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Program summary card
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Issue |
Program rules/comments
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Standard |
ISO 9001 plus AQTF 2010 Framework |
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Any other relevant document |
Nil |
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Target audience |
All Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) |
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Global-Mark output document |
Certificate of Approval |
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Other Global-Mark output document |
Audit report |
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Certificate validity period |
3 years |
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Certification mark that can be used by the client |
Global-Mark.com.au® AQTF Global-Mark |
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Can this mark be used on product? |
No |
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Periodicity of post certification reviews |
12 monthly |
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Periodicity of re-certification review |
3 years |
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Steps to and post certification |
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Application |
ü |
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Document review |
Optional |
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Pre-certification review |
Optional |
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Certification review |
ü |
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Technical file review |
Nil |
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Follow-up review |
ü |
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Post certification review |
ü |
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Re-certification review |
ü |
1 Overview
Global-Mark program for CTO: Certified Training Organisation – Verifying ISO 901 + AQTF 2010 Certification
A new version of the AQTF Standards, upgraded in 2010, has recently been released. This is radically different from the previous Standard, including a specific Quality Indicator appraisal, outcomes based approach and Risk Management criteria which is used by state and territory registering authorities to determine the depth and scope their audits. The 2010 Standard is to be applied with increased rigour by the certifying authorities.
Stronger regulatory requirements means more robust and more accountable systems are needed, both for the business operation and the AQTF 2010 Standard as these are now closely linked. The ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard provides the overall business discipline and, when combined this with the AQTF 2010 requirements, develops the focus on educational requirements.
Global – Mark is now able to offer an exclusive service to Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) with a unique program of independent verification combining the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard with the AQTF 2010 Standard. The Global-Mark program includes annually developing an independent audit report on the organisation’s combined 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 combined ISO 9001/AQTF Standards. The audit provides an expert, regular and independent appraisal of your system implementation, thus developing a record of compliance over time and providing an evidence trail to your State controlling body of responsible management.
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 ISO 9001 / AQTF Standard’s implementation in the organisation, which will provide a credible, detailed systems overview with the authority of a Registered Auditor and a recognised third party Certification Body.
□ A full audit report against the ISO 9001 / AQTF Standards which will be in the form of findings relating to actions to overcome or mitigate risks.
Benefits:
□ The service offered by Global- Mark will review the RTOs system against 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 which Federal, State and Territory registering authorities wish to see.
□ By obtaining an independent audit of the criteria based on the AQTF requirements and using this to develop a risk management plan, the RTO can provide evidence of a lower risk profile. The audited organisation may thus be judged by state and territory registering authorities to require a reduced audit frequency and duration based on its ability to demonstrate management diligence.
□ A separate third party certification provides an ‘early warning’ service if problems with conformance are arising. It lowers the risk of confrontation with the registration body. However, should dispute arise between the registration body and the RTO, the Global – Mark reports will be able to provide evidence of conformance history, thus supporting your RTO.
□ A reduction in the stress of the registration body audit process for the RTO. The registration audits can potentially result in deregistration of the RTO. The Global – Mark Program reports will be available to provide evidence of conformance. If the service saves a visit from the state and territory registering authorities, certification will effectively pay for itself: the cost benefit can be clearly seen.
□ The system provides increased assurance to all interested parties – Federal, State and Territory registering authorities, the shareholders and the stakeholders of the business - that the AQTF Requirements are in compliance. Remember, complete RTO’s have been lost due to non-compliance and forced closure.
□ WHEN IT COMES TIME TO SELL THE RTO, the value of the business will be increased by having a demonstrated, credible record of compliance to the Standards over time. Any buyer can be assured that they are getting a professional and compliant Management System, thus lowering their risk and allowing a premium price to be obtained.
□ 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.
Under the Certified Training Organisation Program, certified organisations or organisations seeking certification need to meet the following requirements:
· The organisation needs to integrate the ISO 9001 and AQTF 2010 requirements into its management systems.
· The ISO 9001 and AQTF 2010 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 Federal, state and Territory registering authorities’ 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. It DOES NOT ensure or guarantee certification or recertification under regulatory requirements.
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
