by Matthew Dale | Apr 20, 2017 | ASQA, Best Practice, Community Colleges Australia, Internal Auditing, Registered Training Organisation, Skills First, Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015, Victorian Training Guarantee
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The team at Audit Express are proud to be teaming up with our friends from Community Colleges Australia (CCA) to sponsor their upcoming Community Education Conversations Professional Development and Networking Event, which is to be held in Melbourne on Friday 12th May 2017.
There is an action packed agenda with a range of topics to be covered including:
– Setting the scene: Julie Neeson, Southern Grampians Adult Education and Community College, Hamilton
– Auditing in the new age – a presentation by Audit Express
– Update on Skills First, by a representative of the VIC Department of Education and Training
– The special case for community education providers in rural and regional Australia: challenges and opportunities, Dr Don Perlgut, CCA CEO
– Community RTOs in Victoria: History, Scope, Scale, Success Factors and Prospects, By Dr Kaye Bowman, former Director of Research at NCVER and VET consultant
– Foundations Skills Training Package: where are the consultations up to? Have your say – a session with Tim Rawlins, PwC Skills for Australia
– What you need to know about the Commonwealth’s new VET Student Loans program, even if you will never use it
– Community education providers and local and regional economic development roundtable discussion – come prepared to share your experiences
– A new national community education infrastructure program – what’s happened since the last one in 2009?
– Entrepreneurship and social enterprise
For more information about the event you can click here to download the Community Education Conversations flyer.
Cost:
This event is free for the members of Community Colleges Australia (CCA).
The cost for non-members to attend is $100 (plus GST).
If you are wanting to attend this event please keep in mind that spaces are limited!
You can reserve you space by emailing: admin@cca.edu.au
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Matthew Dale | Feb 28, 2017 | Audit Express, Best Practice, Compliance Consulting, Funding Contract, Internal Auditing, Registered Training Organisation, Skills First, Uncategorized, User Choice, Victorian Funding Contract, Victorian Training Guarantee
[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]
by Matthew Dale | Feb 28, 2017 | Annual Declaration of Compliance, Uncategorized, VRQA
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Making the 2017 Annual Declaration on Compliance for your RTO
[/vc_column_text][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-calendar” color=”custom” size=”xl” align=”center” custom_color=”#8dc63f”][vc_column_text]All Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to submit an annual declaration on their compliance with the RTO Standards applicable to their organisation. ASQA and VRQA RTOs are required to submit the annual declaration of compliance to their regulator before Friday 31st March 2017.
The requirements and format of the declaration are slightly different and vary between each of the three Australian VET Regulators:
-The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
-Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA – VIC based RTOs)
-Training Accreditation Council (TAC – WA based RTOs)
Audit Express have prepared an overview of the requirements for making an annual declaration with each of the three Australian VET Regulators.
Regardless of which regulator you will be making your declaration to, our advice is that before you make your annual declaration on compliance for your RTO you first ensure that you are well informed in relation to:
-The level of your compliance in your RTO
-Any existing non-compliances in your RTO
-Any non-compliances or gaps in relation to Assessment Tools and Assessment Practices (Actual assessment of students)
Audit Express recommend completing an independent internal audit of your RTO annually. This would ideally take place in the second half of the calendar year (July – December) and you should be using the outcomes of this internal audit to inform the annual declaration that you submit to your Regulator. You are reminded that your declaration is a legal document, you must be truthful and completely open and transparent in making the declaration. There are penalties under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act (2011) for making a false declaration and there are also penalties for not making a declaration. If your RTO fails to make its annual declaration of compliance you also risk having your RTOs registration cancelled.
This is not a simple form to be ticked and sent back to your regulator. The submission of your RTOs annual declaration of compliance must be taken seriously.
If you have any questions, concerns or require assistance with making your annual declaration, do not hesitate to contact the team at Audit Express by phoning 1300 73 55 41.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][just_icon icon=”Defaults-legal” icon_size=”32″ icon_color=”#8dc63f”][vc_column_text]
ASQA Registered Providers
Making your RTOs Annual Declaration on Compliance with ASQA
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]RTOs that are registered with ASQA are required to make an annual declaration on their RTO’s compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2015, in accordance with Clause 8.4 of the Standards for RTOs 2015 to ASQA no later than the 31st of March 2017.
