Flexible Service in the armed forces
Updated 28 April 2023
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Flexible Service allows regular personnel of the armed forces to ask to temporarily work part time and /or restrict their separation from home base.
Regular personnel can find out how Flexible Service will impact their pay and benefits at Discover My Benefits. They can also explore the extensive range of other benefits, allowances and support that service personnel are entitled to.
Flexible Service in the armed forces
This video has a transcript
The need for flexibility
Society’s expectations are changing, so the MOD has modernised the flexibility of its offer to help recruit and retain people in an increasingly competitive employment market. Flexible Service is the latest step in the journey following the introduction of the Flexible Working Policy in 2015, and the Flexible Duties Trial which have shown there is a real appetite for this type of change.
Explore all the flexible working opportunities for the armed forces in Flexible Working and You: a guide for service personnel.
Flexible Service impacts and benefits
This video has a transcript
How it works
Flexible Service allows regular members of the armed forces to seek:
- part time work, reducing work routines by 20% or 40% equating to one or two days in a five day working week.
- restricted separation from home base for no more than 35 days a year.
Both options can be taken together.
Applications can be made for any reason but are limited in length to no more than three years continuously and no more than four years total in a 12 year rolling period. The arrangement can be varied, suspended or ended if needed.
Operational capability will come first
Flexible Service is not guaranteed for those who ask and operational capability will come first. While most benefits are unaffected, pay, pension and, in the case of part time working, leave are reduced proportionately.
Further information
For more information and advice on applications, regular members of the armed forces should contact their unit HR Office or discuss Flexible Service with their line manager.
Flexible Service is one of a number of projects that aim to transform the way we support service personnel and their families and create a modern and inclusive armed forces that attracts, retains and values its people.
Case Studies
Corporal Albert McDonald
Flexible Service’s Restricted Separation allows me to continue to serve knowing that I won’t be separated from home base for lengthy periods, so I know I’ll be able to continue to give my son the support he needs for his disability. This removes the worry about who could do this while I’m not here, which was making me seriously consider leaving the RAF.
Flexible Service Case Study: Restricted Separation
Read Albert’s story at Flexible Service: Corporal Albert McDonald on gov.uk.
Flexible Service case study: Corporal Albert MacDonald video transcript
Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer
When I heard that Flexible Service had made part-time working in the armed forces possible, I saw an opportunity to do all of the things that are most important to me; serve society, spend more time with my family, and do the master’s degree I’ve been aspiring to for years.
Read Rosemarie’s story at Flexible Service: Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer on gov.uk.
Flexible Service Case Study: Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer
Transcript for Flexible Service Case Study: Lance Corporal Rosemarie Coetzer
Lieutenant Commander Becky Everest
Flexible Service has allowed me to temporarily serve part-time while remaining in Regular Service, so I can balance everyone’s needs when my family and I need to most.
Read Becky’s story at Flexible Service: Lieutenant Commander Becky Everest.
Lieutenant Commander Becky Everest. MOD Crown Copyright.
Squadron Leader Tom Goble
Flexible Service means I get to keep the stability I have from serving as a Regular in the armed forces while I explore the risky but rewarding world of making money as a musician.
I’ve served in the RAF for 10 years which has been a great adventure. I’m proud of the differences I’ve made during a varied career that’s included travelling the world, operational deployments, surfing and mountaineering. I applied for Flexible Service while I was a Flight Lieutenant in Combat Air, serving as a technical specialist on RAF combat platforms. I’ve since been promoted and I’m responsible for delivering Communication and Information Systems in operational areas.
Read Tom’s story at Flexible Service: Squadron Leader Tom Goble on gov.uk.
Flexible Service case study: Squadron Leader Tom Goble
Flexible Service case study: Squadron Leader Tom Goble video transcript
Lieutenant Sally Ashlin
The option to work part time under Flexible Service attracted me back into Regular Service after 4 years in the Royal Naval Reserves. As a Regular, the armed forces retain my increased commitment, whilst working part time means I can keep on top of family commitments.
Read Sally’s story at Flexible Service: Lieutenant Sally Ashlin.
Lieutenant Sally Ashlin with her son. MOD Crown Copyright.
Lance Corporal Kelly Hawthorne
Flexible Service gives me more precious time with my 3-year-old daughter and has helped to provide a calmer, more balanced lifestyle for both of us.
Read Kelly’s story at Flexible Service: Lance Corporal Kelly Hawthorne on gov.uk.
Lance Corporal Kelly Hawthorne with her daughter Gracie. MOD Crown Copyright.