At Maples, flexibility is one of our core values. It shapes how we work, how we care, and how we grow together. Whether it’s stepping up to support a colleague at short notice or tailoring a care plan around a service user’s changing needs, flexibility shows up across every role, every day.
Click here to read more about our new Branding values in one of our previous blog posts!
But what does that actually look like on the ground?
We spoke with support staff and our HR Advisor, Noble, to explore how this value is lived out, not only in how we support one another as colleagues, but also in how we provide high-quality, person-centred care.
What Flexibility Means at Maples
“For us, ‘flexibility’ goes far beyond rotas and hours,” says Noble. “It reflects a broader commitment to adapting around the needs of our people. This includes our employees and the individuals we support. Everyone’s situation is different, and that deserves a flexible approach.”
In real terms, this could mean adjusting shifts to support a colleague through a tough time, or knowing when to step back and let another team member take the lead with a particular service user.
Flexibility in Action: A Frontline Perspective
Support Worker Nathaniel shared:
“Flexibility in my role means I am able to be of multiple uses to both the client and the company. I’m constantly learning and striving to provide the best care possible, and ultimately to cultivate a positively enabling environment.”
Flexibility is also at the heart of teamwork. Staff described how it shows up in daily practice, including:
- Swapping or rotating shifts to support each other.
- Offering help during personal challenges.
- Responding to changing needs and unexpected situations.
- Coordinating support based on a service user’s personality, preferences, and routines, playing to team strengths to deliver truly tailored care.
- Adapting routines when a service user’s mental or physical health changes.
A Culture That Bends, Not Breaks
We know life doesn’t always fit into neat boxes. That’s why our policies are built to support flexibility in many forms, including:
- Special leave (e.g. bereavement, wellbeing days)
- Crisis loans or early pay access in emergencies
- Cycle to Work scheme to support personal health and wellbeing
But perhaps most importantly, flexibility lives in our day-to-day culture. Our teams listen, adjust, and respond, because staying grounded in real-world support means being ready to adapt.
Why It Matters
Flexibility helps us deliver person-centred care. It builds trust between colleagues. And it empowers both staff and service users to find what works for them.
In a world that’s constantly changing, flexibility helps us stay connected, compassionate, and committed.
