The aim of this College Code of Conduct and Practice is to outline how the college applies policy and procedure to ensure that all college activities are conducted honestly and compliantly and in the best interests of all involved parties
This Code is made available on the college website, to staff in the staff room and to all students at reception. This manual is also distributed to agents as they are authorized representatives of the college
Mission Statement
The mission of the College is to provide students with high quality education designed to meet their vocational goals in an efficient, professional, compliant and safe learning environment.
To ensure this the College follows all provisions and directions of relevant legislation, the National Code of Conduct for 2007, ESOS Act 2000 and ESOS Regulations 2001 and all course requirements as prescribed in relevant Training Packages and Accredited Course outlines.
All College staff and students are inducted into these practices and all staff are obligated to follow the provisions of this College Code of Conduct
Values
The College undertakes at all times to act in an ethical manner. All activities will be carried out honestly, fairly, accurately and so as to give value to college clients.
The highest standards of financial probity, marketing and advertising integrity will be maintained. The College will only deal with bonafide clients who follow ethical standards.
Vision
The vision of the college is to develop as a leading vocational institute in Australia
Business Plan- training capability
The College has a current business plan, which outlines the mission, goals, financial and operational functions and processes and the strategies for achieving them.
By constructing and following a business plan college management ensures that they plan for the continuous development and improvement of the College training capabilities
All staff are responsible for implementing the business plan and for monitoring and evaluating performance and achievements of outcomes.
The College regularly obtains feedback form students and staff and this feedback is used in the review of the Business plan and for continuous improvement
Access and Equity
All College policies, procedures and practices are designed to maximize the opportunities of all individuals and groups in terms of employment, advancement, participation and access.
All forms of discrimination are prohibited including gender, pregnancy, race, colour, nationality, religion, marital status, disability, homosexuality and age.
All student and staff recruitment is based on meeting selection criteria in a fully disclosed situation. This criteria focusing on the specific requirements for fulfilling a staff or student position.
Training Allocation
Training is made available to students through a scheduled timetable. Every attempt is made to allocate students first preference, however this is subject to timetable and physical constraints.
College follows a Competency recording system that identifies competent, not-yet competent, exemptions/RPL and not yet assessed.
Assessment
Assessment is competency based and designed to determine whether a student can demonstrate competence with all relevant competency unit criteria. Students are provided with every opportunity, within their course duration, to obtain and show competency. Students not able to show competency after the completion of their course will have the opportunity to re-enroll in the course and complete the outstanding units.
The College follows the assessment instructions as identified in the training packages or Accredited Course Outlines.
Assessors are required:
- To be fair and Reasonable during assessment
- To moderate all assessment tasks with other trainers, previous assessment tasks and assessment tasks as printed in texts and references.
- To be familiar with relevant industry standards and OH&S requirements and to be up to date with assessment methods and procedures appropriate for the clients and learning environment
- To maintain flexibility with clients regarding the types of assessment, taking into account Flexible Delivery, EEO and anti- discrimination principles, and the particular needs and circumstances of clients
- To advise clients regarding RPL and Exemption processes
- To make proper assessment decisions based on explicit evidence of competency
- To expedite assessment and to avoid unnecessary delay
- To use cost and time effective methods and materials appropriate to the assessment rigor necessary and level of risk
- To consider the authenticity, validity, reliability, relevance to the competency units, of assessment evidence
- To systematically review the assessment evidence obtained.
Flexible Assessment
The College recognizes and professionally develops trainers in the principles of flexible assessment. The planning of delivery units is to emphasise a variety of assessment strategies with minimal emphasis given to formal exam situations.
Trainers must meet course assessment requirements and ascertain client assessment needs prior to commencement.
At the College the purpose of assessment is to allow the student every opportunity, within the duration of their course, to provide evidence of their competency in each delivery unit. All students have a right to appeal any assessment task, which should be done through the grievance procedure.
Assessment may involve a wide range of strategies designed to allow the student maximum opportunity to demonstrate competence
Delivery
The College recognizes and professionally develops trainers in the principles of flexible delivery. The planning of delivery strategies is to emphasize a variety of strategies focusing on student involvement.
