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Overview
The VET Student Loans (VSL) program is an income contingent loan offered by the Australian Federal Government that helps eligible students pay for some vocational education and training (VET) diploma level or above courses. VSL courses can only be offered by a limited number of registered training organisations (RTOs) that have been reviewed and authorised by the Federal Department of Education as an approved provider of the VET Student Loans program.
Eligible VSL Courses
VET Student Loans are only available for the following higher level VET qualifications:
Applicants should check the approved course list to ensure that they offer at least one course on the approved course list, before applying.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”VET Student Loans Approved Provider Application Criteria” tab_id=”1504676679555-e44bcb35-8645″][vc_column_text]
Carrying on business in Australia and having its central management and control in Australia, and
Being a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
To apply to become a VSL course provider, an organisation must demonstrate that it meets the course provider requirements set out in the VET Student Loans Act 2016 (Part 4, Division 1) and the VET Student Loan Rules 2016 (Division 3), made under the Act.
The VET Student Loans Act 2016 (Part 4, Division 1)requirements include:
(2) To meet the course provider requirementsthe body must:
(a) be a body corporate that is not a trustee; and
(b) be established under the law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and
(c) carry on business in Australia and have its central management and control in Australia; and
(d) be a registered training organisation; and
(e) meet the provider suitability requirements; and
(f) be a fit and proper person; and
(g) be a party to an approved tuition assurance arrangement; and
(h) be a member of an approved external dispute resolution scheme.
Note:If Part IIE of the Ombudsman Act 1976 (VET Student Loans Ombudsman) is an external dispute resolution scheme, all approved course providers are taken to be members of the scheme (see section 42BA).
26 Provider suitability requirements:
(2) The provider suitability requirements may deal with the following in relation to a course provider:
Division 3 of the VET Student Loans Rules 2016, sets out the General requirements for course providers and provides further details as to what each suitability requirement listed above, would look like. This includes the following:
To demonstrate that your RTO meets the general requirements, you will need to outline that you are:
Committed to:
the delivery of high quality vocational education and training: and
achieving the best outcomes for students; and
act efficiently, honestly and fairly in all dealings with students, stakeholders and the Commonwealth (including the National VET Regulator); and
have a record of satisfactory conduct in relation to any previous vocational education and training:
provided by the provider; and
for which the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory provided funding (including by way of loans to students).
Your RTO’s Financial Performance in the previous 3 years must demonstrate that your RTO is financially viable, which includes:
having sound financial management
having at least 20 percent of revenue from sources other than Australian Government income contingent loans (for applicants with more than 100 student enrolments in 2016)
being able to pay your debts as and when they are due
having annually audited financial statements by an independent qualified auditor
having worker’s compensation and adequate public liability insurance
The RTO Management and Governance systems and processes, which include:
robust management and governance structures,
clearly defined decision-making processes,
relevant resources and human resource management processes,
systems to maintain records ensure data integrity and the reporting of data consistently, accurately and on time
The experience and expertise available in the RTO for the delivery of services, including:
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the delivery of VET training,
the level of expertise of the RTO trainers and assessors,
the level of expertise of the RTO’s management and high managerial agents,
history of delivering high quality Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications
track record of providing state subsidized courses – eg. listed on a preferred provider register
how your training processes have benefitted students – eg. References or articles and good news stories indicating that your training has benefitted the community at a local, state or national level.
Legislation and standards the RTO complies with and how it ensures reporting and other legislative requirements such as OH&S, anti-discrimination, privacy, etc., are being met.
The RTO’s student support processes and how the RTO monitors student progress that assists in high student outcomes and course completion rates. The RTO will also need to include in the application:
Completion rates for each of its courses
Levels of student engagement in the past 3 years
surveys that measure student satisfaction and the results of these surveys
QI indicator survey outcomes
Number and type of complaints received and actions taken for improvement
Processes and methodology for determining student academic suitability for a course
The RTO links with industry and the workplace that ensure workplace needs are met and employment outcomes are improved. This may include:
Industry advisory boards and the impact of their input
Student placement arrangements with employers
Memberships with professional associations and how they assist with the currency of course delivery
RTO involvement in relevant industry presentations, conferences, etc.
Projects undertaken with peak employer organisations
the Application Submission Outline – provides a format for applicants to address:
the course provider requirements
the provider suitability requirements
evidence to support claims against each of the requirements
the VSL Workbook – contains ten (10) worksheets, which must all be completed. Some of these include forms that need to be uploaded to HITS as pdf documents. The VSL Workbook addresses the following information:
Applicant’s Details
Key Personnel Details – for each Key Personnel
Financial Performance (Forms C1, C2)
Course History
Industry References (example only)
Proposed Approved Course Details
Senior Authorised Officers’ Declaration and Authorisation (Forms G1, G2, G3)
The Application Submission Outline and the VSL Workbook are not publicly available and will only be provided to applicants who register their interest in applying for approval.
