during the last 12 months.
I am making this request to enable me to [e.g., care for a child or adult, to pursue a training course].
[Give reasons for your request, i.e., why it falls to you to care for the child/adult, e.g., local care facilities do not exist/are inadequate/are prohibitively expensive; the particular training course does not run outside working hours].
My current working pattern is as follows:
[Give details of current working arrangements including days/hours/times/location]
/Cont’d…
I would like the change in my working pattern to start from:
[Give date which you wish your new working pattern to start.]
I would like the change to be permanent or to be temporary until:
[Specify whether you wish the variation to be permanent or temporary and, if temporary, the date on which you wish the variation to end.]
I have given careful thought to my current working pattern and the impact that my request may have on the school/college and my colleagues. I think the variation in my working pattern will affect my employer and colleagues as follows:
[Give details of how your proposed new hours, etc., will affect your directed time, contact time and the current school/college timetable.]
I believe that the school/college can accommodate my request without disruption or difficulty. I have made enquiries and believe that the effect of my new working pattern on my school/college and my colleagues can be dealt with in the following way:
[Give details of any enquiries you may have made of colleagues as to how your proposals could be accommodated and whether colleagues would be willing and able to share or take on some of your current responsibilities. Give details of any other aspects of your current role can be dealt with. State whether you have discussed your proposals with your line manager, and if your line manager supports your proposals, say so.]
My personal details are as follows:
Name:
School:
Position:
DfES number:
I would be grateful if you could confirm receipt of my application. I understand that you must deal with my request in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice on Handling in a Reasonable Manner Requests to Work Flexibly. Should you decide to hold a meeting, please let me know if you require any additional information from me.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours sincerely
[Member's Signature]
c.c.Head teacher or Principal
Chair of governors [community, voluntary controlled, maintained nursery and special schools]
Flexible working sample letter / 1 / December 2014