**Art. 1 Regulations concerning the cantonal certification of quality management systems in Municipalities Regulations concerning the cantonal certification of quality management systems in Municipalities**

This regulation governs the procedures for Municipalities to obtain a cantonal certification attesting to the fulfillment of a basic quality standard in their administrative management and internal control systems, guaranteeing the provision of quality services and benefits to users.

1 A quality management system is understood to mean an organization of municipal administrative activity compliant with a basic quality standard and effectively responsive to user needs.

2 The objectives of the system are

a) to provide users with the services and benefits stipulated by law, to the satisfaction of the latter's needs;

b) to increase user satisfaction, fill any gaps, and improve the services rendered;

c) to guarantee an internal control system.

The Section for Local Authorities issues a Directive, in which the basic standards and implementation methods of the system, necessary for obtaining cantonal certification, are set out.

Cantonal certification bodies that meet the requirements of the Directive are competent to issue cantonal certification.

1 Quality management system certification is optional and develops over a four-year period.

2 It comprises

a) an initial certification audit;

b) a surveillance audit upon expiry of the first, second, and third year;

c) a renewal audit upon expiry of the fourth year and thereafter every four years.

3 After the initial certification audit, Municipalities that fulfill the conditions set out in the Directive receive certification.

Supervisory Commission

1 The Council of State appoints a Supervisory Commission composed of five to seven members, representing the cantonal administration, certification bodies, and Municipalities.

2 The Commission, in particular

– exercises supervision over the correct application of certification procedures and their maintenance;

– publishes the names of certification bodies in the Official Gazette according to the procedures established by the Directive;

– proposes updates to the Directive;

– suggests proposals for the training of local administrators.

Complaints and Appeals

1 Claims against certification decisions may be filed with the Supervisory Commission within 15 days of the notification of the decisions, which shall rule solely on formal aspects.

2 The decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the Council of State within 30 days.

Entry into force

This Regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette of Laws and Executive Acts and shall enter into force on September 1, 2014.

Published in OG 2014, 299.