What progress has been made in promoting more home and flexi-working in the public sector.

The expansion of home and flexi-working levels is closely aligned with a number of the strategic objectives within the national performance framework. The policy on flexible and home working is an operational matter for individual organisations and will need to consider a number of issues including business need as well as HR policy. We have taken the approach of delivering this commitment as part of a wider transport policy agenda to persuade and not punish car users towards other modes. This package includes the promotion of smarter choices, especially travel plans which can including home and flexi-working.
The Scottish Government is funding the Regional Transport Partnerships to implement and monitor measures which result in more sustainable travel practices within all NHS boards and local authorities. We are funding the Energy Saving Trust to deliver a range of programmes and to work with public and private sector organisations to promote and deliver sustainable travel advice, including advice for individuals and small businesses through the Energy Saving Scotland advice networks, and site specific travel plan and green fleet advice for larger organisations.
This work will be complemented with Scottish travel plan guidance and a website which will travel planning tools and resources, including a travel plan monitoring tool when it becomes available later this year.
As an employer, flexible working remains a key part of the Scottish Government’s diversity agenda and we continue to promote the wide range of flexible working opportunities.
Also, in November 2007, we set up the Public Sector Diversity Network, which aims to share best practice with other public sector employers on a range of diversity and equality issues, including flexible working.