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Navigating New Standards: First Audit Experiences
Manage episode 509459863 series 2653628
Ever wondered what your first audit under Australia's new RTO standards might look like? In this revealing conversation, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows share candid insights from their recent experiences guiding RTOs through audits under the updated regulatory framework.
The landscape has shifted noticeably. Auditors now place substantial emphasis on governance structures, risk management processes, and inclusivity practices. Both initial registrations and re-registrations reveal a regulatory approach that's evolving but increasingly data-driven. Lauren describes how auditors are spending significant time explaining their quality assurance processes to RTOs, creating greater transparency about how compliance determinations are made.
One striking development is the focus on RTO leadership taking genuine ownership of compliance rather than outsourcing responsibility to consultants. Auditors are directly questioning how providers select their consultants and whether they verify consultants' qualifications – a clear signal that the "RTO in a box" approach is under scrutiny. Meanwhile, for CRICOS providers, PRISMS data management has become a critical audit focus, with regulators examining everything from the timing of non-commencement notifications to deferral processing timeframes.
The good news? RTOs who come prepared can still expect reasonable outcomes. Both Angela and Lauren share examples where providers who could quickly furnish additional documentation when requested demonstrated their readiness to operate compliantly. The key differentiator appears to be responsiveness and preparedness – having compliant assessment tools, well-developed policies, and competent staff already in place before the audit begins.
Whether you're facing initial registration, re-registration, or simply maintaining ongoing compliance, this episode offers valuable perspective on what to expect and how to prepare. Listen now and discover how to position your RTO for succes
Join host Angela Connell-Richards as she opens each episode with a burst of insight and inspiration. Discover why compliance is your launchpad to success, not a limitation.
Wrap up with gratitude and guidance. Subscribe, leave a review, and join our community as we continue supporting your compliance journey in vocational education.
Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!
We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.
Stay connected with the RTO Community:
📌 Don’t forget to:
✔ Subscribe to the RTO Superhero Podcast so you never miss an episode!
✔ Share this episode with your RTO network—compliance is a team effort!
🎙 Listen now and get ahead of the compliance changes before it’s too late!
📢 Want even more compliance insights? Subscribe to our EduStream YouTube Channel for our FAQ series on the New Standards for RTOs 2025! 🎥
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Chapters
1. Podcast Introduction and Audit Numbers (00:00:00)
2. Initial Registration Experiences (00:02:01)
3. Focus on Governance and Inclusivity (00:04:36)
4. CRICOS and PRISMS Data Management (00:06:40)
5. Comparing Auditor Approaches (00:12:23)
6. Re-registration Process and Audit Readiness (00:16:06)
7. Compliance Red Flags and Closing Thoughts (00:18:36)
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