Principles for hybrid working
As we move towards a new way of working, we have developed a set of principles to work to.
We are inclusive by default
Working remotely means using digital tools accessible to all and being mindful of the barriers that create digital exclusion.
We are driven by curiosity, challenge and innovation
We embrace remote working as an opportunity to experiment with and learn digital skills and new ways of working.
Meeting choices balance community and individual needs
In a hybrid working model, we think carefully about meeting formats. Too many face-to-face meetings may mean that staff are on campus too often, and not enough could put our strong and vibrant community at risk.
Data is safe and secure
Whether working on campus or remotely, we follow the Seven Golden Rules of information security.
Digital-first does not mean 24/7
We prioritise wellbeing by taking regular screen breaks and respecting each other’s working hours and availability.
We make thoughtful choices about ways of working
Sometimes a Zoom Phone call, Slack message or shared document is better suited to the task or individual than a meeting. Our meeting principles and tips for thinking about format will help you to choose the right approach.
We trust our colleagues
We trust people to make the right decisions about how and where they work rather than micro-manage.
We build a community of shared purpose
Using our digital tools we share information with each other about our work, so that it’s visible and accessible online.
Staff are empowered to design digital services that serve us best
Services can be delivered online-only or through a blended approach, using our core digital platforms.
Meeting principles
We've developed these principles for meetings, to ensure we all get the best out of our time together.
Every meeting has a clear purpose and objective(s)
- This purpose and objective(s) will vary and could include one or more of: information cascade, decision making, assurance, creating solutions or team building, but it should always be clear why the meeting is needed.
Every meeting is held in the most efficient and effective format possible
- The pandemic period has taught us that the vast majority of meetings can be held virtually. With the option to have in-person meetings becoming available, a default to in-person meetings should be avoided and consideration given to how digital meetings can be continued.
Every meeting, and its membership, is regularly reviewed with all attendees to ensure it adds value
- Both the membership of the meeting and the added value of the meeting should be reviewed regularly and adjusted/ceased as appropriate to ensure the original purpose and objective(s) are being met.
Every meeting should be held only as frequently as absolutely necessary
- Meetings are a means to an end, a tool for achieving an output. They should be used sparingly in order to free up time to actually deliver the work required.
Every member of a meeting should be clear on what they contribute to the meeting and what they take from the meeting
- Staff should feel empowered to clarify their role in a meeting and be free to decline the meeting if they are not adding or taking value.
Every meeting should have only the minimum required level of administration support required
- While formal committees and governance forums may require formal written minutes, notes and actions, other types of meetings do not and we should avoid unnecessary administration that does not add any value.