Does the NSW Health Continuing Education Allowance policy directive state that employees alone are responsible for requesting the CEA?

No. Management also has some responsibility to ensure employees are aware of their CEA entitlements.

Management is responsible for correctly applying the CEA provisions set down in the Award and Policy Directive.

It should monitor its processes for considering CEA applications by nurses and midwives, to ensure they are efficient and effective, and it is they that are responsible for the timely and accurate assessment of CEA applications and of their calculation and payment.

Management is also responsible for promptly notifying employees as to the status of their application and must ensure employees’ CEA records are accurate and complete.

If a public health entity does not notify an employee they are entitled to the CEA when they commence a new role, nor monitor this issue in the subsequent time or years that follow – it may constitute an “exceptional circumstance” for backpay purposes of the CEA.