Feature Article: How can compliance and quality functions work together in an RTO?

One major problem faced by many RTOs is the challenge of balancing compliance obligations with the delivery of high-quality training and education. It can be difficult to strike the right balance between these two priorities, and failure to do so can have serious consequences such as loss of your licence to operate or negative impacts on student outcomes. However, by working together effectively, compliance and quality functions can help to ensure that an RTO is able to deliver high quality training and education while also meeting all relevant regulations and standards. Here are some lists of recommended actionable strategies for key compliance and quality priorities that your RTO could focus on:

Assessment:

  • Develop clear and measurable learning outcomes for each course and assessment task
  • Use valid and reliable assessment tasks that accurately measure student achievement of competency
  • Ensure fairness and impartiality in the assessment process
  • Regularly review and improve assessment processes to ensure alignment with industry standards and regulations

Trainer and assessor credentials: 

  • Establish clear qualifications and experience requirements for trainers and assessors
  • Regularly review and verify the credentials of trainers and assessors to ensure they meet these requirements
  • Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for trainers and assessors to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge

Continuous improvement processes:

  • Establish a system for collecting and analysing feedback from students, trainers, and other stakeholders
  • Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement changes as necessary
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure alignment with industry standards and regulations
  • Engage all employees in continuous improvement efforts and encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Other feature articles:

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

Top 5 quality priorities for RTOs in 2023

Five important self-assurance focus areas for RTOs to implement in 2023

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/focus-compliance

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rto/responsibilities