Feature Article: A guide to business continuity and resilience for RTOs

Five key ways to evidence industry currency for trainers and assessors

It’s essential to have a plan in place for any unexpected events, especially for those RTOs with lean governance structures or no immediate successors for owners or directors. Having a strategy for managing business continuity is a critical part of your RTOs governance framework and can help ensure your RTO remains compliant with ASQA’s self-assurance model, even in the face of unexpected changes or crises. This planning and preparation contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable business. Here is some specific advice and actionable strategies to help RTOs address business continuity planning:

Develop a business continuity plan (BCP):

This should outline the procedures and steps that need to be taken in the event of an unplanned absence of the CEO or owner. The plan should include details about who will assume leadership roles, how to communicate the situation to staff and stakeholders, and the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of operations.

Designate an acting CEO/owner:

Identify a person within the organisation who can assume the CEO’s or owner’s duties in their absence. This individual should be familiar with all aspects of the business, including the details of the ASQA’s self-assurance model.

Crisis management procedure:

Develop a comprehensive crisis management procedure that includes clear guidelines on how to manage different types of crises, including an unplanned absence of the CEO or owner. It should cover communication strategies, roles and responsibilities, and steps to ensure the continuation of operations.

Cross-training:

Cross-train your staff in different roles. This will help ensure that there are multiple people within the organisation who are capable of stepping into different roles if necessary.

Implement robust documentation practices:

Ensure all processes and procedures are well-documented and easily accessible. Your RTOs businesses vital records should be locatable by successors or caretakers in the absence of the CEO or owner. This will make it easier for someone to step in and understand what needs to be done and prevent any risks to your licence to operate.

Regularly review and update plans:

Business continuity and crisis management plans should not be static. Regularly review and update these plans to reflect any changes in your organisation or the broader regulatory environment.

Invest in a succession plan:

Although this may not be immediately actionable, it’s a good long-term strategy. Identify potential successors and invest in their development. This not only ensures leadership continuity but also builds a strong leadership pipeline for the future.

Engage with a consultant or advisor:

If you’re uncertain about how to prepare for an unplanned absence, consider engaging with a consultant or advisor who specialises in business continuity and crisis management. They can provide expert advice and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

References:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/working-together/consultation-self-assurance

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/presentations/webinar-working-together-towards-effective-self-assurance

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/other/consultation-paper-working-together-towards-effective-self-assurance

May 12, 2023September 16, 2023

Feature Article: How to create a culture of continuous improvement in your RTO

Continuous improvement (CI) is an essential part of a holistic self-assurance framework for any RTO. By embedding CI within your organisation’s approach to self-assurance, you can ensure that you consistently evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary changes to ensure quality and compliance with the SRTOs 2015. This will help you to improve the quality of your VET courses and ensure that you are meeting the needs of your students and industry. There are a number of actions RTOs can take to implement an effective continuous improvement culture within their organisations. Here are a few suggestions:

Create a culture of continuous improvement:

This means creating an environment where staff are encouraged to identify and suggest improvements, and where their ideas are listened to and acted upon. You can do this by:

Communicating the importance of continuous improvement to staff. Regularly share the significance of continuous improvement with your team, ensuring that its value is understood and embraced at all levels.
Providing staff with the resources and training they need to identify and implement improvements. This might involve investing in professional development or technology solutions that streamline processes.
Celebrating successes and learning from failures. Publicly acknowledge staff who contribute to CI, you reinforce its importance and encourage a growth mindset.

Set clear goals and objectives for continuous improvement:

Continuous improvement isn’t a vague concept; it is a tangible, measurable process. Determine what you aim to achieve with your CI efforts, align these goals with your strategic objectives, and then develop an actionable plan to realise them. These goals could range from improving student completion rates, enhancing student satisfaction, reducing administrative errors, to increasing post-training employment rates. Your action plan should outline the steps required to achieve each goal, who is responsible for each action, the resources required, and the timeline for completion

Identify areas for improvement:

This can be done through a variety of methods, such as:

