Hybrid working guidance

Hybrid working is a form of flexible working that supports a combination of coming into the workplace and working remotely, such as from home or out and about in the community.

Your hybrid working pattern will depend on your role and the needs of the service.

Some teams will attend the office on a set number of days each week, whilst other teams will come into the workplace as and when needed for specific tasks or to collaborate with colleagues.

The hybrid working expectations for your team will be set out in your Team Charter.

You can explore how flexible and hybrid working may benefit your work performance and home/life balance by talking to your manager about workstyle personalisation. 

Being available remotely  

You must be contactable during your agreed working hours. This can be by email, Microsoft Teams or phone.  

Use the 'do not disturb' status on Teams or block out time in your calendar if you:  

• have a meeting in person 
• have training  
• need some focus time 
• have a private appointment  

If you need to commute to the office  

Travel time commuting to work, either for the whole day or to join a meeting is not counted as part of your working hours.  

Virtual meetings  

Follow good etiquette on virtual calls by: 

• making sure you're suitably dressed 
• avoiding distractions, like background noise and interruptions 
• using background effects and headsets to minimise distractions  
• protecting the privacy of other people nearby 
• keeping your camera on, unless you have a reason not to, or you're asked to turn it off by the host 
• muting your microphone unless you're presenting or have a question  
• using the 'raise hand' function to ask questions or to contribute

Caring responsibilities  

When working from home, you should not have to manage work at the same time as caring responsibilities or other distractions. You'll need to arrange child or dependent care arrangements as if you were going to the office or discuss your needs with your manager to see if adjustments could be made to your working pattern. 

See childcare and other caring responsibilities for more information.

Code of conduct 

The usual rules, standards, policies, regulations and code of conduct still apply wherever you work from.  

Keeping your work secure  

Electronic Files 

Avoid keeping documents and files on your laptop's hard drive or desktop as they will not be backed-up or protected if your laptop or device is damaged, lost or stolen.  

If data is held on a computer or laptop, you must protect your device with security logins and passwords. 

Read our Information Governance policy to make sure you understand the requirements for handling information and the equipment you use or what you're able to access as part of your role. 

Paper documents 

If you work with paper documents, you and your manager will need to agree how essential documents will be shared. You should avoid using confidential paper documents wherever possible. If you need to, you'll be responsible for storing and disposing of documents securely in accordance with GDPR guidance. 

If you're working from a shared workspace in a council office, you'll need to minimise the amount of paperwork and filing you have, using a scanner or document management system to save information digitally.  

Access to information 

You must make sure that members of your household and visitors do not have access to confidential information.   

Device security 

If you work away from your home or council workplace, you must make sure your laptop and other council devices are not left unattended.  

If you're travelling by car, you must lock your equipment in the boot​.