During 2016, ASQA developed and tested a new approach to audit with an increased focus on the student experience and the practices of RTOs. The initial implementation phase and evaluation of the new model has now concluded and ASQA is now preparing to fully implement the new model during 2017 (ASQA, 2018).
During the initial implementation phase in 2016, ASQA audited 20 RTOs using the new audit model. These audits involved four ASQA regulatory teams (in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia) and a range of audit types and RTO profiles. Both RTOs and auditors who participated in the evaluation gave widespread support for the new model. RTOs indicated that they valued the increased focus on the student and they were proud to share their students’ journeys. Auditors reported that the new model helped them to focus on the most important aspects of an RTO’s delivery.
The new audit model will be progressively rolled out across all VET and CRICOS audits in 2017. If you have an audit scheduled in 2017, ASQA will notify you about the audit approach to be used and inform you whether student data is required to conduct an online student survey.
ASQA’s approach to audit means that:
- audits are organised around five key phases of the student experience—marketing and recruitment; enrolment; support and progression; training and assessment; and completion
- the depth and scope of audits are customised for each provider and informed by risk intelligence and increased input by students
- providers that demonstrate a higher risk profile, a poor compliance history and/or poor student outcomes are targeted through deeper-level audits
- RTOs and CRICOS providers are required to redress any impact the non-compliance may have caused to past and current students.
Audit outcomes are reported against the phases of student experience (‘the student journey’) and referenced to the relevant sections of the Standards for RTOs 2015, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, and the ELICOS Standards 2018.
For more information, visit ASQA’s website – ASQA Audits