Feedback Analysis: Regularly review input from students, staff, and other stakeholders. Implement systematic surveys or feedback sessions to gain valuable insights. The feedback you gather can provide invaluable insights into your training delivery, assessment methods, support services, and more. By fully harnessing feedback analysis, your RTO can gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make informed decisions that drive continuous improvement and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.
Audits and Reviews: Conduct internal and external audits or reviews to assess your compliance with SRTOs 2015 and identify areas for improvement. Audits and reviews are powerful tools that allow your RTO to ensure it is meeting compliance obligations and identify areas for rectification. These processes should be an integral part of your RTO’s continuous improvement strategy. Having an internal audit strategy embedded in your RTO’s self-assurance program demonstrates a proactive approach to quality assurance and a commitment to delivering quality training outcomes.
Data analysis: Analyse key metrics such as completion rates, student satisfaction scores, post-training employment rates, and employer feedback. For instance, if your completion rates are lower than the sector average, it may indicate a need to enhance student support services or review the effectiveness of your teaching methods. Similarly, employer feedback about graduates’ skills can highlight areas for improvements to your VET courses or suggest a need for more industry engagement. By turning data into actionable insights, you can make evidence-based decisions that drive continuous improvement.

Implement improvements:

Once you have identified areas for improvement, you need to implement the necessary changes. This may involve:

Policy Revamp: Review and update policies and procedures to align with best practices.
Upskilling: Provide further training to staff to address any skills gaps identified.
Investing in Infrastructure: Consider new equipment or technology to enhance your VET courses ensuring they meet industry standards.

It’s essential to assess the effectiveness of your CI efforts. Monitor and evaluate the impact of your improvements through key performance indicators, student outcomes, or stakeholder feedback. This will help you determine if changes are having the desired effect and uncover any additional areas for improvement.

References:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/working-together/consultation-self-assurance

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/presentations/webinar-working-together-towards-effective-self-assurance

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/other/consultation-paper-working-together-towards-effective-self-assurance

May 5, 2023

Feature Article: Five ways collaborating with industry experts that ensures trainers maintain current industry skills

China's vocational training system is starting to crumble

RTOs are challenged with ensuring trainers and assessors possess up-to-date industry skills and knowledge due to fast-paced advancements, particularly with technology. RTO management should be well aware that maintaining current expertise is vital for delivering high-quality, relevant VET courses that prepare students for the workforce. One effective approach to achieving this is by collaborating with industry experts, who can provide invaluable insights and guidance in a rapidly evolving landscape. The following information suggests five ways in which RTOs can collaborate with industry experts to ensure that trainers and assessors stay ahead of the curve, keeping pace with industry changes and maintaining the quality of the VET courses they deliver.

Inviting guest lecturers and speakers:

By inviting industry experts to deliver guest lectures or participate in panel discussions at RTO events, you can expose your trainers and assessors to current trends, technologies, and best practices in their respective fields. These guest sessions not only enrich the learning experience but also foster networking opportunities and open the door to future collaborations with industry professionals.

Participating in industry-sponsored workshops and seminars:

Encourage your trainers and assessors to attend industry-sponsored workshops and seminars, which provide targeted, hands-on learning experiences focused on specific skills and techniques. These events allow your staff to gain practical insights into the latest developments in their industry sectors, ensuring they remain well-versed in the most recent advancements and industry standards.

Facilitating industry secondments and job shadowing:

Arrange for trainers and assessors to undertake short-term secondments or job-shadowing opportunities within industry partner organisations. This hands-on experience enables them to gain a deeper understanding of current industry practices and challenges, which they can then incorporate into their training and assessment strategies and practices.

Collaborating on industry projects and research initiatives:

Partner with industry experts to develop joint research projects or initiatives that address current industry challenges or explore emerging trends. Involving trainers and assessors in these projects provides them with firsthand knowledge of the latest developments in their industry sectors and helps them stay current with the evolving needs of the industries they serve.

Establishing professional development programs with industry input:

Develop tailored professional development programs for your trainers and assessors with input from industry experts. By consulting with these professionals, you can ensure that your professional development offerings are relevant, timely, and aligned with industry needs, ultimately benefiting your staff and the students they teach. This commitment to continuous professional development not only enhances the quality of the VET courses your RTO provides but also boosts your reputation as a training provider that is dedicated to delivering innovative, industry-relevant training programs.

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment

April 28, 2023

Feature Article: How work integrated learning can enrich your VET courses and strengthen industry partnerships

In the ever-changing world of VET, training providers face the constant challenge of delivering high-quality, industry-relevant courses that equip students with the skills needed in the workforce. RTOs understand the importance of not only meeting regulatory requirements but also adapting to the dynamic needs of the industries they serve. One way to accomplish this is through the integration of work-integrated learning (WIL) into your delivery. By embracing WIL, RTOs can improve their VET courses, providing students with practical, real-world experience while simultaneously strengthening industry partnerships. The following information suggests how incorporating WIL into your VET courses can lead to enhanced learning outcomes for students and foster long-lasting, relationships with industry positioning your RTO as a high performing organisation and quality provider.

