NCA Hybrid Working.
Dear Members,
Following the recent mention of potential changes to Hybrid Working in a Director General Q & A event, I wrote to the Agency seeking further information and have now received this formal response:
‘Thank you for your letter of 22 April, outlining the concerns raised by NCOA members following the recent Director General Q&A session. I recognise that Hybrid Working continues to be an important issue for many officers, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity.
At present, the NCA’s Hybrid Working Policy remains unchanged. The NCA has a requirement for many officers to be on site due to operational activity, and the handling of secret and sensitive information. There is also a need for officers to attend the workplace to allow for team collaboration, induction and training, wellbeing, and supportive management. Officers eligible for Hybrid Working are expected to attend the workplace for a minimum of 40% of their working week, subject to role requirements.
The NCA Hybrid Working Policy was last reviewed by the Executive Committee (ExCo) in July 2021, and it is important we regularly review the policy to ensure that it supports our officers and the Agency’s business needs. ExCo has asked HR and Estates to undertake further consideration of the policy, including analysis of estate capacity, and how we can build on the success of 12 Endeavour Square as a modern working environment. They will consider these proposals at a meeting in May.
Any proposal to amend Hybrid Working arrangements would be subject to a full Equality Impact Assessment and engagement with Trade Union colleagues. Our overall aims are to make office time purposeful not performative, retain flexibility to support different needs, and ensure we remain an employer of choice.
We will continue to engage with the NCOA and other TU colleagues as this work progresses.’
Whilst this response does not mean that the NCA will not in the future seek to change its hybrid working regime, any potential changes will be subject to formal consultation with the NCOA.
I will update members again when more information is known.
Regards,
Steve BOND NCOA General Secretary.