All application documents must be submitted to the Department in accordance with the requirements of Part B of the Approved Course Provider Application Guide found on the Department’s website https://docs.education.gov.au/node/44981
Application Approval
In accordance with the Act, for an application to be approved, it must be submitted in the form provided by the Secretary and be accompanied by the Application Fee.
According to the VSL Information for new providers Fact Sheet released early in 2017, stringent requirements will be placed on VSL course providers and only high quality, trusted providers will be approved.
Under the VSL approval arrangements, RTOs will be appraised and evaluated against:
Their relationships with industry
The RTO’s previous 3-year track record of student completion rates and employment outcomes
Any articulation arrangements with higher education providers
The provider’s track record of delivering education and training
Providers will also be assessed against their:
Financial performance
Strong management and governance
Course scope and fees
Application Fee
An application fee of $5,110 applies to this application round (opening on 30 August 2017).
The Application fee ($5,110) is required to be paid before the RTO’s application can be assessed and payment is required within 14 days, after receiving an invoice from The Department, following lodgement of your application on HITS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How to apply to become a VET Student Loans Approved Provider” tab_id=”1504677612723-44a51734-3b5e”][vc_column_text]
Timelines
The VET Student Loans program commenced on 1 January 2017. The first applications round for eligible organisations to apply to become VSL course providers, closed on 20 February 2017.
A second application round opened on 30 August 2017 and is due to close at 11.59pm on 26 September 2017 (Canberra time).
Deadline for submission of any questions providers may have, is 4pm Wednesday 13 September 2017.
Information sessions for interested providers, were held in Canberra on Tuesday 5th September 2017.
HELP Information Technology System (HITS)
You must have an active account with HITS in order to submit your VSL application. If you do not have a HITS account, you need to complete the HITS Credentials application form and submit this to the Department as soon as possible.
Steps to preparing and submitting your application
Check the threshold criteria to ensure you are eligible to apply to become an approved VSL course provider.
If you already have a HITS account, determine if it’s active by logging onto HITS using your existing user ID and password.
If you do not have a HITS account, complete the HITS Credentials application form and submit this to the Department.
Get your annual financial statements for the current year as well as the previous 2 years signed off by an independent qualified auditor; also obtain auditor’s declaration of compliance and report on your financial performance during the three financial periods. Financials can often take the most amount of time to prepare, so the first thing that you need to do is ensure that your organisation’s financials meet the Financial performance requirements.
Collect industry/employer or other bodies’ referrals as evidence that your courses meet workplace needs and improve employer outcomes for students.
Start addressing the Course Provider and Provider SuitabilityRequirements as outlined in the VSL – Application Submission outline.
Concurrently, gather information for the completion of Forms A – G in the VSL Workbook including information on:
Your student completion and engagement rates;
Student satisfaction rates;
Your financial Performance in the past 3 years and
Information and credentials on your key personnel.
Check all application documents including attached evidence to ensure their accuracy and compliance with the application requirements.
Check file names against recommended naming conventions listed in the Approved Course Provider Application Guide.
Pay the invoice for your $5110.00 application fee.
As mentioned above all applicants are required to pay an Application fee of ($5,110). This fee is required to be paid before the RTO’s application can be assessed and it must be paid within 14 days after receipt of an invoice, following the lodgement of your application on HITS.
Submit your application on time!
Don’t forget to submit your application through HITS, before11:59pm on Tuesday 26 September 2017.
The Department will not accept the late submission of applications.
Disclaimer The information provided in this update is our analysis and interpretation of the VET Student Loans application requirements. This information should not be solely relied on for the purpose of your application. Always refer to the information provided by The Department, this will always be the source of truth. For more information please contact Audit Express Pty Ltd.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Need help with your application?”]If your organisation needs help completing the VET Students Loans application get in touch with the team at Audit Express by phoning 1300 73 55 41 or click here to send us an email.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row] [/emaillocker]
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (The Department) has announced that it’s call for expressions of Interest for Skills First 2018-19 VET Funding Contracts will open at 2pm on Friday the 1st of September 2017, and will close on Thursday the 28th of September 2017.
It is understood that applying organisations will be able to apply for either a “Standard” or “Restricted” funding contract, which is consistent with the current 2017 Skills First VET Funding Contracts.
Successful applicants will be offered a 2 year contract, that will be valid throughout the 2018 and 2019 calendar years.
[emaillocker id=6291]The Department has advised that it is hoping to provide applying organisations of their outcome in November 2017.
A suite of information will be published on the The Department’s Skills Victoria Training System (SVTS) when the Call for EOI opens on 1/9/2017, including draft VET Funding Contracts and supporting information to assist providers with completing the application process.
Information sessions will be held in Melbourne, Geelong, Traralgon and Bendigo in the first week of September. Providers can register now via SVTS. Places will be limited to three attendees per training provider.
For more information on how to apply for a Skills First 2018 – 2019 Funding Contract please complete your details on the registration form at the end of this post to attend our FREE WEBINAR on “How to apply for a Skills First 2018 – 2019 Funding Contract“.
