Its time to talk about Flex

Flexible working can help us all make the NHS work better. Flexible roles make it easier to attract people to work in NHS jobs, and improve wellbeing for existing staff, so they don’t need to leave. Ultimately, it all adds up to better patient care.

The NHS unions are leading this campaign to help inspire staff and managers across the health service to start a conversation about flexible working and find the flex that works for them. The Croydon Health Unison Branch is leading on this campaign within our Trust.

Use this site to find out more about flexible working rights, different options, and how people are finding the joy of flex in the NHS right now.

 

The Next webinar is Thursday 10th September 12.30-13.30

Register for this session here:  Its Time to Talk About Flex

 

Print / Translate

Print page Translate page

Related links

Take action

Find your flex

Make a flexible working request and let us know how it goes.

Let us know if your manager does not stick to the deadlines or they reject your request without the required considerations or in line with one of the eight statutory reasons.

  • If you feel flexible working could work for you, use these handy tips and resources to help start your conversation. ​
  • Think about your needs. Do you feel like you need a better work-life balance? Do you want to make more time for other personal commitments, such as caring responsibilities? Use the helpful template in the NHS Staff Council flexible working toolkit to help you map out your needs.​
  • Look through the various options available. We have listed some of the forms that flexible working can take, to kick-start your thinking. Remember this is just a ‘starter for ten’. There may be other options that better suit your needs. You can also look at case studies produced by the NHS Staff Council.​
  • Think through the needs of your role. Which option would work best to meet your needs and the needs of your role?​
  • Take a look at your Trust’s flexible working policy and brush up on your flexible working rights in the NHS.​
  • Take a look at the step-by-step guide to making a flexible working request as set out in the NHS Staff Council flexible working toolkit.​
  • Complete a flexible working request and book some time in to discuss with your manager. Remember your local union rep is always on hand if you need any advice.​

Latest
Posted on

Fulfilling the promise of flexible working for everyone – open letter to our CEO

Today we have sent the following letter to Matthew Kershaw, our CEO to ask him to ensure Croydon Health Services NHS trust to ask for his help to fulfil the promise of flexible working for everyone.

Posted in
People looking sick
Posted on

Do You Have to Tell Your Employer Why You Are Off Sick? What Members Need to Know

One of the most common questions members ask is whether they must tell their manager the reason they are off sick. The short answer is:
No — employees are not legally required to disclose their specific medical condition to their employer.

Posted in
Disable inequality
Posted on

Trust U-Turns After UNISON Exposes Disability Policy Breach

A UNISON member with a recognised disability has secured a vital workplace victory after the Trust failed to follow its own policies, wrongly directing her down an inappropriate procedure and leaving the organisation exposed to potential claims of disability discrimination. Following decisive union intervention, the member has now been granted 100% home‑working in line with professional medical advice.

Posted in
Workers ERA
Posted on

Employment Rights Act 2025: What UNISON says, what’s changing, and when

UNISON has welcomed the Employment Rights Act 2025 as one of the most significant advances in workers’ rights for a generation. The Act received Royal Assent in December 2025 and will be implemented in phases between 2025 and 2027.

Posted in
Posted on

UNISON Stands with Race Equality Week

Race Equality Week 2026 (2–8 February) calls on organisations across the UK to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action on racial inequality. This year’s theme, #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs, emphasises a truth our union has long championed: race equality requires collective, accountable action from everyone.

Posted in

What managers are legally required to do

What flexible working looks like - potential options

Make a request for flexible working arrangements

An overview of your rights