What flex do you have?

I am contracted to work part-time hours, supporting two particular people I’ve been working with for many years in their own homes. I also carry out finance audits for people supported by C-Change, and induct other staff into the procedure. The audits ensure people’s money is being managed safely and appropriately and any unusual payments are checked. I can choose whether do the audits at home or in the office, and the training is a mix of home (via Teams) and in-person in the office.

I can take on extra hours if I want them. C-Change runs a ‘buddy’ system so support workers get to know the people some of their colleagues work with, and can step-in as a familiar face if a support worker needs time off.

As a shift worker, I am able to mark-up draft rotas with any time I know I can’t work, and I can swap shifts easily with colleagues.

How did this flex come about?

At the time my daughter’s health wasn’t too good and I needed to be able to help out with my grandchildren, so I knew I needed part-time hours so I could fit everything in. I asked for part-time hours when I applied for the role, and this was all agreed straight away. The home working came about because of the pandemic. I actually prefer doing the finance audits in the office but it’s very much my choice and I appreciate that.

What does this flex allow you to do outside of work?

I can help my daughter by looking after my grandchildren, who are 12, 10 and nearly two. And it means I can be around for our Welsh terrier Ruby, and take her for walks.

What does your flex mean for your work and home life overall?

It means I have a better work life balance and less stress. I’m currently working a lot more hours than I’m contracted but it’s fine because I can cut the extra hours down again if I need to, and if I need time off from my contracted shifts I know I can arrange this. If I didn’t have any flexibility, I just wouldn’t be able to stay in the job.