The Good News
There is some really good news in this years’ Skills First contract application process, in that the Victorian state government has listened to our feedback and calls for longer contract durations. As already mentioned, successful applicants will be offered a 2 year contract, that will be valid throughout the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. This is a great outcome and will offer quality training providers greater certainty and stability. This will also allow providers to invest in their business to deliver quality training.
It is also really pleasing to hear that the Department will allow training providers up until 16/10/2017 to provide the required financial information, including financials that have been audited by an ASIC Registered Auditor.
Get Your Financials Ready NOW!
The Department has advised that training provider applicants will need to submit their audited financial statements for the two most recently completed full financial years. These financial statements must be accompanied by independent audit reports completed by an ASIC registered auditor. Applicants are encouraged to prepare this documentation as soon as possible. If your organisation has not already started work on this, do not delay – now is the time to start work on this important task.
Learn Local Training Providers that are applying for a restricted contract must have audited financial statements, but will be pleased to hear that they are exempted from the requirement for the auditor to be an ASIC Registered Auditor. That is unless they are applying for a standard contract, in which case Learn Local Training Providers must utilise an ASIC Registered Auditor.
The requirement to submit audited financials is arguably the most challenging part of the application process, and the one sticking point that has seen countless applications rejected over previous years. Having financials audited by an ASIC Registered Auditor is no small task. If your organisation is looking for an ASIC Registered Auditor that is experienced in supporting training providers to apply for VET Funding Contracts, please get in touch and we will happily introduce you to one of our reputable contacts.
The To Do List
Register online at eduweb.vic.gov.au/svts/Events to attend the Department’s 2018 Provider Selection Process Information Sessions. These sessions are targeted towards training providers that are considering lodging an expression of interest for a Skills First 2018-19 VET Funding Contract
Continue to monitor SVTS daily for further updates and announcements throughout the application process
Register your details on the form below to attend our FREE LIVE WEBINAR on Monday 4th September where we will unpack the Skills First contract for you and discuss what is involved in the application process, or click on the following link if the form below isn’t working on your device: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6372504797326981891
Contact the team at Audit Express if you have any questions, or require support completing your application
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Federal Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews has announced that the second formal application round for VET Student Loans will open on Wednesday the 30th August 2017.
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Minister Andrews has invited quality training providers to apply to become eligible to offer VET Student Loans under the Government’s new sustainable, student-focussed vocational education and training system.
The new VET Student Loans (VSL) program is significantly different to the historical VET Fee Help Scheme, which was plagued with issues. The new VSL program is strengthened and includes:
loan caps on courses
stronger course eligibility criteria that are aligned with the needs of industry
mandatory student engagement measures
a stronger focus on students successfully completing courses
tougher entry requirements for providers
The VET Student Loans provider application process now includes the payment of a mandatory and non-refundable $5,110 application fee. This fee will assist with the recovery of costs incurred by the Department associated with processing and assessing applications.
Training Providers that are interested in submitting an application are invited to register to attend an information session that will be held in Canberra on Tuesday the 5th of September 2017. This information session will provide applicants with more information on the application process, assessment criteria and suitability requirements needed to apply to become a VET Student Loan provider.
The application process will close on Tuesday the 26th of September 2017.
If you have any questions about how the VET Student Loans program works, or want to discuss your application get in touch with the team at Audit Express on 1300 73 55 41. [/emaillocker][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[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
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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
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/
[/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]
This years conference theme is ‘Community Education: Investing in our Future’ which recognises the importance that education plays in people’s lives. The CCA Annual Conference is the premier event for Australian adult and community education providers, and is always hosted at an impressive venue with a great line up of speakers. The 2017 conference will be held at the award-winning conference venue ‘Citadines on Bourke‘ and the Conference Opening function and Annual Awards Dinner with both be held at the ‘Hotel Windsor‘, one finest 5 star venues in Melbourne, “the world’s most liveable city”.
The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills will open this years conference, which has an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and presenters including: (just to name a few)
The Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Corrections
Susan Pascoe AM, Commissioner, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
The Hon Michael Lavarch AO, Commissioner – Risk, Intelligence and Regulatory Support, Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Professor Rodney Maddock, Monash Business School, and President, Economic Society of Australia, Victorian Branch
Peter Noonan, Professor of Tertiary Education Policy, Mitchell Institute, Victoria University, Melbourne
Lynn Glover, CEO (Director) Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority
Kira Clarke, Lecturer in Education Policy, Centre for Vocational & Education Policy, Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne
Dr Laurie Chesley, Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan USA
Dr Roberta Teahen, Associate Provost & Director of the Doctorate in Community College Leadership, Ferris State University, Michigan USA
Toni Cavallaro, Manager, National Collections Branch, National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
Dr Robbie Lloyd, Community Relationships Manager, Port Macquarie Community College
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 independentinternal 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.
What we know so far