It is the policy of the College that all training is to be conducted as on-site supervised training (unless the training package requires a period of work placement) using a modified lecture approach - with a maximum of 50% of lecture time allocated to lecturer lead activities (with student involvement)and the remainder being student lead and involved.
Delivery may involve a wide range of strategies designed to allow the student maximum opportunity to become involved with and practice what the are learning.
Lecturers are committed to ascertaining the delivery requirements ie learning needs of clients prior to course commencement.
In this way maximizing the opportunity of all students to learn and prove competence.
Student Support
The College follows a client services policy designed to afford all students student services and support. This policy includes the provision for client counselling. Client counselling may involve academic, vocational, language and literacy support, which will be delivered by a suitably qualified staff.
For client counselling of a personal nature or depending on the nature and severity of the problem management will assist the student to seek outside assistance.
All staff are to treat client counselling with confidentiality, courtesy and empathy.
Client Input and Feedback
All staff are involved with continual client input and feedback. This input and feedback may be obtained either informally through conversation, observation or suggestion or formally through interviews and surveys.
It is the responsibility of management to collate this information and disseminate to staff through meetings and professional development.
The College will attempt, whenever and wherever possible, to incorporate feedback in planning and continuous improvement
Trainer and client surveys are to be distributed at the conclusion of each delivery session and a suggestion box available at all times. Clients are welcome to make appointments with staff members to discuss issues personally.
Compliance with Government Regulations
The College appreciates and complies with all relevant local, state and federal government regulations covering the provision of vocational education to overseas students. Through this compliance the College assists student progression whilst providing the services paid for.
Copyright
The use of copyright or licensed materials is acknowledged and recorded on all duplicated materials. All materials duplicated and used at the College are for academic purposes only.
Course/College Pre Registration Information
The College acknowledges its obligation to provide accurate, relevant and up-to-date course/college information to clients as pre -registration information to assist clients to make a decision that studying at the college and in particular course is within their best interests.
Course and college information is available on all advertising material, brochures, manuals and handbooks, website and can be obtained from the College at all times.
This information is constantly under review and all information sources are updated regularly. Version control is incorporated in all documentation.
The course/college information provided includes:
- A general description of the course
- The qualification or accreditation gained upon completion
- The duration
- The teaching methods used (including any field trip work experience requirements)
- The assessment methods used
- If another provider is also involved in providing the course, that fact and the location of course delivery by that provider
- Details of any arrangement with other providers for recognition of the course or completed components of the course
- The facilities
- The equipment
- The learning resources
- Itemized list of all fee payable to the provider including cancellation and refund terms and conditions
- Minimum level of English language proficiency, educational qualifications and work experience required by a student to be accepted in the course
Document Control
Document control involves both text and electronic media. The College maintains master copies of financial and management documents, student files and staff information, curriculum and course related documents as well as client feedback data and data relating to client incident- warning and reporting. Trainers are responsible for maintaining working copies of course and delivery unit documents, student attendance and results records and for their submission to Management.
A Document Control System is in place including electronic back-up.
Version Control
All documents carry version control. Current documents are identified by a version identification code eg. version3TM230105 - indicating that this document is version number 3, produced by Trent Murry on the 23rd of January 2005. All subsequent document versions carry a current version control and hence can be distinguished from out-of-date copies
Educational Standards
The College is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to client academic success and learning. Hence maintaining high educational standards is of paramount importance and this is accomplished through adequate physical facilities, resources and the appointment of appropriately qualified staff.
Policies and Procedures as set out in manuals and handbooks safeguard the interests of clients in regards to educational standards.
Grievances and Appeals Procedure
The College seeks to avoid grievance and appeal situations by providing an environment governed by policy and procedure, following all legislative requirements.
However in the event of client dissatisfaction a Grievance and Appeals Policy and Procedure exists. Aiming to provide a fair, conciliatory approach to finding solutions in-house for both Student and Staff grievances and appeals.
