Barnett Waddingham reveals new flexible working framework

Today we announce our new flexible working framework that allows our people to work in the way that delivers best for them and our clients.

Our new WorkSmart framework has been carefully developed following extensive and regular engagement with our clients and people over the past twelve months. This collaborative approach ensured everyone’s needs are met and the business can continue to thrive.

WorkSmart provides a clear framework for teams to identify how and where they will work to get their best work done – for example, this might be at a BW office, at a client’s office or at home.  

For the majority of BW’s 1,320+ people, a blend of working locations is anticipated during a typical week. As part of this we will continue to invest in all eight of our offices with a continuing focus on enhanced team working, collaboration and learning as people and teams return to working in our offices on a regular basis.

Ongoing investment in technology meant we were resilient and able to move our entire workforce to remote working from the beginning of the first lockdown, with minimal disruption, which ensured the ongoing high levels of service that clients expect. A recent independent survey* found that 98% of our clients felt the service they received while BW teams were working remotely was the same or better than before the pandemic.

Continued investment in technology features strongly in WorkSmart to ensure continued delivery of innovative and high quality solutions to clients – all delivered in an agile and secure manner

Recent client feedback

Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner at BW, said: “WorkSmart is a flexible working approach with our principle of ‘doing the right thing’ at its core. We have genuinely considered the wants and needs of our clients and our people, now and into the future. As Covid-19 restrictions ease we want to build back better, not just for the short-term but also as we invest in our collective sustainable future.

“We have purposely taken our time to find the right approach for BW by proactively engaging our people and clients on this new way of working. We are extremely confident that WorkSmart enables us to continue to deliver fantastic service while also making BW an incredible place to work and develop your career. In addition, we expect our new framework to help BW have a positive benefit on the environment and minimise our carbon footprint.

“This programme prioritises ongoing investment in our people, our technology, our unique culture and our office space. It is a clear signal of our commitment and ambition to continue building a leading independent organisation that makes a positive impact for our clients, our people and their careers, and the environment.”

*Investor in Customers conducted a survey of Barnett Waddingham trustee clients in June 2021, which included a question about the service from the company during the pandemic. 266 contacts responded to the survey.