Enhancing student learning outcomes with real-world experience:

By integrating WIL into your VET courses, you can provide students with valuable hands-on experience, enabling them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in the classroom to real-world situations. This practical exposure not only increases their understanding of industry-specific concepts and practices but also helps them develop essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. As a result, students graduate from your RTO with a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for a seamless transition into the workforce.

Strengthening industry partnerships and collaboration

Work-integrated learning experiences, such as vocational placement, apprenticeships/traineeships, and industry projects, offer RTOs the opportunity to collaborate closely with industry partners. By working together to develop tailored WIL programs that align with both the training package requirements and industry needs, RTOs can forge strong relationships with employers and organisations. These partnerships can lead to additional benefits, such as access to industry expertise, resources, and networking opportunities, which in turn can help RTOs develop a reputation as a quality provider.

Boosting RTO reputation and employability of graduates:

Incorporating WIL into your VET courses not only benefits students and industry partners but also enhances the reputation of your RTO. Employers increasingly value graduates who possess practical, hands-on experience in addition to theoretical knowledge, as they are often better prepared to hit the ground running and contribute to the success of their organisations. By offering WIL experiences, your RTO demonstrates its commitment to producing job-ready graduates, making it an attractive choice for both prospective students and employers seeking well-trained and capable employees.

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment

April 21, 2023

Feature Article: How using industry advisory committees can benefit RTOs

In the ever-changing landscape of the VET sector, training providers face the ongoing challenge of ensuring that their VET courses remain relevant, engaging, and compliant with regulatory obligations. Leaders of both public and private RTOs know that maintaining strong connections with industry partners is crucial to success. However, many RTOs struggle to fully harness the potential of these connections, leading to a disconnect between the VET courses they offer and the skills needed in the workforce. By forming and leveraging Industry Advisory Committees (IACs), RTOs can bridge this gap, ensuring the delivery of industry-aligned, future-proof education that prepares students for work and strengthens the reputation of your organisation. Here are some potential benefits RTOs can realise by using IACs to gather industry feedback on their VET courses.

Ensuring Industry-Relevant VET Courses:

One of the most significant benefits of IACs is their ability to guide RTOs in the development of their VET courses. Comprising experts and representatives from various sectors, these committees provide invaluable insights into the latest trends, technologies, and skill requirements. By actively engaging with IACs, RTOs can continually refine their courses to reflect the current and future needs of the industries they serve, thereby ensuring compliance with relevant standards and equipping students with the practical knowledge and skills needed for work.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Collaboration

IACs not only provide RTOs with valuable insights into industry needs but also serve as a platform for building strong, lasting partnerships with key stakeholders. Through ongoing collaboration with IAC members, RTOs can forge strategic alliances with businesses, industry associations, and other organisations, which can lead to the development of mutually beneficial initiatives such as work-integrated learning opportunities, joint projects, and even customised training programs tailored to the specific needs of industry partners.

Enhancing RTO Reputation and Credibility:

The active involvement of industry experts and representatives in the decision-making processes of RTOs sends a strong message to students, employers, and community about your commitment to delivering industry-relevant VET courses. This not only enhances your RTO’s reputation but also increases your credibility in the eyes of potential students and industry partners, as they can trust that your training programs are informed by real-world insights and designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. By embracing the use of IACs, RTOs can unlock numerous benefits, including industry-relevant VET courses, strengthened partnerships, and enhanced credibility. In an increasingly competitive VET sector, RTOs should harness the full potential of industry advisory committees to deliver education that results in quality outcomes for students and industry.

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment

April 14, 2023

Feature Article: Three key strategies for RTOs to enhance collaboration with industry

RTOs face a critical challenge addressing the ever-widening gap between the skills demanded by industry and relevance of their VET courses. Senior leaders of RTOs are well aware of the constant struggle to ensure that their organisations programs meet not only the regulatory requirements set by ASQA but also the ever-evolving expectations of industry stakeholders. RTOs need to deliver practical, relevant, and future-proof education that gives students a competitive edge in the job market. The following suggestions explore three key strategies RTOs can implement to forge stronger connections with industry partners, ensuring their VET courses remain relevant, engaging, and aligned with the changing needs of employers and businesses.

