Revised Quality Assurance Arrangements for Registered Training Organisations Strengthening our commitment to quality - COAG February 2006 September 2006

Background COAG “Commitment to Quality” Review the AQTF to focus on quality skills outcomes Implement outcomes based auditing Improve national consistency in implementing the new arrangements

Drivers for change Industry and licensing bodies concerned about the quality of skills outcomes from VET AQTF perceived to be too reliant on documentation and processes Diversity of RTO operations not adequately catered for in AQTF Level of national consistency in regulation of RTOs needs to be improved

Timelines for change Review the AQTF Standards for RTOs by October 2006 Determine outcomes measures for RTOs by December 2006 Introduce the revised AQTF standards and outcomes based auditing model from 1 July 2007

Key tasks for implementation Revise AQTF Standards for RTOs Identify and agree qualitative and quantitative measures for a system of outcomes based auditing Revise standards for Registering Bodies to support outcomes based standards and auditing and improved national consistency Develop criteria and system for recognition of quality committed or outstanding RTOs

Features of the new regulatory approach Quality skills outcomes  RTO Standards streamlined to focus on quality skills outcomes  RTOs to focus on evidence of continual improvement of key operations Outcomes based standards  Measures of RTO performance will be identified to determine whether the quality skills outcomes sought by industry, community and government are being achieved  Performance measures will be published to support consumer choice and continuous improvement

Features of the new regulatory approach Reduced regulatory load  Evidence requirements less prescriptive to better accommodate RTO scope and scale  “Administrative” components of former standards separated from RTO operations that are subject to continuous improvement  Level of regulatory activity will be informed by RTO performance measures and risk data  Audits will take more account of RTO outcomes with less emphasis on the detail of RTO processes where these outcomes are satisfactory

Features of the new regulatory approach Consumer protection  Consumer protection elements and RTO obligations for effective operation of a national VET system of current AQTF retained Improved industry engagement  Occupational licensing bodies to be adequately engaged in regulatory processes to build their confidence in VET outcomes National consistency  Standards for Registering Bodies to be revised to facilitate improved national consistency

Revised standards for Registering Bodies To facilitate national consistency in: Industry engagement Risk management Cross jurisdiction protocols Auditor competencies to focus on quality of teaching and assessment systems Review  Audit tools and methods  Sanctions and conditions  National moderation mechanisms

Revised AQTF Standards for RTOs STANDARDS 1.training and assessment to industry standards 2.services to meet needs of each learner and client 3.responsive management systems Essential elements the underpinning systems and expected results RTOs must continually improve during their registration period CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION compliance requirements not generally subject to continuous improvement obligations necessary for effective operation of the national VET system OUTCOMES MEASURES valid and reliable measures of RTO performance 1 2

The RTO Guide National guide to provide interpretation of the standards for RTOs Assist RTOs to understand the evidence requirements for each Essential element “Common sense” approach to be taken to evidentiary requirements dependent on size and complexity of RTO Continuous improvement activities required across all Essential elements Systems approach to be taken by RTOs Appropriate level of documentation and records to support continuous improvement and provide evidence for audit

Feedback – the new Regulatory Approach High level of support for outcomes focus Audit model requires careful implementation Important focus on employability and skills Timelines are very tight and difficult to meet

Feedback - The Standards, Conditions and RTO Guide High level of support Clear language, easily understood Further development of the guide required to reflect RTOs of varying scales and scope Clarification of legal force of the Conditions of Registration Concerns about level of documentation still required

Outcomes and performance measures National project being undertaken by PhillipsKPA Investigate qualitative and quantitative measures for a system of outcomes based auditing Measures must be: relevant to RTO standards for RTOs including maintaining high standards of teaching, learning and assessment valid and reliable measures of RTO performance stable over time practical to implement Examining availability and relevance of existing data

RTO Excellence Categories - Aspirational Criteria being developed and trialled through a working group of RTOs and quality experts Supports RTOs that wish to develop their systems in accordance with established quality system approaches Optional level of recognition for RTOs to be assessed by contracted agency – not registering body Two validation points  Quality committed and  Outstanding RTOs will need to provide evidence of ongoing compliance with AQTF Standards for RTOs

RTO Excellence Categories - Aspirational Excellence categories consistent with Business Excellence systems internationally RTOs will need to demonstrate high levels of achievement and continuous improvement across 6 categories Learning and assessment People Client satisfaction Working relationships Leadership Management systems

The path to implementation… Data collection and analysis by RTOs Determining the extent and purpose for reporting of the data

The path to implementation………. Resources and support materials for new Quality Framework RTO Guide Auditor Handbook Outcomes measures Guidelines for data collection and reporting Revised registering body standards Excellence Framework RTO Guide for Excellence

The path to implementation Communication and Professional Development Strategy Information sessions Workshops Training program for auditors Media campaign

Contact VETAB for further information; ph: (02)