Reedham Children’s Charity were keen to introduce a more flexible way of working, however, wasn’t sure where to start.
With the help of Successful Mums and the GLA Parenting Project they were able to implement changes, learn about the subject through online learning and workshops to support a more hybrid workforce. By Claire Palmer, CEO of Reedham
What made you join the GLA project?
We have been following the work that Successful Mums do supporting women back to work, so when we were contacted about the project, we jumped at the chance. We were actively trying to be more flexible and reach out to a new audience with empathy towards the aims of the charity.
What 5 things have you gained from being part of the project so far?
- Six online learning modules providing input into flex and hybrid working, including policies
- Free advertising to an audience of parents
- Attendance at workshops (for instance: Encouraging a Diverse Workforce, Mental Health Awareness)
- Monthly newsletters from Successful Mums on flex working
- Links to other flexible organizations
How have you implemented these flexible changes?
We have reviewed and updated our Flexible Working Policy and highlighted to Board of Trustees relevance of flexi/hybrid working.
What was the impact of the project on Reedham?
The project so far has underlined the importance of valuing staff and enabling a good work-life balance; trust with an expectation of professionalism is at Reedham’s core and the importance of communicating this value across the team and trustees has been highlighted by the learning modules of the project.
How did Successful Mums support you with the project?
Led by Jane, the team of Jo, Charlotte and Rachel have provided support by way of policy guidelines, module-based learning, job advertising on their website, and general advice on flexi/hybrid working becoming the accepted norm for working in the 2020’s
What advice would you give to an employer who wants to attract women returners to their workforce?
A flexible approach and hybrid working policy are key for employers to attract the best candidates to join their organization. Successful Mums provides a professional service for employers to take up the under-used resource of women returning to the workforce. Given support and training to one such young woman, we have fully appreciated the work Successful Mums do in encouraging confidence in women to rejoin the working community and have no hesitation in recommending Successful Mums with their very worthwhile and influential career academy.
www.reedhamchildrenstrust.org.uk
If you are a forward thinking employer that would like to benefit from the GLA funding, the online training modules and free advertising to our audience of skilled women returners then contact Emma Falsey today on or contact 0776 1515371