Establish industry advisory committees:

Creating Industry Advisory Committees (IAC) is a crucial step in fostering collaboration with industry partners. By including representatives from various sectors and occupations, RTOs can gain valuable insights into the latest trends and skill requirements, which can be used to inform training and assessment strategies and resource development. Engaging in ongoing dialogue with IAC’s will ensure that your VET courses are up-to-date and compliant with standards while preparing your students for the workplace.

Offer tailored work-integrated learning experiences:

Work-integrated learning experiences such as vocational placement, work experience, and industry projects can provide students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to be employable. Collaborate with industry partners to develop tailored work-integrated learning programs that are aligned with your training and assessment strategies and industry needs. This not only gives students a competitive advantage but also builds trust and credibility with industry partners, solidifying your reputation as an RTO that delivers job-ready graduates.

Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for trainers and assessors:

To ensure that your VET courses are industry-relevant, it’s crucial that your trainers and assessors stay up to date with the latest industry changes and trends. Encourage your staff to participate in professional development opportunities such as industry conferences, workshops, and seminars, and establish partnerships with industry experts for guest lectures and training sessions. By investing in the professional growth of your trainers and assessors, you can ensure that the training you provide is informed by real-world experiences, making it more valuable to both students and employers alike.

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment

March 31, 2023April 1, 2023

Feature Article: Why academic planning doesn’t mean perfection in your RTO

One major problem faced by many RTOs is the challenge of achieving perfection in academic planning due to the constant pressure to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant VET courses.

In VET in Australia it is important to have well-structured and effective training programs that align with industry standards and regulations and meet the needs and expectations of learners. However, striving for perfection in academic planning can have negative impacts on student outcomes and your RTOs efficiency and profitability. Instead, RTO managers should focus on striking the optimal balance between excellence, flexibility, and efficiency.

In this article, we share some insights and best practices for RTO managers to consider that aims to achieve a balanced approach to academic planning focusing on strategic decision-making, embracing agile programming, and adopting a holistic perspective on quality in training and assessment.

Decision making:

Academic planning involves making decisions and trade-offs based on available resources, time constraints, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This means that it is not always possible to include every aspect or feature that may be desirable or ideal. By striving for perfection, RTO managers may end up overloading their programs with too much content or spending too much time and resources on unnecessary features, which can detract from the overall effectiveness of the training. RTOs should employ strategic prioritisation, concentrating on key learning outcomes and the most impactful program features. A pragmatic approach will enable your RTO to design and deliver VET courses that effectively address students’ needs while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inflexible programming:

Another impact of striving for perfection in academic planning is that it can lead to a lack of flexibility and adaptability. As the needs and goals of students and the industry landscape change over time, delivery plans may need to be modified or updated in order to remain relevant and effective. By focusing too much on achieving perfection, RTOs may be less willing to make necessary changes and adapt to new circumstances, which can negatively impact student outcomes and business efficiency. Regularly reviewing and updating course materials, incorporating industry feedback, and adapting to changing student demographics are essential for ensuring that your VET courses remain relevant, engaging, and effective. An agile approach to academic planning ensures that RTOs meet customer expectations and maintain a competitive edge.

Quality considerations:

It is important to remember that academic planning is only one part of the equation when it comes to delivering high quality VET courses. Other factors, such as the capability of trainers, quality of learning and assessment materials, the effectiveness of assessment and feedback processes, and the overall student experience, can also have a significant impact on the success of your RTOs training and assessment. By striving for perfection in academic planning at the expense of these other important factors, RTOs risk undermining the overall quality and effectiveness of their training programs.

To enhance the quality of your RTOs VET courses, managers should:

Invest in ongoing professional development for trainers and assessors, ensuring their currency remains aligned with industry trends and best practices
Implement a robust assessment system that drives continuous improvement and facilitates student-centric outcomes
Cultivate an inclusive and supportive learning environment that caters to diverse learning needs and fosters student engagement

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

https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment

February 10, 2023

Feature Article: Why compliance does not equal quality in your RTO’s training and assessment

Compliance does not equal quality and is the minimum benchmark as far as your RTO achieving quality outcomes for students. Compliance is what RTOs have to do for legal and ethical reasons, it does not guarantee that the training and assessment you provide is of high quality. Quality refers to the degree to which your VET courses meet or exceed the expectations of students and meet the requirements of the relevant industry or communities. As an RTO it is important to ensure that you are providing high-quality training and assessment to your students. While compliance with regulatory requirements, legislative obligations and standards is mandatory and a business requirement, it is not a substitute for quality. RTOs can still provide poor-quality training and assessment due to a lack of capable trainers and assessors and outdated or inadequate resources. The following examples suggest ways RTOs can ensure quality outcomes for students and industry in delivery of VET courses.