At the beginning of February, ASQA sent the CEO nominated on training.gov.au for each RTO, notification of their obligation to complete this declaration. The email also contained a unique link to an online form. The form is available from the beginning of February until the end of March. This allows your RTO two months to undertake the self-assessment required to complete the declaration. You can save the online form and return to it at any time before the end of March. If you have not received this correspondence please check your details on training.gov.au to ensure that ASQA has access to your current email address and contact the ASQA Help Desk if your RTO has not received this email.
Remember that when submitting the declaration, you are confirming to ASQA that you:
- systematically monitor your RTO’s compliance, and
- implement preventive and corrective actions where considered necessary.
ASQA will not email you a copy of your Declaration, you will have the option to print a copy of your declaration when you complete the form. Make sure that you print and keep a copy of your completed declaration for your records.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][just_icon icon=”Defaults-legal” icon_size=”32″ icon_color=”#8dc63f”][vc_column_text]
VIC VRQA Registered Providers
Making your RTOs Annual Declaration on Compliance with VRQA
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Victorian based RTOs that are registered with the VRQA are required to make an annual declaration on compliance with the AQTF Standards and VRQA Guidelines, in accordance with Guideline 5 of the 2016 VRQA Guidelines for VET Providers, which requires each RTO to complete an Annual Declaration of Compliance and submit it to the VRQA before the 1st of April 2017.
The VRQA’s annual declaration requires RTO to declare that it:
- currently meets the requirements of the AQTF Standards and the 2016 VRQA Guidelines for VET Providers across all its scope of registration, and has met the requirements of the AQTF Standards and 2016 VRQA Guidelines for all AQF certification documentation it has issued in the previous 12 months: and
- has training and assessment strategies and practices in place that ensure that all current and prospective learners will be trained and assessed in accordance with the AQTF Standards and 2016 VRQA Guidelines.
It is assumed that by submitting the annual declaration that the RTO is confirming that it has systematically monitored compliance and whether any issues identified have been corrected.
The 2017 declaration allows RTOs to note their compliance/noncompliance. Where a noncompliance is identified, RTOs must provide the reasons and any rectification measures being implemented in the relevant section of the form. The annual declaration must be signed by the Principal Executive Officer/Chief Executive Officer who is registered with the VRQA as listed on Training.gov.au.
Once you have completed the Annual Declaration of Compliance you should send it to the VRQA by email at qar@edumail.vic.gov.au
The VRQA have advised RTOs that by not submitting the declaration, or not contacting the VRQA will be deemed as non-compliance with the ongoing registration requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). The VRQA will follow up individually with non-compliant RTOs. This could lead to your RTO registration being cancelled.
Click here to download a copy of the VRQA VET Declaration of Compliance template.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][just_icon icon=”Defaults-legal” icon_size=”32″ icon_color=”#8dc63f”][vc_column_text]
WA TAC Registered Providers
Making your RTOs Annual Declaration on Compliance with TAC
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Western Australian based RTOs that are registered with the TAC are required to make an Annual Declaration on Compliance. The person who is listed as the RTOs Legally Responsible Person is to certify that the RTO is operating in accordance with its obligations under the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Act 1996 and the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015.
RTOs were required to submit their annual declaration for 2016 by the 30th of September 2016. It is understood that RTOs registered with TAC will be not be required to submit their 2017 declaration until 30th of September 2017.
If you’re an RTO CEO, TAC will notify you by email closer to September of your obligation to complete this declaration. Please check your details on training.gov.au to ensure that TAC has access to your current email address.
In 2016 RTOs registered with TAC were required to complete their annual declaration as an online form which was accessed at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V6CDCRF
When you submit the annual declaration of compliance, you are confirming to TAC that you are making a truthful declaration that is based on a systematic evaluation, which was based on evidence from a range of sources, including the outcomes of validation, complaints and appeals processes, feedback from learners, clients, trainers and assessors and quality/performance indicator data collected under the Data Provision Requirements.
Like ASQA, TAC have advised RTOs that Clause 8.4 of the Standards requires RTOs to provide an annual declaration on compliance. Clause 8.1(a) also requires RTOs to cooperate with the VET Regulator by providing accurate and truthful responses to information requests from the Regulator. Failure to submit a completed declaration means your RTO is non-compliant with the Standards, and this could lead to your RTOs registration being cancelled.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Matthew Dale | Oct 27, 2016 | ASQA, Audit Express, Best Practice, Funding Contract, Michaelia Cash, VET Policy, Youth Jobs PaTH
The Turnbull Government will invest $840.3 million into a Youth Employment Package.
