At this stage we do not want to specify any rigidly defined activities, objectives or targets since we wish to engage and gain input from all the partners in the programme. However, the agreed programme of activities should aim to deliver positive and specific outcomes across a number of areas. These might include:

• Helpline and web portal: a dedicated 'Smarter Working East' helpline and web portal would provide a single source of online information and telephone advice and coordinated support for organisations of all sizes and sectors.  This could be incorporated into Business Link.
• Transport and smarter working: a specific sub-programme focusing on the role of transport operators in assisting with the development and promotion flexible working.
• Health and smarter working: a specific sub-programme focusing on occupational health and pathways to work, as well as the role of GPs (led by the NHS).
• Low carbon economy; a set of web based tools to allow both carbon footprint calculation based on 'workstyle' and measurement of carbon reduction attributable to the programme.
• Education and brokerage of smarter working to SMEs: this would encourage to development and acceptance of standards and quality marks and the development of SME-focussed web-based tool kits
• Infrastructure requirements for smarter working: focusing on lobbying and promoting better coverage with a range of technological solutions.
• Management and leadership skills for smarter working: working with training providers to develop and deliver programmes on the management and leadership skills needed for smarter working
• Facility sharing: the development of open "touchdown centres" by public and private sector organisations.
• Local planning policy to support smarter working: the development of regional and local planning policy which can support and encourage smarter working.
• An ICT grant scheme: making available fixed grants to facilitate the roll out of flexible working for both public and private sector participants, made available based on the number smarter working opportunities created by each employer up to a maximum figure.
  

If you would like to consider committing to smarter working, and to sign the concordat, please let us have your details by completing the online form.

To view the entire concordat as a pdf, click here

To view the list of organisations, who have already signed the concordat click here