Study Leave Regulations

PCANZ Conditions of Service Manual 2006 Extract p 17 - 19 regarding Study Leave

2.6.4.4(a)

As part of his or her continuing ministry formation each minister shall be entitled to study leave which shall be accumulated at the rate of one day for each month of consecutive service.

2.6.4.4(b)

Study leave for parish ministers may be taken only with the approval of Presbytery/UDC.

2.6.4.4(c)

Usually the stimulus to take study leave will come from the minister but it may be appropriate for Presbytery/UDC to recommend to a minister that accumulated study leave be taken.

2.6.4.4(d)

Study leave must be a planned programme that may use all or part of the study leave entitlement in ways appropriate to the effective achievement of the programme's goals.

2.6.4.4(e)

The church council shall be consulted and express its mind on the matter. The minister shall then apply to the Presbytery/UDC giving details of the proposed programme, where it is to be taken, and details of any supervision.

2.6.4.4(f)

A written report on the study undertaken shall be submitted to the church council and the Presbytery/UDC.

2.6.4.4(g)

Study leave may accumulate to a maximum of 84 days (12 weeks) and may be used in units less than the total accrued. Further study leave can only be accumulated when the balance of leave due is less than 84 days.

2.6.4.4(h)

Study leave shall normally be taken during the tenure of a call or appointment and may not be taken:

Before the expiration of two years service in the minister's current congregation or appointment; or Within two years of reaching the age of 66.

2.6.4.4(i)

Accumulated study leave is transferable from one congregation or appointment to another. However, when a significant period of time has elapsed between appointments the Presbytery/UDC shall decide what proportion of any previously accumulated study leave shall be transferable. Presbytery/UDC shall ensure that the amount of study leave available to a minister and carried forward from one appointment to another is made known to all parties.

2.6.4.4(j)

Te Aka Puaho appointees shall normally accumulate study leave within each seven year period of consecutive service within Te Aka Puaho.

2.6.4.4(k)

Assembly and Presbytery ministerial appointees shall be eligible for study leave. Where appropriate the provisions relating to ministers of word and sacrament shall apply.

2.6.4.4(l)

The provisions of the above regulations may be modified only where Presbytery/UDC accepts that special circumstances apply and gives its express approval to a specified departure.

2.6.4.4(m)

Study leave not used by a minister may not be recovered by a financial payment in lieu thereof.

2.6.4.4(n)

The minister shall be supported during the period of approved study leave, by the congregation or other employing body at the current stipend rate together with the payment of current allowances.

2.6.4.4(o)

The Presbytery/UDC shall have oversight of the congregation during the period of study leave.

2.6.4.4(p)

The Presbytery/UDC shall keep an up to date record of study leave available to and taken by every minister within its bounds. Each year Presbytery/UDC shall report to the Assembly Office study leave available to and taken by each minister, such reports to include the subject of the leave taken.

2.6.4.4(q)

Presbytery/UDC shall ensure that the amount of study leave available to a minister and carried from one appointment to another is made known to all parties concerned.