(a) be an employee;
(b) have worked for us continuously for at least 26 weeks at the date your request is made;
(c) not have made a formal request to work flexibly during the last 12 months.
4.2
If you are not eligible to make a formal request, you may make an informal request under paragraph 10.
5.
MAKING A FORMAL FLEXIBLE WORKING REQUEST
5.1
Any employee interested in flexible working is advised to speak informally with their line manager to discuss their eligibility, the different options and the effect of their proposed work pattern on colleagues and service delivery, before submitting a formal or informal request.
5.2
You will need to submit a written application if you would like your flexible working request to be considered under the formal procedure.
5.3
Your application should be submitted to your line manager in good time and ideally at least two months before you would like the changes to take effect. It should:
(a) state that it is a flexible working request;
(b) explain the reasons for your request, especially if you think our Equal Opportunities Policy may be relevant, for example, if your request concerns childcare or other family commitments, religious or cultural requirements, or adjustments because of a disability; (c) provide as much information as you can about your current and desired working pattern, including working days, hours and start and finish times, and give the date from which you want the changes to take effect; (d) identify the effect the changes to your working pattern will have on the work that you do, that of your colleagues and on service delivery. If you have any suggestions about dealing with any potentially negative effects, please include these in your written application; and (e) provide information to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 4 of this policy including the dates of any previous formal requests for flexible working. In most cases we will need to have a meeting with you before making a decision. In some cases we may be able to approve your request without a formal meeting, although it will usually be helpful to your manager to discuss the request with you to ensure it is the best solution.
5.4
6.
FORMAL REQUEST: MEETING
6.1
Where necessary, your line manager will arrange a meeting with you after your application has been submitted. You may bring a colleague to the meeting as a companion if you wish. Your companion will be entitled to speak during the meeting and confer privately with you, but may not answer questions on your behalf.
6.2
In most cases, the meeting will be held at your usual place of work. We will try to ensure that the meeting is held at a time and place that is convenient to everyone.
6.3
The meeting will be used to discuss the working arrangements you have requested. You will be able to explain how the arrangements will accommodate your needs. You will also be able to discuss what impact your proposed working arrangements will have on your work and that of your colleagues. If we cannot accommodate the
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