Why this campaign matters
The ‘Talk About Flex’ campaign, launched in February 2024, aims to promote positive, practical action on flexible working across the NHS. Flexible working helps staff balance work with caring responsibilities, manage their health, and sustain long and fulfilling careers. When staff are supported, the NHS benefits from improved wellbeing, better retention, and ultimately better patient care.
However, too many workers still face barriers. There have been reports of staff being denied flexible working arrangements or having to rely on annual leave to care for elderly relatives or manage other responsibilities. This inconsistency is unfair and unsustainable.
Moving from awareness to action
Until now, the campaign has focused on raising awareness, sharing good practice, and encouraging conversations about flexibility. From today, the campaign enters a new phase, aiming to:
- Amplify its message to wider audiences
- Celebrate NHS employers who sign the ‘Get Ahead on Flex’ pledge
- Support staff‑side reps to work with employers on meaningful action plans
- Share progress updates to keep employers accountable
- Revisit the pledge and its impact during National Work Life Week in October 2026
- Continue raising awareness and sharing examples of good practice across the NHS.
A crucial moment for the NHS
A standard on flexible working is expected to be included in the new staff standards set out in the NHS 10-Year Plan. This creates a timely opportunity for employers to take proactive steps and ‘get ahead’ on this agenda. Every NHS worker should be able to expect a consistent, positive approach to flexible working, regardless of their department, role, or manager.
The PDA’s asks of employers
To help drive change, the PDA is calling on NHS employers to sign the ‘Get Ahead on Flex’ pledge. Signing the pledge signals a commitment to creating a culture where flexible working is discussed openly, supported consistently, and implemented fairly.
- NHS employers can sign the pledge here.
- NHS staff and PDA reps are encouraged to show their support by backing the pledge here.
By supporting this campaign, the PDA is standing with its members and with NHS staff across the UK to ensure that flexible working becomes the norm, not the exception.
Learn more
- Lets Talk About Flex
- Sign the pledge as an NHS employer
- Support the pledge as an NHS employee or rep
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.