Audit Express launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program

Audit Express launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program

by | May 18, 2023 | Audit Express, Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)

Unlock the power of embracing diversity & inclusion in your organisation

As the world continues to evolve and embrace diversity in all its forms, organisations recognise the importance of fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and included. At Audit Express, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program, specifically designed to assist organisations with their policies, processes, and controls, and to help them become more inclusive organisations where everyone can thrive.

In 2022, Audit Express was awarded a Small Business Grant by Globe Melbourne, which is supporting us to launch our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program, and to make this available to an initial pilot group of ten community and not-for-profit organisations at no cost. In our commitment to supporting organisations to achieve excellence in their approach to ensuring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we are extending the number of places in our initial pilot group to also include an additional ten sporting groups and/or small businesses that currently provide, or are aspiring to provide, services to the LGBTIQA+ community, or are seeking to improve their policies, processes, and controls that relate to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).

Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matter

Diversity, equity & inclusion are not just buzzwords, but essential values that organisations should be prioritising. Embracing diversity means recognising and valuing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and more. Equity ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, while inclusivity means creating an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and included. Belonging goes beyond diversity and inclusivity and creates a sense of community and acceptance where everyone feels like they belong.

Organisations that prioritise diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging benefit in many ways. They are more likely to attract and retain diverse talent, foster innovation and creativity, and create a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel motivated and engaged. In addition, organisations that are committed to diversity and inclusion are better positioned to serve diverse communities and customers, which can result in improved business performance and increased customer loyalty.

Introducing the Audit Express Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program

At Audit Express, we understand that creating inclusive organisations requires intentional effort and meaningful actions. Our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Support Program is designed to provide comprehensive support to organisations seeking to develop and implement effective policies, processes, and controls to promote and support diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging within their organisations.

Why your organisation should apply to join the Audit Express DEI Support Program

Organisations play a crucial role in shaping the culture and society in which we live. By joining and participating in the Audit Express Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program, organisations will not only receive access to a suite of DEI policies, tools and templates to customise and implement, but they will also get the opportunity to undergo a DEI review to identify any issues needing to be addressed and opportunities for improvement.

Our DEI support program participants will be able to participate in a range of professional development courses, workshops position and networking opportunities, positioning them as leaders in fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity, promote equity, and drive meaningful change.

What is involved & what is the commitment?

By signing up to join the Audit Express DEI Support Program, you are committing to participating in all parts of the structured 3-month program, which includes a schedule of activities, workshops and milestones, including:

  1. Virtual onboarding webinar
    (30-minute webinar/webinar recording)
  2. Initial discovery session that will help us to get to know your organisation, and our team will work with you to define and set agreed DEI objectives, goals and targets.
    (60-minute virtual meeting)
  3. Our team will then review your organisation’s website, marketing content, policies, documented processes and systems across your organisation that relate to DEI and impact or relate to your employees and clients.
  4. Post-review meeting to discuss key observations, findings and recommendations
    (30-minute virtual meeting)
  5. Regular catch-ups to make sure you are on track to achieve the agreed DEI objectives, goals and targets
    (20-minute virtual meeting every 2-3 weeks)
  6. End-of-program networking event, where you will get the chance to meet and connect with other participants of the program and the team from Audit Express
    (2-hour networking event)
  7. Program alumni will also be invited to join our DEI Virtual Community, which is made up of a network of like-minded professionals that are seeking to make a difference and both individuals and organisations that have completed the Audit Express DEI Support Program.

Do you and your organisation have what it takes to make a difference?

We want to work with individuals and organisations that want to make a difference and are both committed and ready to take action in making changes and improvements in their respective organisations.

Given the limited number of spaces in this program, individuals and organisations wanting to participate must go through the application process. Participating organisations are expected to nominate one person to represent their organisation as the key point of contact for the in-person meetings, workshops and forums that form part of the support program. The nominated person representing the organisation in participating in our DEI Support Program should have the level of seniority, authority, or approval to develop and implement policy within their organisation or the support of management to make recommendations for potential changes and improvements.

Cost & who should apply

Cost

As mentioned above, as a recipient of a GLOBE Small Business Grant, Audit Express are offering a place in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program to an initial group of ten community and not-for-profit organisations at no cost.
In its commitment to supporting organisations to improve their approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Audit Express is extending this generous offer to an additional ten sporting groups and/or small businesses at no cost.

Who should apply

This offer is only available to a limited number of individuals and organisations. Audit Express is seeking to make an impact with this support program. Preference will be given to applicants that are seeking to improve their approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and organisations that are currently providing or are aspiring to provide services to diverse groups and cohorts or customers/students/clients, including:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • Refuge and migrant communities
  • LGBTIQA+ community
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness
  • Long-term unemployed
  • Individuals needing care and support (aged care/disability support/substance abuse/mental health)

The application process

How to convince your boss

To help you convince your boss we have prepared a template letter that you can download to help you to convince your boss/supervisor/manager/CEO that applying to participate in the Audit Express DEI Support Program is a good idea and to also help you to explain how your organisation will benefit.

Click here to download our template letter to help you convince your boss!

 

How to apply

Click on the link below to apply for a place in the first intake of our Diversity Equity & Inclusion Support Program.
If you are seeking more information or have any questions about our DEI support program, contact us by phone: 1300735541 or email: info@auditexpress.com.au.

Click here to apply to join and participate in the Audit Express Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Support Program.

