Now, more than ever we need information literacy! Your business depends on it
As a slew of information floods the VET sector about the impending changes to the Standards for RTOs, we are reminded (again) of the importance of:
Knowing and trusting the information source
Applying critical thinking to what we are presented
Fact-checking
To date, we've not seen anything from DEWR advising what the name will be for the new legislative instrument set to supersede the Standards for RTOs 2015. Is it going to be called the Standards for RTOs 2025?
Many seem to think so with information already coming out about 'Standards 2025'.
In particular, we recently saw a blog post about navigating the Standards for RTOs 2025 and the suggestion it is giving a 'comprehensive guide' for RTO compliance.
That article raised a number of issues at our end.
First of all, the new 'Standards' comprise Outcome Standards, Compliance Requirements and a Credential Policy. Will the collection of these documents be known as "the Standards"?
Second of all, despite DEWR stating they would be enacted 1.1.25, nothing has shown on the federal register yet. So, it's reasonable to assume these are still DRAFT - i.e. not finalised
Third of all, will the date be 2025? I'd hedge a bet to say yes given that is the date the legislation will come into effect. But, we'll see.
Fourthly (and here's the big part of it), the blog article is stating downright INCORRECT information. For example, but not limited to:
"...The Standards for RTOs 2025 are the revised set of guidelines established by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)" - FALSE. The Standards are established by DEWR
"...All trainers must hold the updated TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent" - FALSE. If anything, the credentials required have gone backward
"...Ongoing professional development is mandatory, focusing on industry currency and teaching effectiveness" - FALSE that this is a NEW requirement as a 'notable change'. This has always been the case
"...RTOs must integrate modern tools into training delivery, such as e-learning platforms and simulation technologies" - FALSE x 1000
"...Training and assessment materials should leverage digital advancements to enhance learning outcomes" - FALSE. The draft revised Standards do ask that programs are built with sound instructional design. Nothing to say they should or must leverage digital advancements - which, by the way, could easily disadvantage many learner cohorts
Further, the article goes on to say:
"To comply with the Standards for RTOs 2025, RTOs must address several critical areas:...
"Align training and assessment strategies (TAS) with updated training packages" - FALSE. The only mention of training and assessment strategies in the outcome standards (1.2 - industry engagement) states: "The RTO demonstrates (a) it uses the advice and feedback to inform changes to training and assessment strategies and practices"
"Conduct regular performance reviews to ensure teaching quality." - FALSE. The term 'performance review' is not mentioned AT ALL in the draft policy document
This is concerning not only because of the spread of blatantly incorrect information crucial to the livelihood of many an RTO, but because unsuspecting readers and followers of that blog may assume the information is valid. It has been presented as the product of an organisation touting themselves as compliance experts with decades of experience and as offering advice services to RTOs. They have an established customer base presumably with 100s if not 1000s of followers.
Our worry is that RTOs will follow the advice in the post. The INCORRECT advice in that post. This is how systemic failures in quality of our sector spread.
Unfortunately, the blog post mentioned above is not the only culprit. Many others are coming out of the woodwork in an attempt to capitalise on the need to understand and transition to the new Standards.
Another website is advertising materials for the "2025 Standards" and telling RTOs "...ensure Your RTO complies with the ASQA Standards for RTOs 2025". Apparently it is a simple as adding your "RTO name and Number" to the suite of documents!
The as-yet-to-be-formally-named revised Standards for RTOs that are out of DEWR, not ASQA, require that systems and processes implemented are proportionate to the risk specific to the RTO and are tailored to its individual context. So sure, use generic templates as a springboard. But! Ensure everything is tailored. This means more than just adding an RTO name and number.
We're on the cusp of a major, once-in-a-decade body of work and it is becoming increasingly concerning that commercial push is seemingly outweighing prudent, ethical consideration of time and resources to effectively implement required changes.
The VET sector needs RTOs to remain strong and healthy and able to service the market; not to be wasting precious time and resources due to misinformation.
Here're our pleas:
STOP using AI to generate rubbish and pass it off as "compliance advice"
Please critically analyse information to determine if it is accurate and valuable
Please wait until we know for sure what we are dealing with
We acknowledge it is a frustrating place for RTOs to be in. As a business owner, if you know changes are ahead, and you know the jist of those changes, it's natural to want to get ahead; plan, analyse, implement changes. Sitting still is an uncomfortable place to be. But unfortunately, it's the best place to be until anything is finalised. Plan - sure, analyse - perhaps, but to implement - wait.
Consultants and service providers offering more than that right now are potentially wasting your time (and $$)!