Smart working code of practice launched

The Smart Working Code of Practice, launched by BSI, the business standards company, in collaboration with the Cabinet Office, aims to support organisations in implementing smart working principles.

It brings together best practice from across the world and across disciplines. BSI says it will enable organisations to move from principles to standards and benchmark themselves against high performers in smart working.

The code of practice is intended for use by the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and organisations of all sizes.

John Manzoni, Chief Executive of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office said: “The new standard developed by BSI and Cabinet Office will establish good practice across a range of disciplines for the first time and will help to turn smart working from an art into a science.”

Scott Steedman, Director of Standards at BSI said: “In the competitive business environment, more and more organisations are realising the importance of unlocking their full potential. Smart working provides opportunities for greater flexibility and mobility through new technologies and concepts in workplace design, it means a further step on that journey. Smart working is about harnessing the potential of flexible working in a strategic way, to deliver benefits both for the business and for employees. Employing effective practices is a key goal for all businesses, and smart working is not restricted to one sector, it is applicable to all businesses regardless of size or sector.”

The government has also launched the second annual The Way We Work (TW3) Awards, a Civil Service programme recognising teams across government that have created smarter ways of working.

The awards shortlist includes major UK wide programmes, for instance, the Ministry of Justice creating 24 commuter hubs to reduce the need and expense of lengthy journeys and supporting work/life balance; and smaller specialist initiatives, for example, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ensuring specialist staff, such as language translators, can work from home securely instead of travelling into London.