What flexible working at the Chartered College of Teaching means to ... Kieran

Kieran Briggs

Data & Platforms Specialist

January 2025

Let me start by saying that I am a wheelchair user, and I find it quite difficult to get in a lot of buildings or use public transport as well as other people can. For a long time it limited what I thought my working life and environment would ever afford me.? That was until I started working for the Chartered College and realised that the wellbeing of their staff was high up on their priority list.

My health is very complicated.? I can go years without any medical problems, and then suddenly, I have a number of issues which all come along at the same time.? I am now able, if I need to, to change my working patterns so I can take care of doctor or hospital appointments when it is convenient for me and not have to worry about being absent for too long, or feeling like I am not doing my job.? I can work a few hours earlier or on a different day to make sure that I am achieving my work goals.? You don’t realise how much weight is taken off your shoulders when you don’t have to account for every second of time and feel you are letting everyone down for being ill.

A manager once told me “I don’t care when or where you do your work as long as you complete your tasks”. That was a big change of mindset for me; rather than being sat at my desk from 9am until 5pm, I could work when I knew I was most productive, which for me is first thing in the morning, so I tend to start work very early and finish early.? Working a 9-5 rigid job, I know I wouldn’t be getting the best out of myself as I’d miss my most productive time.? And its also not about getting more work out of me than what my contract says.? I still work my contracted hours, but now I get to give my most productive hours.

This next point is both a plus and a minus.? Our office is in London while I live in Sheffield in the North of England, so I work mostly from home, although I do go to the office every few months and we also all meet as a team face-to-face twice a year.? But my main job is as a software engineer, writing code and testing software and managing our online platforms.? Working on my own, I am able to ‘get in the zone’ and just concentrate on what I need to without any distractions.? But on the flip side, this does mean that being on my own most days can sometimes be lonely.? One of the ways we combat this is by having a weekly whole team live video call.? Even if there isn’t much on the agenda, we all get together online, usually have a bit of fun with either a short quiz or learning new ‘facts of the date’ and it just anchors you with colleagues.? And if I get too lonely or need a change of scenery, I can go and work in a coffee shop.

Flexible working has been such a great way of working for me for over 6 years; I can’t imagine having to go back into the office 5 days a week 9-5.? I believe we are all so different that having a regimented work schedule for everyone, means nobody gives their best to the job.

The Chartered College of Teaching offers a range of flexible working options to help its employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. They understand the importance of personal time, so they offer part-time roles and flexible working patterns. Moreover, there are policies in place for people who have care responsibilities or who have medical conditions that require support.?

For parents, the College has generous parental leave policies, including maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, and antenatal and adoption leave so you can be there for your little ones without worrying about work being rigid. The team is split between office working, home working and hybrid arrangements, with most roles offering hybrid or remote working options.

Additionally, the Chartered College of Teaching offers various professional development programs that fit around your schedule, ensuring you can continue to learn and grow in your career without sacrificing your personal time. This commitment to career and professional development bolsters other flexible elements to create a supportive and adaptable work environment, making it easier for you to manage both your personal and professional life.

To find out more about the College: chartered.college

To find out about open vacancies: https://chartered.college/join-the-team/