The Changing Regulatory Policy Landscape for Regulated Training Organizations

Slide1The NewRegulatory Policy Landscape Dr Dianne Orr Australian Skills Quality Authority

Slide2Commonwealth ParliamentCommonwealth Parliament Commonwealth Minister Commonwealth Minister ASQA ASQA Standing Committee on Tertiary Education Skills and Employment Standing Committee on Tertiary Education Skills and Employment NSSC NSSC DEEWR DEEWR State / Territory Education Ministers State / Territory Education Ministers Regulated Training Organisations Governance

Slide3Australian Skills Quality Authority3 Chief Executive Offices in all capital cities of Australia

Slide4Students, employers and governments have fullconfidence in the quality of vocational education and training outcomes delivered by RTOs

Slide5Robust framework oflegislation and standards The legislation • National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 • NVR Transitional Provisions Act 2011 • NVR Consequential Amendments Act 2011 • Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (amended in 2010)

Slide6•VET Quality Framework • Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations (AQTF) • Fit and Proper Person Requirements • Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements • Data Provision Requirements • Australian Qualifications Framework • National Code  of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students  (CRICOS Registration) • Standards  for VET Accredited Courses 6 Legislative Instruments

Slide7Risk ManagementComprehensive risk management approach: Three levels: ● Risk assessment of initial, renewal, scope applications (including financial viability risk assessment and fit and proper person assessment) ● Structured risk assessments of RTOs ● Analysis of system risks Using the Risk Assessment Framework (S 190 of the Act)

Slide8Risk Assessment of RTOsCategories of  Risk ● Performance ● Governance ● Profile Impact indicators Approach consistent with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 – standards for risk management (Published by Standards Australia) Likelihood indicators

Slide9RTO Risk AssessmentPerformance AQTF/VQF audit history ESOS audit history Substantiated complaints Other valid performance data Governance Financial viability data Fundamental changes to scope of operations Reliance on partnering organisations Organisational ownership and planning Total Likelihood Rating Profile Scope of registration Delivery of training leading to licensed or regulated outcome RTO delivering training to overseas students in Australia Delivery of training offshore Mode of delivery Total Impact Rating Overall Rating  H   M   L Indicators

Slide10Risk ManagementAnalysis of VET system risks: ● Data from audit outcomes about compliance trends ● Feedback from industry bodies (ISCs and industry regulators) and professional associations ● Complaints data and trends ● State/Territory/Australian Government intelligence (e.g. apprenticeship regulation, purchasing, DIAC) ● Analysis of data based on quality indicators including student and employer outcomes, & visa data 10

Slide11Industry EngagementAim:  Confidence that vocational outcomes meet industry standards Engagement strategies • Guidance on learning and assessment resources • Additional requirements for Licensing outcomes • Participation in audit activities, pre-audit, technical advisers on audits or strategic industry audits • Development activities for auditors

Slide12Rigorous audit approach• Systematic and rigorous • Outcomes focused • Evidence-based • Flexible • Fair, open and transparent • Moderated 12 Rigorous assessment  of courses for accreditation

Slide13Transparency and fairness• Processes transparent • Procedurally fair • Decisions clear and accountable • Review of decisions by ASQA • Review by Administrative Appeals Tribunal 13 The National VET Regulator will have regard to the interests of students, industry and the public in its decision making

Slide14Informed choice for consumers• Exploring the publishing of audit outcomes • Published list of RTOs & names of high managerial agents - registration cancelled or suspended and reasons The near future 14

Slide15Regulator accountabilityThe National VET Regulator reports annually to the Commonwealth Minister and the Ministerial Council against key performance indicators Annual report tabled in the Australian Parliament Report on ASQA’s compliance with VET regulator standards Certification of ASQA quality systems to ISO 9001 15

Slide16AccessibilityOne national regulator for : • RTO registration (except for VIC and WA where providers have state based operations) • CRICOS registration for VET, ELICOS & Foundation Studies providers (but not schools or HE) • Course accreditation (also in WA and VIC) One national regulator to monitor compliance including : • any cross-jurisdictional operations • operations outside of Australia where training and assessment are conducted and AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment are issued • any online operations 16

Slide1717ASQA offices Course Accreditation Compliance Operations Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Legal and Investigations Complaints National Panel of Compliance Auditors Risk Analysis and Industry Engagement

Slide1818Thank you www.asqa.gov.au