Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 1)

Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 1)

Unpacking ASQA audit reports and files (Part 1)

Let’s look into what is actually going on in the audits and ASQA practices. We are referring here a number of examples from the audits conducted and the matters discussed in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal by the Australian  Skills Quality Authority. 

1. ASQA Auditor considering online documents on a Google drive as “Student Portal” and “Learning Management System”, and using these links to pass on their professional judgement: 

 

2. How can a trainer/assessor who has been deemed 100% compliant in an audit of one RTO become non-compliant in the same week for another RTO? 

 

3. Auditors trying to change the “spiky profile” developed under Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) guidelines during the audit:

 

4. ASQA auditors making a training organisation non-compliant on marketing standards because they did not use “currency” when they were using the most current AQF code and AQF title for all qualifications.  

 

5. Auditors trying to add their preferences, choices and expectations completely outside the regulatory framework and guidelines in an audit: 

 

6. How something not provided to the auditors can be reviewed on the same evening? 

 

7. Finding non-compliance in the areas actually not non-compliant: 

 

8. Auditors asking something not part of any legislative or regulatory framework or guidelines: 

 

 

9. Refusing application of an RTO because ASQA could not identify a trainer exists or not within the organisation:

 

10. “Conflict of interest” anyone? 

 

The auditors and officers involved in making all these decisions are still part of the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Why did no one question the competence of these officers? Have they been provided with any professional development or much needed training?

Why is so much money wasted fighting these kinds of matters in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal? 

A number of critical questions coming from these kinds of audit reports are as follows: 

  1. How is the VET Regulator is currently encouraging or promoting confidence in their practices, ethics and values? 

  2. What kind of regulatory auditing is going on at present? 

Please note: The names and other relevant information has been blacked-out to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals. 

What has been your experience with the current regulators and legislative guidelines and instruments? Share your views with us via email info@caqa.com.au.

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Sukh Sandhu

Executive Director

Sukh has been working in the VET and Higher Education Industry for over 25 years. In this time, he has held several roles with RTO's and Higher Education Providers (HEP) including CEO roles for International Colleges and National Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager roles for several RTO's, TAFE's and Universities. Sukh has also worked for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Business Systems Project Official. Sukh is a Canadian permanent resident and Australian citizen.

Sukh has had extensive project management experience in risk management, compliance, administration and as a training consultant. He has extensive knowledge in government compliance standards and has participated in nearly one hundred audits across Australia and provided consultancy advice regarding ASQA/VRQA, TEQSA, ACPET, DET-HESG, VQF/Higher Education, ELICOS, NEAS, ANMAC, AHPRA, CRICOS, ESOS and ISO.

Sukh is a member of several independent professional organisations and government bodies including, ACPET, VELG, ACS, AITD, MARA, MIA, ISANA, APEX, IEEE, The Internet Society (Global Member), AISIP, IAMOT, ACM, OISV, APACALL, IWA, Eta Kappa Nu, EDSIG and several others.

Sukh's qualifications include two MBAs, three masters in IT and systems, a Graduate diploma of management learning, Diploma in training design and development, Diploma in vocational education training, Diploma of work, health and safety, Diploma of Quality Auditing, Advanced diploma of management, Advanced diploma in marketing, human resources, information technology, and a number of other courses and qualifications. He has been working as a lecturer and as a trainer and assessor since 1998, Sukh has been a vocal advocate of audit reforms and system centred auditing practices rather than auditor centred auditing practices for many years.