Regulation on the Continuing Education of Employees

[2] This Regulation governs State interventions in favour of continuing education for its employees.

[2] Art. amended by R 20.12.2011; in force since 1.1.2012 - BU 2011, 611.

[3] 1 Continuing education aims to contribute to improving employees' capacity to respond professionally to the demands of their function.

2 In education, the primary objective is the improvement and development of professional knowledge and skills necessary to perform assigned tasks efficiently and effectively.

[3] Art. amended by R of 20.12.2011; in force since 1.1.2012 - BU 2011, 611.

[4] 1 The training of managing officials aims at developing their capacities for managing, leading, and organizing their own administrative units.

2 The training and introduction of newly hired employees is primarily the responsibility of the managing officials, who must facilitate their professional integration by emphasizing the duties, competencies, responsibilities, and the attitude required in their relations with users and colleagues.

3 For newly appointed managing officials, a mandatory training program is prescribed. [5]

[4] Art. amended by R 20.12.2011; in force since 1.1.2012 - BU 2011, 611.

[5] Subpara. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182.

… [6]

[6] Art. abrogated by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2011, 611.

Professional development is the duty of every employee, and in particular of every managing official.

b) of the Human Resources Section [7]

[7] Marginal note amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182.

[8] The Human Resources Section is responsible for

a) analyzing needs in the field of professional development and growth, directly or through other entities ensuring the organization and provision of general training interventions or those specifically requested by individual administrative units;

b) …;

c) organizing and providing specific training and development interventions requested by individual administrative units;

d) providing consultancy and assistance to individual administrative units for every matter pertaining to training and managerial development;

e) evaluating market offers, their degree of responsiveness, and potential opportunities for the needs of the cantonal administration.

[8] Art. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2011, 611.

… [9]

[9] Art. repealed by R 22.3.2016; effective from 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2011, 611.

[11] 1 For functional needs, the Human Resources Section may deem a training course mandatory.

2 In this case, paid leave is granted, and enrolment or attendance fees are recognized. The regulation concerning allowances for state employees of 27 September 2011 is applicable.

3 Paragraph 2 also applies to training activities necessary for the maintenance of a professional title (e.g., the FMH title).

[11] Art. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2011, 611.

[12] 1 At the employee's request, paid leave may be granted, and any enrollment or attendance fees may be reimbursed, if the following conditions are cumulatively met

a) there is a direct interest for the Administration, meaning that the exercise of the function derives an evident and significant advantage from it;

b) service conditions permit it;

c) the employee demonstrates commitment in the performance of their duties.

2 The participation in costs and time shall be agreed upon with the employee on a case-by-case basis.

3 If the request for leave concerns attendance at training courses such as CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies), DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies), MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) or equivalents, paid leave shall be granted and enrollment or attendance fees shall be recognized if, in addition to the fulfillment of the conditions indicated in paragraph 1 letters a), b) and c), the request is part of a professional development plan agreed upon in writing between the applicant and the respective executive officer.

[12] Art. modified by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 – BU 2016, 182; previous modification: BU 2012, 563.

[13] 1 Paid leaves are decided by

a) up to 5 days, by the managing official;

b) beyond 5 days, by the Division Director or the Secretary General, after consulting the applicant's managing official;

c) beyond 20 days, by the Departmental Coordinator or the Secretary General upon proposal of the competent Division Director, after consulting the respective managing officials;

d) requests concerning training programs such as CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies), DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies), MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) or equivalent require the favourable opinion of the Office for Managerial Development (USM).

2 ...

3 ...

4 Any request for paid leave for training must be submitted by filling in the appropriate electronic form.

Training without financial participation

[13] Art. modified by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous modification: BU 2013, 296.

1 Managing officials may authorize participation in optional training and professional development courses during working hours with unpaid leave if the following conditions are cumulatively met

a) there is an interest for the Administration;

b) service conditions permit it, particularly concerning internal substitution or replacement;

c) the employee demonstrates commitment in carrying out their duties.

2 No contribution to expenses of any kind is granted for such leave.

3 Any request for unpaid leave for training must be made by completing the appropriate electronic form. [14]

[14] Para. introduced by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182.

[15] For the preparation and sitting of examinations for the purpose of obtaining diplomas not required for the performance of the function carried out, and for language stays, unpaid leave may be granted without any participation in expenses of any kind.

[15] Art. modified by R 28.11.2012; in force since 30.11.2012 - BU 2012, 563.

[16] 1 Unpaid leaves are decided by

a) up to 1 month, by the line manager;

b) over 1 month, by the Director of the division or the Secretary-General, after consulting the applicant's line manager;

c) …

2 A copy of the authorisation decision must be transmitted by the applicant to the Salaries and Insurance Office and to the Administrative Management Area.

[16] Art. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force from 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2013, 296.

1 Participation in congresses, symposia, and study days, if authorized, is considered an official mission. [17]

2 The decision falls within the competence of the managing officer.

[17] Art. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2011, 611.

[18] 1 Periods of professional activity external to the Cantonal Administration promote the exchange of professional experience and foster the valorisation of employees' potential.

2 If a direct interest of the Administration is demonstrated and if the activity performed does not prejudice the State, full-time or part-time work for a period varying between 6 and 18 months is recognised as external professional activity.

3 The modalities are decided from time to time by the Council of State, upon proposal of the managing official at least at Division level (or General Secretariat), having consulted the Human Resources Section.

[18] Para. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendment: BU 2013, 296.

[20] 1 In the event of resignation as per Art. 58 lit. b) LORD, or termination as per Art. 60 para. 1 lit. c), d), e), f), g) and para. 4 LORD, prior to the expiry of a 3-year period from the end of a course, the Human Resources Department shall request the reimbursement of a portion of the expenses and leave days granted.

2 If the leave was granted for the purpose of obtaining a certification, the period shall commence from the date of its obtainment.

3 No reimbursement shall be requested in the cases referred to in Art. 8 of these regulations.

[20] Art. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendments: BU 2011, 611; BU 2012, 563.

[21] 1 The amount of reimbursement for days of leave and expenses is expressed as a percentage and is a function of the duration of the employment relationship, calculated as follows starting from the end of the course or the obtaining of the certification

a) up to 12 months, 100%;

b) from 12 months and 1 day up to 24 months, 60%;

c) from 24 months and 1 day up to 36 months, 30%.

2 The Payroll and Insurance Office, upon notification from the Administrative Management Area, is responsible for recovering the reimbursement.

[21] Para. amended by R 22.3.2016; in force since 25.3.2016 - BU 2016, 182; previous amendments: BU 2011, 611; BU 2012, 563.

1 This Regulation is published in the Official Bulletin of Laws and Executive Acts of the Canton of Ticino.

2 It enters into force with immediate effect [22] and repeals the Regulation concerning the continuing education of employees of 23 December 1996.

[22] Entry into force: 2 May 2003 - OB 2003, 163.