Flexible service in the armed forces

* Ministry of Defence Guidance FLEXIBLE SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES Updated 28 April 2023 CONTENTS * The need for flexibility * How it works * Operational capability will come first *

Further information * Case Studies Print this page © Crown copyright 2023 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To

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available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flexible-engagements-system-what-you-need-to-know/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-flexible-engagements-system Flexible Service allows

regular personnel of the armed forces to ask to temporarily work part time and /or restrict their separation from home base. Regular personnel can find out how Flexible Service will impact

their pay and benefits at Discover My Benefits. They can also explore the extensive range of other benefits, allowances and support that service personnel are entitled to. Flexible Service

in the armed forces This video has a transcript THE NEED FOR FLEXIBILITY Society’s expectations are changing, so the MOD has modernised the flexibility of its offer to help recruit and

retain people in an increasingly competitive employment market. Flexible Service is the latest step in the journey following the introduction of the Flexible Working Policy in 2015, and the

Flexible Duties Trial which have shown there is a real appetite for this type of change. Explore all the flexible working opportunities for the armed forces in Flexible Working and You: a

guide for service personnel. Flexible Service impacts and benefits This video has a transcript HOW IT WORKS Flexible Service allows regular members of the armed forces to seek: * part time

work, reducing work routines by 20% or 40% equating to one or two days in a five day working week. * restricted separation from home base for no more than 35 days a year. Both options can be

taken together. Applications can be made for any reason but are limited in length to no more than three years continuously and no more than four years total in a 12 year rolling period. The

arrangement can be varied, suspended or ended if needed. OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY WILL COME FIRST Flexible Service is not guaranteed for those who ask and operational capability will come

first. While most benefits are unaffected, pay, pension and, in the case of part time working, leave are reduced proportionately. FURTHER INFORMATION For more information and advice on

applications, regular members of the armed forces should contact their unit HR Office or discuss Flexible Service with their line manager. Flexible Service is one of a number of projects

that aim to transform the way we support service personnel and their families and create a modern and inclusive armed forces that attracts, retains and values its people. CASE STUDIES

CORPORAL ALBERT MCDONALD Flexible Service’s Restricted Separation allows me to continue to serve knowing that I won’t be separated from home base for lengthy periods, so I know I’ll be able

to continue to give my son the support he needs for his disability. This removes the worry about who could do this while I’m not here, which was making me seriously consider leaving the RAF.

Flexible Service Case Study: Restricted Separation Read Albert’s story at Flexible Service: Corporal Albert McDonald on gov.uk. Flexible Service case study: Corporal Albert MacDonald video

transcript LANCE CORPORAL ROSEMARIE COETZER When I heard that Flexible Service had made part-time working in the armed forces possible, I saw an opportunity to do all of the things that are

most important to me; serve society, spend more time with my family, and do the master’s degree I’ve been aspiring to for years. Read Rosemarie’s story at Flexible Service: Lance Corporal

Rosemarie Coetzer on gov.uk. Flexible Service Case Study: Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer Transcript for Flexible Service Case Study: Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer LIEUTENANT COMMANDER

BECKY EVEREST Flexible Service has allowed me to temporarily serve part-time while remaining in Regular Service, so I can balance everyone’s needs when my family and I need to most. Read

Becky’s story at Flexible Service: Lieutenant Commander Becky Everest. SQUADRON LEADER TOM GOBLE Flexible Service means I get to keep the stability I have from serving as a Regular in the

armed forces while I explore the risky but rewarding world of making money as a musician. I’ve served in the RAF for 10 years which has been a great adventure. I’m proud of the differences

I’ve made during a varied career that’s included travelling the world, operational deployments, surfing and mountaineering. I applied for Flexible Service while I was a Flight Lieutenant in

Combat Air, serving as a technical specialist on RAF combat platforms. I’ve since been promoted and I’m responsible for delivering Communication and Information Systems in operational areas.

Read Tom’s story at Flexible Service: Squadron Leader Tom Goble on gov.uk. Flexible Service case study: Squadron Leader Tom Goble Flexible Service case study: Squadron Leader Tom Goble

video transcript LIEUTENANT SALLY ASHLIN The option to work part time under Flexible Service attracted me back into Regular Service after 4 years in the Royal Naval Reserves. As a Regular,

the armed forces retain my increased commitment, whilst working part time means I can keep on top of family commitments. Read Sally’s story at Flexible Service: Lieutenant Sally Ashlin.

LANCE CORPORAL KELLY HAWTHORNE Flexible Service gives me more precious time with my 3-year-old daughter and has helped to provide a calmer, more balanced lifestyle for both of us. Read

Kelly’s story at Flexible Service: Lance Corporal Kelly Hawthorne on gov.uk. Back to top