1               Overview

Global-Mark program for RTO: Certified Training Organisation – Verifying AQTF Certification

A new version of the AQTF Standards has recently been released. This is radically different from the previously Standard, including a specific Quality Indicator appraisal, an outcomes based approach and a Risk Management criteria which is used by VETAB to determine the depth and scope their audits.

Global – Mark is now able to offer an exclusive service to Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) with a unique program of independent verification for the AQTF Standards. The RTO Trust Mark program includes providing an independent audit report and Risk Management analysis on the RTO’s systems thus providing clear evidence of their performance based on each Standard. 

2               In simple terms

Global – Mark offers RTO’s a unique and exclusive program of independent audits to the AQTF Standards. The audit provides an expert, regular and independent appraisal of your system implementation, thus saving internal audit costs, developing a record of compliance over time and providing an evidence trail to VETAB ( Or your  other State controlling body) of responsible management. The system also uses the VETAB Risk Assessement process to develop a risk appraisal and management plan, thus demonstrating how the RTO is managing its perceived risks.

The outcomes are improved system performance, reduced costs, better understanding of the AQTF requirements and the provision of an evidence package to the regulatory bodies with the anticipation of less external audit requirements.

The deliverables include:

□        An independent, annual audit service of the AQTF Standard’s implementation in the RTO which will provide a credible, detailed systems overview with the authority of a Registered Auditor and a recognised Certification Body.

□        A full audit report against the AQTF - established Risk Management criteria which will be in the form of findings relating to actions to overcome or mitigate the risk – thus providing a comprehensive Risk Management plan.

Benefits:

□        A new, radically changed version of the AQTF Standard has been released: the planned review offered by GM will review the new Standard with an emphasis on the mandatory ‘systems outcomes’ aspects, thus providing a record of compliance with the AQTF Standard over time on the areas of the Standard VETAB wish to see.

□        The Risk Management criteria decides the depth and the scope of the VETAB audits. By obtaining an independent audit of the Risk Management criteria based on the VETAB requirements and using this to develop a risk management plan, the RTO Trust Mark can provide evidence of a lower risk profile. The audited RTO may thus be judged by VETAB to require a reduced audit schedule based on its ability to demonstrate management diligence.

□        A separate third party certification provides an independent interface between VETAB and the RTO. The Global-Mark RTO Trust Mark program provides an ‘early warning’ service if problems with conformance are arising as well as providing a buffer between the RTO and VETAB. It lowers the risk of confrontation with the certifying body. However, should dispute arise between VETAB and the RTO, Global – Mark will be able to provide evidence of conformance history, thus standing shoulder to shoulder with the client.

□        A reduction in the stress of the VETAB audit process for the RTO.

VETAB audits can potentially result in deregistration of the RTO. The Global – Mark  RTO Trust Mark reports will be available to provide evidence of conformance. They may also be used as evidence of Internal Audit by the RTO. If the service saves a VETAB** visit it will effectively pay for itself: couple this with reduced internal auditing costs and the cost benefit can be clearly seen. Other benefits include an increased assurance to VETAB, the shareholders and the stakeholders of the business that the AQTF Requirements are in compliance, hence the risk of losses due to non – conformance (ultimately, the complete business) are minimised.

□        Over time, a record of compliance with the AQTF Standard is developed. Hence any challenge made or doubts expressed as to compliance with the Standards can be quickly answered with an assured response.

□        Internal auditing is useful, but having an external body examine the application of the AQTF requirements provides independent assurance of compliance. External auditing provides the ‘fresh set of eyes’ to look for compliance and uses the external auditor’s broader perspective to better use and implement the Standard into the organisation’s operations.

3               Specific program conditions

Under the Approved Training Organisation Program, certified organisations or organisations seeking certification need to meet the following requirements:

• The organisation needs to integrate the AQTF requirements into its management systems.
• The AQTF requirements need to be followed, and records need to be available to support compliance.  This applies for all training, education activities and site(s) of the organisation within the scope of certification.
• The review DOES NOT take the place of the VETAB (Or your State Controlling body) audits. It may be used in place of your own internal audits and it may be used to provide evidence to your State bodies to demonstrate management control, commitment and governance.

4               What documents/records are needed to understand this program?

In order to understand our program, you should also access and be aware of the following documents:

·         G-00: Welcome Pack

·         MSP-00: Introduction to our Management Systems

·         MSP-01: Nomenclature and Definitions

·         MSP-24 Appeals