Employ current trainers and assessors with appropriate credentials and experience:

RTO trainers and assessors are dual professionals in both VET and their specific industry sector. Ensuring that your VET practitioners are knowledgeable and skilled in their field is crucial for delivering high-quality training and assessment. Make sure to recruit educators who have relevant industry experience and qualifications and can provide the records to evidence competency and currency the meet the requirements of the SRTOs 2015.

Use current and relevant resources:

To ensure that students are receiving training and assessment that is up-to-date and relevant to their industry or occupation, it is important to use learning and assessment materials that are current, and your RTOs simulated environments reflect realistic workplaces and industry settings. Your RTO should obtain industry feedback from employers and other stakeholders that confirms your resources are sufficient and relevant. This feedback should inform your training and assessment strategies and practices as well as your academic planning processes.

Monitor and evaluate student progress:

To deliver high-quality training and assessment, it is important to provide students with the support they need to succeed. This includes things like access to technology, learning materials, and support services. RTOs should have mechanisms in place to effectively monitor and evaluate student progress. By regularly monitoring and evaluating student progress you can help identify areas where students may be struggling and allow your trainers to adjust their teaching approach or provide additional support as needed.

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

September 9, 2022September 9, 2022

Feature Article: Four questions commonly asked about trainer and assessor competency and currency

Trainers and assessors are dual professionals in the industry sectors they deliver specific training products for as well as VET, therefore they must comply with Clauses 1.13 – 1.16. ASQA have found high levels of non-compliance with these requirements from the SRTOs 2015 and continue to focus on Trainer and Assessor Capability, including delivery of Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in their current regulatory strategy. Here are some commonly asked questions about meeting the requirements of the relevant clauses and recommendations on how to address these issues.

What evidence do my trainers and assessors need to have to demonstrate current industry skills?:

Your trainers and assessors need to provide documentation that shows how they have maintained current industry skills and knowledge and how it relates to the training and assessment they are delivering. This could be in the form of a PD log or mapping document that shows activities undertaken for all units of competency they are delivering. Supporting documentation should also be provided that verifies the industry activities completed such as certificates of attendance, letters from employers or statements of service, payslips, job cards for example.

How can my trainers and assessors evidence vocational competencies?:

If your trainers and assessors hold the exact units of competency that they are training and/or assessing and have relevant industry experience then that is sufficient evidence to demonstrate vocational competencies. If not you will need to provide a documented analysis e.g. mapping that demonstrates equivalence of superseded units and/or other credentials held and/or work history (industry knowledge and skills).

Do my trainers and assessors need to hold the qualifications they are training and assessing?:

In some instances certain training products require trainers and assessors to hold specific credentials. RTOs should refer to training package implementation guides or companion volumes for this information. Some units of competencies refer to specific assessor requirements in the assessment conditions that must be adhered to as well. Trainers and assessors who do not hold the exact units of competency they are training and assessing can demonstrate equivalence by mapping their knowledge, skills and work history to each unit of competency.

What do I need to do to verify my trainers and assessors credentials?:

RTOs must have records in staff profiles that show how they authenticated trainer and assessor qualifications. This should be done at recruitment and each time staff gain a new qualification and provides your RTO with a copy for their files. This evidence can be a written confirmation by the issuing authority that verifies it is a genuine document. Some institutions provide an online service where you can verify authenticity using details provided by the trainer or assessor. A print out or screen shot showing the results of the verification should be retained for the staff file as evidence of the authentication.

References:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/standards/training-assessment/clauses-1.13-to-1.16

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/faqs/training-and-assessment

https://www.asqa.gov.au/standards/faqs/trainers-and-assessors

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/fact-sheets/meeting-trainer-and-assessor-requirements

June 24, 2022

Feature Article: Pro tips for creating your RTOs internal audit programme

Internal audits are a great quality management tool for evaluating and improving your RTOs processes and managing risk. The data you obtain from your auditing activities can let you know what is working well and what needs improvement. By taking a risk-based approach to your internal auditing processes you can dramatically improve the benefits for your RTO in terms of getting valuable data at the right time on your compliance status. Here is some advice on how to implement an effective internal auditing program that can reduce the stress that comes with planning these activities.

