Support the pledge as an
NHS employee or rep
Support the pledge as a union rep
We know that access to flex makes a positive difference to wellbeing, as well as helping to recruit and retain people in the health service – ultimately resulting in better care for patients. But too often, there are gaps between policy and practice across the NHS, and too many staff still struggling to access flexible working.
That’s why NHS unions are coming together to ask employers to take action and Get Ahead on Flex.
Your role as a rep
We want staff side committees to write to their employer to ask them to take the pledge, and offer to work with them to push forward progress.
Download full Get Ahead on Flex resource pack
Before 6 March
Get organised with colleagues
Put the Get Ahead on Flex pledge on the agenda for your next Staff Side Committee meeting, and agree with colleagues how you’ll work with your employer.
Get Ahead on Flex campaign summaryGive your employer a ‘heads up’
Let your employer know about the pledge before the launch date. You can send our example email along with the pdf summary of the campaign to your HR /leadership team, so they’re aware ahead of receiving the public letter on 6 March.
Example email to leadership teamsOn 6 March
Make the ask
Download our template letter and send to your employer’s CEO. Make sure you copy hello@nhsunions.org
Letter template to employersTell your members
Let your local union members know about the Get Ahead on Flex pledge and that you’ve sent the letter calling for action. You could use our template copy in an email or newsletter.
Example email to membersSpread the word
Share information about the campaign more widely – for example, on social media or on your organisation’s intranet. You can use our sample posts and copy to help make things easy.
Social media cards & example postsFrom 6 March
Keep up the pressure
Remind your employer to sign the pledge, and let members know when they do.
Plan for action
Once the pledge has been signed, arrange to meet your employer’s HR or leadership team to agree how they can meet the commitments. You can use our template action plan (coming soon).
Celebrate progress
Work with your employer’s HR and internal comms teams to promote the work that is being done to create a positive, consistent flex experience for all. We'll share suggestions for how you can keep up momentum.