This is a great opportunity for quality RTOs to support young Australians get into employment, with a responsive funding model that is outcomes focussed; While at the same time strengthening their RTO business by diversifying the offering of training programs. Also by the spreading financial risk of their organisation by increasing the streams of income, and not relying on one stream of income from other initiatives such VET Fee Help / VET Student Loans or State Funding Contract arrangements such as Skills First, Smart & Skilled or Certificate 3 Guarantee. [emaillocker id=6291]
Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash launched the Youth Jobs PaTH programme yesterday, and also opened the tender process. Senator Cash said that “The Government is determined to prevent our young people from entering a life of welfare dependency. Giving young Australians the skills they need is crucial in helping them find their way into a rewarding working life.”
For more information about the Youth Jobs PaTH programme visit:
http://www.employment.gov.au/employment-services-procurement-information
Or to apply go the AusTender page:
https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.atm.show&ATMUUID=B610A3A3-A9EE-E6E7-DCE13BF7759CEB2B
[/emaillocker] If your RTO is interested in applying for the Youth Jobs PaTH programme and wants to discuss the application process or if you require any support with the Youth Jobs PaTH, get in touch with the team at Audit Express.
by Matthew Dale | Aug 29, 2016 | Funding Contract, Registered Training Organisation, Skills First, TAFE, Victorian Funding Contract, Victorian Training Guarantee
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
SKILLS FIRST | Real training for real jobs | Victoria’s new training system
Skills First | a new training system and funding model for Victoria.
The Victorian Minister has announced Skills First – a new training system and targeted funding model for Victoria in 2017.
What do we know so far?
The new system seems to be very focussed on [emaillocker id=6291] TAFE providers and boosting training and employment in regional Victoria. The new system prioritises courses that support Victoria’s growth sectors and are most likely to get people into high-skilled, well-paid work.
Under the Skills First system, the Victorian Government will continue to invest $1.2 billion annually in the training and workforce development of Victorians.
The system will be focussed on supporting quality training providers. It is expected that many training providers with a poor track record of funding contract compliance and student satisfaction will not receive a funding contract in 2017.
A six stage process was taken to define the funded courses list.
Application Process
- The Department have announced that the call for expression of interest (EOI) for a 2017 VET Funding Contract will open on 1 September 2016.
- The Department will run a series of information sessions across Melbourne and regional Victoria from 1-8 September 2016. The information sessions are already open for registration via SVTS.
- The call for expression of interest documentation and Draft 2017 VET Funding Contracts will be published on SVTS and the Department of Education and Training website on Tuesday 30 August 2016.
The information sessions are expected to provide a brief overview of the Skills First reforms to the VET system, explain the 2017 VET Funding Contract and outline the provider selection process.
The Department have advised training providers that CEOs, managing directors and operations managers are encouraged to attend these sessions. The Department have set a limit that a maximum of 3 representatives can attend the information session per training provider.
2017 Funded Course List
The Department have already released the 2017 Funded Course List.
There are 500 less courses on the 2017 list than in 2016, however it is noted that a number of the courses removed are superseded qualifications.
The courses are still to be subsidised per nominal hour, and the Department have defined four Delivery Characteristics that will be used to determine whether funding is available for a particular delivery mode(s), and the amount of funding that will be available per nominal hour for each delivery mode(s).
The four Delivery Characteristics are:
- Non Apprenticeship/Traineeship
- Traineeship
- Apprenticeship
- Apprenticeship Only (AO); or Traineeship Only (TO)
A number of courses have been determined as High Risk. It is expected that training providers delivering courses that the department have determined as high risk will be more scrutinised.
A number of courses that link to the Victorian Governments objectives and growth sectors have been determined as High Value Traineeships. It seems that the delivery of high value traineeships will be funded at a higher rate per nominal hour as an incentive to attract more training to be delivered in these target courses.
The updated course list has 500 less funded courses than the 2016 funded courses list. That is a 30% cut to the total number of funded courses.
Is this good or bad for your RTO or TAFE?
We will not know what the 2017 contract means for Victorian training providers until we review the 2017 draft contract, eligibility criteria, fee guidelines and detailed application process when they are released via SVTS on 30/08/2016. The devil is always in the detail.
We are eagerly waiting to see the draft 2017 contract and eligibility criteria that will tell us which training providers are eligible for a 2017 contract.
Want to apply for a Victorian Funding Contract for 2017?
If you are wanting to apply for a Victorian Skills First funding contract for your RTO you will first need to register for an SVTS profile. You may also like to refer to the guide to accessing SVTS.
If you have any questions or would like assistance preparing your application for a 2017 Funding Contract contact Audit Express on 1300 73 55 41. [/emaillocker][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
