Know your RTO obligations for 2021

Know your RTO obligations for 2021

ASQA has published an update and helpful checklist to help you stay on top of your RTO obligations and reporting requirements for 2021.

You can download ASQA’s 2021 RTO obligations checklist here.

If you need help with meeting your RTO’s obligations or reporting requirements, contact Audit Express on 1300735541.

 

How to comply with the requirements of the Child Safe Standards

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”salbii” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Child Safe Standards – Changes Ahead! Is your organisation ready?” tab_id=”1498091586612-4bd016ff-53c0″][vc_single_image image=”6129″ title=”Child Safe Standards”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-users” add_icon=”true” title=”What are the Child Safe Standards?” tab_id=”1498089365586-a2b69477-3854″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]The Victorian Government has introduced compulsory minimum standards for organisations that provide services for children to help protect children from abuse.

The Child Safe Standards are part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry (the 2013 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations).

Organisations that operate in the state of Victoria that provide services or facilities for children must implement Child Safe Standards to protect them from abuse.

Training Organisations that are located in Victoria and deliver senior secondary education and training, or courses to CRICOS students under the age of 18, must have systems in place to:

  • reduce the risk of reportable conduct being committed by a worker or volunteer;
  • enable any person to notify the head of the organisation (i.e. the CEO, or Executive Officer) of a ‘reportable allegation’; and
  • investigate and respond to a ‘reportable allegation’ against a worker or volunteer.

The Scheme requires the head of your organisation to:

  • notify the CCYP of ‘reportable allegations’ within 3 business days after becoming aware of them;
  • give the CCYP further, detailed information about the allegation within 30 days; and
  • after the investigation has concluded, give the CCYP information regarding the investigation outcomes, including the investigation findings.

The Child Safe Standards came into force over two stages:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]

Stage 1 – Roll out of Child Safe Standards 

[emaillocker id=6291]

  • From 1 January 2016 the Standards applied to organisations that receive government funding and provide services for children
  • From 1 January 2017 other organisations that provide services or facilities for children but don’t receive government funding are also required to meet the standards.

Victorian organisations are now required to comply with the Child Safe Standards regardless of whether they do, or don’t receive government funding.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]

Stage 2 – Roll out of Reportable Conduct and Organisational Duty of Care

The most recent fact sheet issued to Victorian state government funded RTOs and TAFEs advises that:  Factsheet Reportable Conduct and Organisational Duty of Care

  • From 01 July 2017 the Reportable Conduct Scheme commences in Victoria. It was introduced to enable an independent body, the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP), to have oversight over an organisation’s systems and processes to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse.
  • This will include TAFEs, training providers and organisations registered with the Adult Community and Further Education Board that provide senior secondary education or courses to international students.

From 01 January 2018, the Scheme applies to:

-Residential facilities of boarding schools.

-Overnight camps for children.

-Other disability service providers that provide services for children, including those registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

From 01 January 2019, the Scheme applies to:

-Approved education and care services (e.g. kindergartens, after hours care services).

-Childrens services (e.g. occasional care providers).

-Statutory bodies that have responsibility for children, such as public museums and galleries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-exclamation-triangle” add_icon=”true” title=”What does your organisation need to do?” tab_id=”1498089365633-95fc3169-b7a6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]

  • Revise your organisations Child Safe Policy (you should already have this in place. If not this should be developed and implemented ASAP!)
  • Develop and implement systems and processes to identify, respond to, investigate, and if necessary notify the CCYP of reportable allegations made against the workers and/or volunteers of your organisation
  • Communicate with the staff and volunteers in your organisation to ensure that they understand their obligations in relation to Child Safety
  • Ensure that the staff and volunteers in your organisation understand what types of allegations are reportable
  • Ensure that the staff and volunteers in your organisation understand that any allegations of a reportable nature should be raised with the head of your organisation, for them to report to the CCYP; and
  • Finally ensure that your organisation has developed and implemented processes to enable the head of your organisation to report allegations to the CCYP.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check” add_icon=”true” title=”Want more information or help implementing Child Safe Processes into your organisation?” tab_id=”1498090510861-6e6ce7dd-ec93″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]More information can be found at the CCYP’s website https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/reportable-conduct-scheme/

You might also find this overview of the Victorian Child Safe Standards quite useful – An-overview-of-the-Victorian-child-safe-standards_20170324

[/emaillocker][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]If you would like help with the development and implementation of Child Safe Policies, Procedures and Business Processes for your organisation please get in touch with the team at Audit Express today!
Phone 1300735541[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Victorian Department of Education and Training Releases 2017 Skills First Internal Audit Templates

[vc_row][vc_column][just_icon icon=”Defaults-check” icon_size=”72″ icon_color=”#8dc63f” icon_style=”circle”][vc_column_text]

The Victorian Department of Education and Training have released the
suite of 2017 Skills First internal audit tools.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) have released their suite of internal audit checklists to assist contracted Training Providers to determine that they have the quality systems, processes and resources in place to meet the requirements of the VET Funding Contract in line with the objectives of the Skills First Program.

