TNC Guidance on Flexible Working Patterns

Dear Principal

Re: Heads of Agreement Action 16

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting effective workload management and professional wellbeing, the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) and Management Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee wish to draw your attention to Action 16 contained within the TNC 2025/1 Pay Agreement concerning the promotion of flexible working patterns.

Action 16 states:

The following reflects existing provisions in TNC 2024/2 and Advice on Developing Directed Time Budgets. As such, it aims to foster a balanced and responsive working environment in all schools consistent with the spirit of collegiality and professionalism promoted in existing TNC documentation and guidance provided on Directed Time Budgets.

Flexible Allocation of Directed Time :

In accordance with the Workload Agreement, para. 3.1, TNC2024/2 ‘A teacher shall be available to perform such duties at such times and such places as may reasonably be specified by the Principal.’

The Principal determines when and where a teacher completes directed time; where appropriate, it may be undertaken in a manner which allows for flexibility in when and where it is completed. Such flexibility can be applied at the discretion of the Principal and in consultation with teachers where it presents no compromise to the overall quality of provision, safeguarding, health and safety of pupils or staff.

Flexible Working Patterns :

Directed time may vary from week to week, reflecting the dynamic nature of school life and the demands of the academic calendar. This flexibility enables schools to respond to and plan ahead for specific events, priorities and operational needs without compromising TNC 2024/2. For example, Principals, in consultation with teachers, should take into consideration workload requirements for staff including assessment which is directed. Where Principals do seek to vary the directed time calendar after the start of the school year they should only seek to do so with consultation and agreement of the individual teacher.

Flexible Use of Time Associated with Examinations throughout the Academic Year :

When managing directed time for staff whose examination classes have commenced study leave, Principals are encouraged to consider an adjustment to reflect the workload associated with examination preparation and controlled assessment / coursework throughout the academic year.

Yours sincerely