Implementation of the Essential Standards

The Australian Quality Framework (AQTF) is the national set of standards which assures nationally consistent, high quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system. AQTF 2007 is the current version of the framework effective from 1 July 2007

Australian Quality Training Framework 2007 RTO PERFORMANCE CONTINUUM ESSENTIAL STANDARDS FOR REGISTRATION EXCELLENCE CRITERIA REGISTEREDQUALITY COMMITTED OUTSTANDING Conditions of Registration Standards and Elements Quality Indicators Categories and Elements Quality Indicators Organisational Performance Measures Verified by audit (Regulation) Voluntary Validated by assessment (Business improvement) Building Training Excellence through: Outcomes-focussed standards and quality indicators Outcomes-focussed audits National standards for Registering Bodies National competency requirements for auditors and assessors Industry involvement and advice Industry regulator participation and advice

What’s different? Focus areas AQTF 2007 focuses on quality skills outcomes continuous improvement quality indicators

What’s different? Outcomes Outcomes are the consequences of actions implemented by the RTO to achieve quality training, assessment and client services. Outcomes need to be sustainable, repeatable and Meet the requirements of the standard The achievement of outcomes is measured by your stakeholders

AQTF 2007 Continuous Improvement Approach What do we want to achieve? Deployment Results Improvement

Same or different?...for you? Stronger relationship between what you plan, do, and achieve… and the improvements made to the next cycle Testing the connection between what you do and the outcomes achieved Over time greater expectation of more purposeful application of continuous improvement

Same or different?...for you? Clear connections between the 1.strategies training and assessment; 2.training and assessment conducted; and 3.results achieved/outputs/outcomes

Same or different?...for you? more flexibility in making decisions about quality management systems and documentation stronger emphasis on performance (which will impact on the frequency and scope of audits) evidence of review and improvements based on analysis of data/results (cycles of continuous improvement)

AQTF 2007 Essential Standards for Registration

Standard 1: The RTO provides quality training and assessment across all of its operations Element 1.1 -Training and assessment is continuously improving by collecting, analysing and acting on relevant data Note – Continuous improvement is highlighted in all of the standards. RTOs should always seek to improve their products and services

Standard 1: The RTO provides quality training and assessment across all of its operations Element 1.2 – Strategies for training and assessment meet the requirements of the relevant Training Package or accredited course and are developed in consultation with industry stakeholders. Note – refer to assessment guidelines and the evidence guides from the units of competency.

Standard 1: The RTO provides quality training and assessment across all of its operations Element 1.3 – Staff, facilities, equipment and training and assessment materials used by the RTO are consistent with the requirements of the Training Package or accredited course and the training and assessment strategies. Note – RTOs need to clearly understand what is required for the approach they are adopting and whether this meets requirements. Evidence of planning is needed.

Standard 1: The RTO provides quality training and assessment across all of its operations Element 1.4 – Training and assessment is delivered by trainers and assessors who: a)have the training and assessment competencies determined by the National Quality Council or its successors; b)have the relevant vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered or assessed; and continue to develop their vocational and training and assessment competencies to support continuous improvements in the delivery of RTO services. Note – The requirements for trainer and assessor competence have not changed. Three assessor units for assessors and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment for trainers.

Standard 1: The RTO provides quality training and assessment across all of its operations Element 1.5 – Assessment including Recognition of Prior Learning: a)meets the requirements of the relevant Training Package or accredited course; b)is conducted in accordance with the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence; and c) meets workplace and, where relevant, regulatory requirements. Notes – Packaging, consistency and context must be considered. These are documented clearly in the Users’ Guide to the Essential Standards for Registration. Legislation and regulation in various States and Territories differs. RTOs need to have confirmed what is required in their particular State.

Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients Element 2.1 – Client services are continuously improved by collecting, analysing and acting on relevant data.

Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients Element 2.2 – Clients are informed about learning, assessment and support services to be provided and their rights and obligations prior to enrolment and/or entering into a contract with the RTO. Note – The clients need to have enough information so that they can decide if your RTO is one of the best suited to their needs. This standard is about informed choice and consumer protection – sufficient and accurate.

Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients Element 2.3 – Employers and other parties who contribute to each learner’s training and assessment are engaged in the development, delivery and monitoring of learning and assessment. Notes – Encourages engagement and understanding of the VET system and responsibility in the learning and assessment process.

Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients Element 2.4 – Learners receive training, assessment and support services that meet their individual needs Note – Encourages providers to offer services suited to client groups rather than a one size fits all approach; consistent with strategies; monitoring and improving.

Element 2.5 – Learners have timely access to current and accurate records of their participation and progress Note – Performance feedback to learners; systems for records. Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients

Element 2.6 – Complaints and appeals are addressed efficiently and effectively Note – Complaints handling; effective management and resolution; preventing recurrence. Standard 2: The RTO adheres to principles of access and equity and maximises outcomes for its clients

Standard 3: Management systems are responsive to the needs of clients, staff and stakeholders, and the environment in which the RTO operates Element 3.1 – A systematic and continuous improvement approach to the management of operations is used Note – ‘Systematic’ implies that a series of processes consistently lead to a sustainable outcome; size appropriate.

Standard 3: Management systems are responsive to the needs of clients, staff and stakeholders, and the environment in which the RTO operates Element 3.2 – Training and/or assessment services provided on behalf of the RTO are monitored to ensure they comply with all aspects of the Essential Standards for Registration Note – roles and responsibilities are clear; monitor the progress of organisation/s you have sub-contracted to, ensuring that they are meeting the Essential Standards for Registration.

Element 3.3 – Records are managed to ensure their accuracy and integrity Note – All records – student records, staff records, financial records, records of resources, legislative, records management processes, continuous improvement processes -are managed effectively throughout the organisation. Standard 3: Management systems are responsive to the needs of clients, staff and stakeholders, and the environment in which the RTO operates