There are 5 versions of the Internal Audit Checklist which align with the 5 different 2017 VET Funding Contracts. The Department have designed the Internal Audit Checklist with the aim of providing your organisation with a management tool to assist you in complying with the contractual requirements.

All Training Providers with a Victorian 2017 VET Funding Contract must complete an internal audit six months from the commencement date of the Contract. However contracted training providers are strongly encouraged to complete their internal audit as early as possible to ensure they are aware of the contractual requirements and compliant throughout the year.

You can access the 2017 internal audit checklist relevant to your organisation by logging into the departments SVTS portal.

While it is a requirement for all training providers with a Victorian funding contract to complete the internal audit checklist annually, it is considered best practice in the VET Sector to complete an independent internal audit of your RTOs Registration Requirements and all Funding Contract Obligations at least annually. Audit Express recommends that RTOs engage a specialist VET internal auditor that is independent from the day to day operation of your business to complete your RTOs internal audits, and to provide you with independent advice on how to improve your operational, registration and contract compliance.

Need help completing your Skills First Internal Audit Checklist? Contact the experts at Audit Express today.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Skills First Webinar: Application Process – The Essentials

Skills First Webinar: Application Process – The Essentials

[vc_row][vc_column][emaillocker id=”6291″][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right”]

Skills First: The Essentials

The Victorian Government has opened expressions of interest for the new VET Funding Contract Skills First: Real training for real jobs. The application process for a funding contract in 2017 has changed significantly, and the Department requires a more comprehensive and detailed application.

Audit Express is running a number of informative webinars for Registered Training Organisations who wish to apply for the 2017 Skills First contract.

Our first webinar is on Friday 9th September 2016 and is free. It will cover the essentials about the Skills First application process and attendees will also receive a free factsheet to assist them with finding the right documents and information to assist in the application process.

Our website will also have the latest information and updates on the Skills First contract and we encourage you to visit our website regularly.

Should your organisation require any assistance with the applicaiton process, please do not hesitate to contact us directly on 1300 73 55 41 [/vc_column_text][/emaillocker][/vc_column][vc_column el_styling=”softshadow”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right”]

Skills First – Application Process: The Essentials


FREE – 30 Minutes


This webinar will briefly explore all the essential elements of what is required for the application process for the 2017 Victorian Skills First funding contract.

The 2017 Funding Contract for Victoria has introduced a range of changes to the application process and requires Registered Training Organisations to provide more information on the type of contract they want to apply for, the number of students they intend to commence, how they propose to deliver their training programs and who will be delivering the training for them.

After this short 30 minute FREE webinar, participants will also receive a free fact sheet on the essential elements of the application process, and where to start.

WHEN
Friday, 9 September 2016 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM (AEST)

COST
Free[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Eventbrite - Skills First - Application Process: The Essentials[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_styling=”softshadow”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right”]

Skills First – Application Process: Developing the Program Delivery Plan


Webinar – 1.5 Hours


The application process for the 2017 Skills First Contract in Victoria requires Registered Training Organisations to develop a Program Delivery Plan (PDP) and provide these details in the expression of interest.

Registered Training Organisations must ensure they provide clear and accurate details in the PDP which reflect quality provision of training and assessment which meet a number of criteria.

This webinar will go through the process of what information is required in the PDP, how to fill it out and take a best practice approach to designing Program Delivery Plans that accurately reflect your organisations Training and Assessment Strategies and practices.

WHEN
Tuesday, 13 September 2016 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (AEST)

COST
$165

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Eventbrite - Skills First - Application Process: Developing the Program Delivery Plan[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_styling=”softshadow”][vc_column_text css_animation=”left-to-right”]

Unpacking the Skills First Regional Jobs and Training Needs Reports


Webinar –  1 Hour 


This webinar will explore the Jobs and Training Needs Reports which will provide vital information required in the application process for the Skills First expressions of interest.

Registered Training Organisations are required to demonstrate that they will be delivering training that meets industry skills needs and support government priorities. The Jobs and Training Needs Reports provide detailed information for each of the regions and this webinar will assist atendees with:

-Finding the right documents

-Understanding what data can be found

-How to apply the data in the application process

-Using the data to inform future business growth

Attendees will also receive a factsheet on the Jobs and Training Needs Reports.

WHEN
Wednesday, 14 September 2016 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (AEST)

COST
$165[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Eventbrite - Unpacking the Skills First Regional Jobs and Training Needs Reports[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Changes to ASQA audit process. Is your RTO Audit Ready?

Changes to ASQA audit process. Is your RTO Audit Ready?

Recently ASQA has announced a series of changes to its audit model and audit processes. Are you Audit Ready?

Head in the sand

Don’t put your head in the sand!

