VET News

DESE Releases Report on Rapid Review

The recent Expert Review of Australia’s VET system identified that a significant upgrade was needed to the overall system in order to deliver appropriate skills needed for the future of the nation.  A specific area of reform centers on the regulation of VET providers by ASQA.  A move from input and compliance control to a focus on excellence in training outcomes has been identified as a key consideration.

Some of the significant adjustments suggested as required to ASQA’s regulatory approach of the sector include:

• Promote and facilitate a culture of effective self-assurance as an integral part of a provider’s routine operations
• Drive cooperative relationships between ASQA, providers and other stakeholders
• Consistently understand provider performance against standards and in the context of their operating environment
• Embed a variable-touch approach to regulation, guided by regulatory necessity, risk and proportionality
• Communicate regulatory decisions and advice in a way that is clear, consistent and timely
• Coordinate and appropriately share information with other regulatory agencies, policy makers and funding bodies
• Restructuring ASQA’s governance

Several recommendations have been suggested to assist in the redevelopment of the architecture of the VET sector within Australia.  Those recommendations include:

• Long term vision for ASQA: Moving from input and compliance controls to a focus on self-assurance and excellence in training outcomes
• Clarifying and modernising ASQA’s role and regulatory culture
• Aligning governance arrangements with ASQA’s renewed focus
• Strengthening engagement and education
• Using intelligence to effectively monitor strategic risk and provider performance
• Aligning audit practice to focus on self-assurance
• Appropriate and proportionate regulatory action where non-compliance is identified
• Meaningful reporting on provider performance
• Supporting ASQA staff to deliver the outcomes

For more information, you can read the original report prepared for the Department of Education, Skills and Employment here.

Date posted May 7, 2020