One major problem faced by many RTO compliance managers is the challenge of effectively leading their team and managing compliance within the organisation. Barriers that are often faced by managers include balancing multiple priorities, resistance to change and scarce resources. In order to successfully navigate this role, it is important to focus on a range of key areas. Here are six key focus areas for RTO compliance managers to consider in using a holistic approach to compliance management:
Table of Contents
Managing a compliance team:
As a compliance manager, you are responsible for leading and supporting a team of quality professionals. This includes setting clear expectations and goals, providing training and development opportunities, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The most critical strategies to employ with your team include clear communication, training and development, empowerment and authority, goal setting and performance measurement, collaboration and teamwork, recognition and reward, adaptability and flexibility, supportive leadership, continuous improvement and work-life balance.
Managing up with senior management:
It is important to effectively communicate with and report to senior management in order to ensure that compliance and quality efforts are aligned with the overall goals and priorities your RTO. This may require compliance staff to present data and reports, make recommendations, and seek support and resources as needed.
Ensuring compliance with legislation and standards:
A key focus area for compliance managers is ensuring that the RTO is compliant with all relevant industry regulations and standards. This may involve staying up to date on changes and updates, implementing policies and procedures, and conducting audits and reviews. Engage all employees in continuous improvement efforts and encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement
Leading continuous improvement efforts:
As a compliance manager, you should be proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance quality and compliance in your VET courses. This may involve collecting and analysing feedback from stakeholders, implementing new policies and procedures, and engaging all employees in continuous improvement efforts.
Building and maintaining relationships:
Effective leadership in an RTO also involves building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, students, industry partners, and community. This may involve collaborating with other teams and departments, seeking feedback and input, and building trust and credibility.
Leading by example:
As a compliance manager, it is important to model good quality practices and behaviours, and to hold yourself and others accountable for meeting quality. Overall, leading as a compliance manager in an RTO can be a complex and demanding role, requiring you to balance a range of responsibilities and priorities in order to effective.
Other feature articles:
How can compliance and quality functions work together in an RTO?
Who is responsible for quality and compliance in your RTO?
Why you need to focus on your RTOs customers not compliance
How to build a culture of quality in your RTO
Why compliance does not equal quality in your RTO’s training and assessment
How to use systems to manage your RTOs self-assurance effectively
References:
https://www.asqa.gov.au/how-we-regulate/self-assurance/building-shared-understanding-self-assurance
https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/skills-reform-overview/quality-reforms