For your convenience we have summarised the changes to ASQAs Audit Model for you. [emaillocker id=6291]

  • ASQA will now publish its regulatory decisions
    From 1 July 2016 ASQA will publish information on its websites about decisions on RTOs shortly after decisions are made.  If you fail at audit, this will now be published and publicly available.
    Click here to view the list of ASQA regulatory decisions
  • ASQA has changed its decision making processes 
    From 1 August 2016, if ASQA finds ‘highly concerning’ non-compliances at audit, the Commissioners of ASQA can now make a joint decision on the outcome of an audit and any sanctions, penalties or fines that may be applied. It is important to understand that if the ASQA Commissioners make a joint decision, you cannot appeal and respond directly to ASQA anymore. This decision can only be reviewed by an external authority (typically the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) ). In this instance, the RTO cannot apply for an internal ASQA reconsideration of the decision.This is a real game changer. If your RTO does not get it right at audit, ASQA can essentially throw the book at you on the spot and you will have less opportunity to rectify your non-compliances directly with the regulator.  If your audit is significantly non-compliant you risk needing to appeal ASQA’s decision directly with the AAT.
  • ASQA has changed its audit process
    When ASQA is conducting audits based on identified risk, including audits conducted as a result of complaints. ASQA will provide the RTO with a compliance audit report, and if non-compliance is identified ASQA can either:

    • issue the RTO with a written direction, requiring you to take a certain action
    • issue the RTO with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’, or
    • in exceptional circumstances, impose one or more sanctions on the RTO without prior notice.

    If ASQA identifies highly concerning non-compliances at audit the RTO can now be issued with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’. RTOs will then have up to 20 working days to respond to the notice and submit any supporting evidence before a decision is made.

    This is also a real game changer. The current process allows an RTO the chance to respond to non-compliances and provide evidence of compliance after an audit. At that stage if ASQA was still not satisfied they would then issue the RTO with a ‘Notice of intent to impose administrative sanction’ allowing the RTO an additional 20 days. RTOs will now have significantly less time to rectify their non-compliances following a non-compliant audit outcome. Instead of having in some cases a few months to rectify non-compliances RTOs may now only have a few weeks at best.

    It is not all doom and gloom though. If ASQA identifies non-compliances at audit that are deemed to be not of a serious nature, ASQA may now issue the RTO with a written direction to address the non-compliances within a specified period and to maintain evidence of doing so. Is such cases RTOs will not be required to respond or provide evidence of rectification to ASQA. This is a good step towards less red tape and regulation.

  • ASQA is developing a new audit model [WATCH THIS SPACE]
    ASQA has announced that it is currently in the process of reviewing its approach to auditing RTOs and is developing a more risk-based approach that will focus more on student experience and the actual practices and behaviours of RTOs. We also suspect that the quality and sufficiency of both learning and assessment material will be a focus for the regulator moving forward. The team at Audit Express have called on this for quite some time now and we welcome the regulators efforts to take a more risk-based approach to its regulation of RTOs.Keep your eyes out over the next month as more information regarding the new audit model will be published and ASQA will start to implement their new model later this year, with full implementation by early 2017.

For more information on changes to the ASQA Audit Process you might like to check out the latest ASQA Update.

 

The best way to make sure your RTO is Audit Ready and that it meets the requirement for RTOs to submit an annual declaration of compliance with the Standards for RTOs is to undertake an annual internal audit of your RTO with the support of a reputable independent internal auditor.
It is crucial that you are fully aware of your RTOs strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Most importantly you should be fully aware of the quality of the training products across your full scope of registration.

If you need help to make sure your RTO is compliant and Audit Ready get in touch with the team at Audit Express. [/emaillocker]

 

Extension of training package transition period to 18 months for RTOs

Extension of training package transition period to 18 months for RTOs

 

 

Extension of training package transition period for RTOs  

changes-aheadAs many of you will know too well, there has been a surge in the number of training packages effected by the transition to the Standards for Training Packages. As a result many training packages have been endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). This has resulted in a massive workload for many RTOs across Australia.  To support RTOs to manage the transition and implement the revised training packages, the Australian Government, the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and state and territory Skills Ministers have agreed to temporarily increase the period allowed to transition students to the updated training package qualifications under Standard 1.26 (a) of the Standards for RTOs 2015. [emaillocker id=6291]

RTOs will now have 18 months for transition, instead of the usual 12 months from the date the superseding training product was released to transition existing students to the updated training package qualifications, or to allow students to complete their studies and issue the appropriate qualification or statement of attainment.

It is important to note that this provision only applies for training products endorsed by the AISC from September 2015 until March 2016. You can review the full list of relevant qualifications by clicking on this link.

For more information on transitioning arrangements for superseded qualifications visit the Departments website or contact AuditExpress

Email: info@auditexpress.com.au

Phone: 1300735541

[/emaillocker]