Under Ag Obair Le Chéile – a comprehensive action plan for 2022 arising from my Department's Statement of Strategy Le Chéile 23 – DECC is committed to developing its' organisational capacity and investing in staff to ensure they are equipped to meet future challenges. Embracing and implementing a Blended Working policy is part of my Department's key strategic actions and represents an opportunity to transform how the Department works and delivers results. It is envisaged that blended working will facilitate and drive the Department and staff to deliver on the Department's vision as set out in our Statement of Strategy for a climate neutral, sustainable, and digitally connected Ireland.
Following engagement with staff, my Department began new working arrangements to facilitate a transition to Blended Working in March 2022. The Department’s formal blended working policy was developed in line with the Civil Service Framework for Blended Working and sets out blended working arrangements at minimum. The formal policy was launched in July 2022, and the application process commenced 1st September 2022. All staff can apply, however, the Department has assessed the suitability for blended working of all roles in our organisation and identified a small number of roles where blended working is not feasible and staff will be required to work fully on site.
In general, fully remote working is not available unless under medical or reasonable accommodation needs, in line with medical guidance. To ensure the health and safety of all staff when working from home and in the office, a process has been put in place for all staff applying for blended working to ensure their remote workstation meets the health and safety requirements set out in our Department’s policy. Blended working arrangements are also supported by comprehensive training, guidance, and communications.