Create a risk-based audit programme for your RTO:

You audit programme should reflect risks identified in your management systems. Your RTO should not be auditing everything at the same frequency else you will be reviewing some areas too much and others not enough. You should apply risk ratings to areas of concern that determines their priority in the schedule. Ultimately, it’s just a poor use of your resources if not done correctly and you are just auditing for the sake of it and ticking some boxes! It is pointless continuing to audit the same areas and raising more non-compliances when the underlaying causes are not being addressed. There is no value in reviewing areas you know you are going to find the same issues as you did in previous audits. Your RTO needs to ensure you are following up on outstanding rectifications from previous audits to ensure actions have been taken. This could also mean systemic issues previously identified have been addressed to prevent recurrence.

Clearly define your audit objectives

Your RTO’s audit objectives define why the audit is being done and what it’s purpose is. You need to carefully consider why your auditors are actually conducting their reviews; what is the value of them and what outcomes do you want from them? Some objectives to consider are:

To check if organisational controls are being adhered to and are in alignment and fit for purpose
To determine if staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities
To identify areas for improvement
To determine levels of consistency across processes and departments

Clearly define your audit scope

Your RTO’s audit scope should define the extent and boundaries of the proposed audit. These considerations include:

The size of the audit?
What breadth does it cover?
What teams; processes; locations are included?

It is important to be specific with your scope and not make vague references such as “all processes”. A well written scope will clearly define the boundaries of the audit for both auditors and auditees.

Clearly define your audit criteria

Your audit criteria is what the audit is checking against; for RTO’s generally this is likely to be the SNR’s from the SRTO’s 2015 or clauses from funding agreements or other contracts. Similar to the scope the audit criteria helps keep the auditors on track and is used to determine whether evidence complies or does not comply against the audit criteria stated. Your auditors need to be familiar with the requirements of the audit criteria. Audit findings are only valid when referenced back to the criteria, not auditors opinions.

Use auditors with the right vocational background and credentials

Even if your auditors have appropriate qualifications in auditing they still need to know what they are looking at and have knowledge of the VET sector. Ideally your auditors should be dual qualified / experienced in auditing and training and assessment to ensure they have a broad understanding of what they are auditing. Your auditors whether internal staff or external contractors need to be appropriately trained. Training ensures that the auditors do their job correctly; that they use a consistent approach, and that they are skilled in communicating well with auditees. Experienced auditors understand how to conduct effective opening and closing meetings and how to gather and review evidence. They also provide feedback and audit reports that are brief, concise and factual. They do the job right.

References:

https://www.iia.org.au/technical-resources

https://www.pwc.com.au/assurance/internal-audit-profession.html

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/videos/video-understanding-audits

https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/providers/pqs/audits

Develop a business continuity plan (BCP):

Designate an acting CEO/owner:

Crisis management procedure:

Cross-training:

Implement robust documentation practices:

Regularly review and update plans:

Invest in a succession plan:

Engage with a consultant or advisor:

Other feature articles:

References:

Create a culture of continuous improvement:

Set clear goals and objectives for continuous improvement:

Identify areas for improvement:

Implement improvements:

Other feature articles:

References:

Inviting guest lecturers and speakers:

Participating in industry-sponsored workshops and seminars:

Facilitating industry secondments and job shadowing:

Collaborating on industry projects and research initiatives:

Establishing professional development programs with industry input:

Other feature articles:

References:

Enhancing student learning outcomes with real-world experience:

Strengthening industry partnerships and collaboration

Boosting RTO reputation and employability of graduates:

Other feature articles:

References:

Ensuring Industry-Relevant VET Courses:

Strengthening Industry Partnerships and Collaboration

Enhancing RTO Reputation and Credibility:

Other feature articles:

References:

Establish industry advisory committees:

Offer tailored work-integrated learning experiences:

Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for trainers and assessors:

Other feature articles:

References:

Decision making:

Inflexible programming:

Quality considerations:

Other feature articles:

References:

Employ current trainers and assessors with appropriate credentials and experience:

Use current and relevant resources:

Monitor and evaluate student progress:

Other feature articles:

References:

What evidence do my trainers and assessors need to have to demonstrate current industry skills?:

How can my trainers and assessors evidence vocational competencies?:

Do my trainers and assessors need to hold the qualifications they are training and assessing?:

What do I need to do to verify my trainers and assessors credentials?:

Other feature articles:

References:

Create a risk-based audit programme for your RTO:

Clearly define your audit objectives

Clearly define your audit scope

Clearly define your audit criteria

Use auditors with the right vocational background and credentials

Other feature articles:

References: