In May 2022, my Department launched its formal blended working policy, which is closely aligned to the Blended Working Framework for the Civil Service.
The policy indicates a minimum requirement for staff whose role has been deemed suitable for blended working to attend at the office on 2 days per week, to ensure team connectivity and collaboration. However, given the diverse nature of the work undertaken by my Department, the number of days that staff are required to attend the office depends on the business needs of each area.
While some roles can be performed to a high standard on a blended basis, a significant number of roles are not deemed suitable for blended working due to the requirement for full-time, on-site presence, in order to provide services to the public or discharge the other functions of such roles.
My Department is a client of the National Shared Services Office (NSSO). I regret it is not possible to provide all the detail requested by the Deputy but, based on the NSSO data as of 22 January 2024, the total number of staff employed directly by my Department is 1,928. Of these 1,158 or 60% are currently approved for a form of blended working. The number of people approved for blended working at 31 December 2023 and 2022 was 1,129 and 1,048 respectively.
My Department keeps its Blended Working Policy under review and will take into account the experience to date and any improvements or changes that may need to be made to ensure the policy continues to operate effectively for staff and the public.
