Introduction
RTOs are required to comply with an increasing number of constantly changing regulations and reporting and there is a heavy price to pay if found non-compliant.
With ASQA’s emphasis on RTOs self-management of ongoing compliance through systemic monitoring, what is the best way to stay on top of and adapt to the journey of compliance in an ever-changing landscape whilst remaining cost-effective?
The answer is often ‘why not hire a compliance manager’? Sounds easy? Not really.
The compliance requirements that RTOs face are complex. Having a compliance officer focused on managing risk is an essential piece of the puzzle but not the complete answer.
It requires more than one person to develop systematic processes to compliance. It requires more than an internal team to manage risk and maintain a positive reputation. It requires experts to decipher confusing or abstract standards and determine how to establish and integrate best practices.
What does ASQA’s data indicate?
ASQA, in their 2018 Course Owner Report, identified that:
One of the reasons for these findings could be because an RTOs compliance culture suffers from the ‘comfort with status quo’ syndrome. RTOs who depend mainly on an internal process find it difficult to accept change due to their lack of confidence in the unknown new system and culture. They fail to redesign, rethink, and reorganise new compliance policies, procedures, and processes as they struggle to disengage from the existing culture.
Many compliance officers have tried to set the tone of compliance to protect the organisation, hold employees accountable, and lead a culture of compliance. However, they are often seen as the bearers of bad news and often not supported.
Why are compliance services becoming increasingly important?
Today more than ever, RTO executives and owners seek out unbiased and impartial subject matter experts and consultants to look into all areas of their organisation. External consultancy like the services CAQA provide are engaged for registrations, internal audits, validations, etc.
In light of all this, CAQA has designed its Ongoing Retainer Agreement. The objective is to provide ongoing consultancy services to RTOs with a compliance program that institutes a system of checks and balances at every level.
Seven (7) benefits an ongoing Retainer Agreement can provide.
As an external consultant, we have the advantage of a bird’s-eye view of the RTO to spot compliance issues, hear about trends, and identify new risks before they become findings that result in the consequences of suspension or de-registration etc.
Our approach is a holistic perspective with proactive rectification. Our culture is solution-oriented, ensuring RTO’s self-assurance.
Bringing our professionals to you will have the following benefits.
What you will get from an Ongoing Retainer Agreement.
Call us on 1800 266 160 or email info@caqa.com.au to find out more. Let us bring CAQAs professional team to you – don’t wait until your next audit is due.