Application deadline

The closing date and time for submitting applications is Friday 16th June 2023 at 5:30pm (AEDT).

Timeline

Application stage:
The application process closes at 5:30pm on Friday, 16th June 2023.

Confirmation of acceptance into the program:
Audit Express will start reviewing applications on Monday, 19th June 2023, and will notify applicants of the outcome of their application and if they have secured a place in the program. This communication will be sent to applicants by email on the week commencing Friday, 23rd June 2023.

DEI Support Program start date:
Audit Express anticipates that the DEI Support Program will officially commence on the week commencing Monday, 3rd July 2023.

 

Update from the WFCP 2022 World Congress

Update from the WFCP 2022 World Congress

by | Jul 5, 2022 | Uncategorized

I am excited to share this post, which sums up my past week in San Sébastian, Spain, where I was representing both Audit Express and Educonomy the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) 2022 World Congress. This past week has been one of the greatest highlights and proudest moments of my professional career.

The WFCP 2022 Congress was attended by over 1,000 professionals drawn from over 50 countries across the globe. The attendees discussed the challenges facing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions worldwide.

Image of 6 people standing in front of a WFCP banner

The congress was a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and to reconnect with a number of clients and colleagues from across Australia.

Not only was I lucky enough to attend, but I was also afforded the opportunity to present a breakout session on “Innovation at a time of change in Vocational Education: Best practice case studies from Australia.”

My presentation provided the attendees from across the globe with an overview of the Australian VET Sector and a breakdown of the Australian National Micro-CredentialFramework, along with several Australian case studies and examples of training providers and industry demonstrating best-practice in a range of priority areas, including:

If you were unable to attend, but want to check out my presentation, my slides are shared below, or can be viewed here using this link.

The highlight of my week by far was by far cheering on my colleagues from the BHP Future Fit Academy and Central Queensland University who picked up a bronze award for the Indigenous Education category.

The BHP FutureFit Academy has welcomed more than 590 students and is changing lives, with more than 80 percent women and over 20 percent Indigenous learners, and over 220 graduates. It has been an honour to be involved in this incredible initiative over the past 18 months!

RTO re-registration webinar series

RTO re-registration webinar series

by | Mar 19, 2021 | Uncategorized

RTO Re-Registration Webinar Series

Audit Express has launched its second webinar series for 2021: a 5-part series that will be delivered over five weeks and will focus on preparing your RTO for re-registration.

Price per webinar: $45 for each live webinar and recording, or $199 for all five live webinars and recordings. Book using the links below.

These webinars are provided as general information and are not endorsed in any way by the ASQA, VRQA (VIC) or TAC (WA). Registered training organisations are advised to undertake their own due diligence, to read and understand their registration standards and to ensure they comply with their registration standards at all times.

Click here to register for the 5-part webinar series. 5 Webinar Bundle: $199. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 1: How to prepare your RTO for re-registration. Webinar 1: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 2: Governance and Quality Management Systems in RTOs. Webinar 2: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 3: How to perfect Training and Assessment Strategies. Webinar 3: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 4: Resources required to provide quality training and assessment. Webinar 4: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 5: Making sure your assessment tools, practices and records are audit ready. Webinar 5: $45. Book here

Guide to preparing student files for a Skills First Internal Audit

Guide to preparing student files for a Skills First Internal Audit

by | Mar 5, 2021 | Uncategorized

Conducting an internal audit of your conformance with the Skills First VET Funding contract is not only a requirement, but it is also good practice to ensure you are conducting regular audits and reviews of the systems, processes and quality controls you have implemented in your organisation.

 

To assist in preparing to conduct your internal audit against the Skills First contractual requirements, Audit Express has prepared a guide to preparing for student files audits.

It is important that when you undertake internal audits you undertake a thorough and meaningful review of completed student files and the transactions completed such as enrolments, eligibility assessments, pre-training reviews and other forms of evidence to determine conformance with your contractual obligations.

This guide has been prepared to assist you to prepare for auditing the transactions and systems and processes relevant to the student files.

Click here to download a copy of our Guide to preparing student files for a Skills First Internal Audit

 

Audit Express Launches its 2021 Skills First Provider Webinar Series

Audit Express Launches its 2021 Skills First Provider Webinar Series

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Uncategorized

2021 Skills First Provider Webinar Series

We have launched our first webinar series for 2021: a 5-part series over five weeks focussed on providing Skills First 2021 Providers with:

  • The knowledge and tools needed to meet the compliance obligations of their 2021 funding contract;
  • A clear breakdown of the components and focus areas of the 2021 Skills First funding contract. 

Price per webinar: $45 each recording. or $199 for all five webinar recordings Book using the links below.

These webinars are provided as general information and are not endorsed in any way by the Victorian Department of Education. Registered training organisations are advised to undertake their own due diligence, to read and understand their contract and to ensure they comply with the contract requirements at all times.

Click here to register for the 5-part webinar series. 5 Webinar Bundle: $199. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 1: Complying with the 2021 Contract. Webinar 1: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 2: Managing AVETMISS data and Student Management Systems. Webinar 2: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 3: The new internal audit tool for 2021. Webinar 3: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 4: Fees and charges requirements associated with the 2021 Skills First contract. Webinar 4: $45. Book here

Click here to register for Webinar 5: A deep dive into the various evidence collection and retention requirements associated with the Victorian Skills First 2021 contract. Webinar 5: $45. Book here