Embracing flexible working: Benefits and barriers in the voluntary sector

We each have our own experiences of flexible working – as individuals and as leaders supporting our teams to work flexibly in order to support inclusion. We know from these experiences that there is no magic formula for successful flexible working: it’s different for each organisation and individual. It’s not always easy to make it work. What’s most important is to start somewhere.

Emerging from the pandemic people are interested in implementing more flexible working arrangements in their organisations. The subject is now particularly important given the changes to the way we organise work and the need for a more inclusive culture. As this report explores, the voluntary sector culture does not always lend itself to flexible working. It is important to note that this report is relevant to all organisations looking to fully embrace a culture of flexibility; this report gives some very practical examples of where positive change has happened and recommendations on how to improve things.

 

To view/download the full press release please click here.

Funding Crises and the Search for Financially Resilient Leaders

Councils in England are under systemic strain. The Bennett School of Public Policy estimates a collective funding gap of £9.3 billion over the next few years, with most authorities forecast to operate in deficit. Meanwhile, Grant Thornton warns that up to 40% of councils could face financial failure within five years without new income or deeper cuts.

Statutory Officers Under Pressure: Leading in a Fluctuating Political Environment

Statutory officers have always been central to the integrity and stability of local government. Today, their roles are under unprecedented strain. Political volatility, heightened scrutiny, constrained resources, and rising public expectations have created a more complex and demanding environment than ever before.

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ACCREDITATIONS

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espo

ESPO is a public sector owned professional buying organisation (PBO), specialising in providing a wide range of goods and services to the public sector for over 40 years. Starfish Search has been awarded a place on ESPO’s Strategic HR Services framework (3S). Services we offer under the framework include: Lot 1, Executive and Managerial Interim Recruitment Lot 2, Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment.

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espo

Starfish are proud to be certified Disability Confident Committed. This scheme provides employers with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to attract, recruit, retain and develop disabled people in the workplace.

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espo

Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2020/21, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £2.04bn - supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. Starfish Search has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s Executive and Non-Executive recruitment. Services we offer under the framework include: Lot 3 - Non-Executive and Public Appointments.

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espo

Bloom, launched in 2012 is the UK’s leading marketplace for professional services. They provide an end-to-end solution for the procurement, contract management and payment of all professional services, via the compliant NEPRO³ framework. Their public sector clients have access to 20 professional services categories and over 4500 accredited suppliers. Bloom provides swift routes to market via either direct award or mini competition. Starfish is an accredited supplier to BLOOM; our services can be accessed via this framework - Executive and Non-Executive Search and Interim Management.

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