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Last updated: 3 December 1996
Principles for managing studies assistance
Please note: This document is for reference purposes only and is no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. It may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.
The key objective of studies assistance is to ensure that staff are equipped as adequately as possible to achieve career and personal development needs, corporate objectives and the objectives of the APS as a whole.
In developing study leave policies and practices, agencies must have regard to the Study Leave provisions in Clause 35 of the APS General Employment Conditions Award 1995 (GECA) The following good practice principles may also assist agencies to achieve more efficient, effective and equitable management of studies assistance:
1. Studies Assistance is Discretionary
Emphasise to both staff and their managers that assistance with study (in terms of granting approval, leave or financial assistance) is discretionary.
2. Integrating Study Assistance with Corporate Goals
Integrate the policy relating to study leave with corporate and Service-wide needs for current and future skills. Conduct periodic reviews to evaluate workplace outcomes such as the application of skills gained through study. (This should also apply at an individual level, through performance appraisal/management processes, where applicable.)
3. Accountability of Both Parties
Delegates are accountable for their decisions relating to study leave in their agency. Approved students are accountable for balancing their study and work performance in order to maintain continuing study leave assistance. Structure and communicate any 'rules' in a way that can be clearly understood and managed.
4. Agency Requirements
Clearly communicate and regularly update agency policy on the types and qualification levels of study that are seen to benefit the agency, the APS as a whole and the career and personal development needs of the individual, taking account of paragraphs 35.1.3 - 35.1.5 of GECA and any special needs of staff who are members of EEO groups.
5. Documentation
Document decisions sufficiently to allow proper review of the decision-making process. It would be advisable to document all decisions and retain all evidence relating to the decision. GECA stipulates that all applicants must be advised in writing of the outcomes of decisions.
6. Handling of Special Circumstances
Clearly articulate processes for any circumstances where it is important to have agency-wide consistency. For example, in the areas of:
- financial assistance to students transferring between agencies;
- recouping outstanding portions of "up-front" financial assistance from officers not successfully completing their studies or resigning during their study;
- mechanisms for dealing with grievances; and
- granting additional study leave in extenuating circumstances.
In the development of administrative arrangements for studies assistance, agencies may also wish to consider the principles outlined in the PSMPC document Re-Engineering People Management: From Good Intentions to Good Practice