If satisfactory solutions cannot be found both staff and students may seek advice from outside parties or use the college external appeals panel
All grievances are treated seriously, investigated thoroughly and dealt with empathetically and in confidence - following freedom of information and privacy principles. All incidences are to be documented, with copies placed on files and provided to the clients involved
The College Grievance Procedure does not circumscribe the client's right to pursue other legal remedies. Consequently clients are free to involve an independent 3rd party at any stage of the procedure.
Guarantees
The College has developed this Code of Conduct in an effort to safeguard the interests of all clients. To provide the services paid for, in an amicable and conducive learning environment. The College Code of Conduct is meant to compliment the National Code of Practice.
Internal Monitoring and Review
The College honours all guarantees outlined in this Code of Conduct and in the National Code of Practice
Human Resource Overview
All staff are employed or contracted on the basis of having the requisite skills, qualification, experience and aptitude for the position available. The College follows any national principles and standards, industry standards and program curricula that specify essential and desired criteria for staff selection.
All vacant positions will be made public and a number of recruitment procedures be used to broaden the scope and hence select the most appropriate person.
All training staff must hold relevant competencies and knowledge at an equivalent or higher level than that which is being instructed. Training staff must possess the required relevant industry experience, preferably with experience instructing international students, current qualifications, minimum Certificate IV, in Training and Delivery (includes assessment). Instructional staff must at minimum be currently completing Cert IV.
All positions have ascribed duties and responsibilities as outlined in Position Descriptions and the acceptance of any position obligates the staff member to abide by all Codes of Practice and college Policy and Procedure.
All staff will be inducted into the college and directed to the required handbooks and manuals containing Policies and Procedures.
New staff undergo an induction process in order to:
- Familiarise them with the organisation, its goals and its structure
- Introduce colleagues Identify other staff members
- Familiarise them with premises and equipment
- Instruct them in organisational principles and standards
- Instruct them in organisational processes and procedures
Insurance
The College has up to date insurances that cover all premises and facilities, workers compensation, public liability, professional indemnity, coverage under the ESOS Assurance Fund and OSTAS coverag
All functions, processes and procedures are reviewed regularly for effectiveness and efficiency. Monitoring and review occurs through
- Regular staff meetings to review current activities
- Annual review of business plan and its implementation
- Program records
- Client feedback
- Staff feedback
- Management monitoring and review
International Students
The College follows the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration of Providers Financial Regulations) Act 2000 when dealing with international students. International students are expected to abide by these and the organizations terms and conditions. However, extra assistance needs (e.g. language support) and cultural differences relating to learning styles etc will be taken into account whenever possible.
Industry Involvement
The College liaises with industry in an effort to confirm that:
- Current course material and training is reflective of industry needs, instilling skills to meet the employment and skill demands of industry
- Proposed courses are reflective of future industry and employment growth
- Assessment strategies, assess salient points and provide results that are useful to prospective employers
Industry contact is obtained through:
- Industry committees, comprised of local industry representatives
- Membership of professional, trade or industry organizations
- Employment of training staff with industry skills and experience
- Contact with ITABs
- Guest trainers
- Excursions
- Use of local media - newspaper, magazines, journals etc in training
Marketing and Advertising
The College is committed to integrity, accuracy, and professionalism in all marketing activities. The information provided to clients will avoid vague or ambiguous statements and false or misleading comparisons with other providers or courses. The management is responsible for overall marketing outlays for design and dissemination of marketing and advertising materials. All marketing and advertising material must be correctly authorized and comply with all relevant legislation.
National Principles and Standards
The College adheres to the Australian Qualifications Training Framework Standards for RTOs. The college continuously updates and improves all Policies and Procedures and completes an internal RTO audit on a yearly basis.
OH&S
The safety of staff and clients is of primary importance in all activities. The College observes all occupational health and safety legislation and copies of the relevant Acts are available to staff and clients. Trainers must incorporate OH&S considerations when planning and delivering training, and clients must be advised of the OH&S requirements of their programs and supervised accordingly.
Physical Resources
The College maintains suitable and up to date premises and equipment, which comply with all relevant government regulations and are kept in good order and upgraded as necessary. The College maintains administration and training facilities and equipment so as to ensure smooth and effective operations. Facilities and equipment are set up, cleaned and maintained regularly to provide a pleasant and efficient working environment. Records of premises and equipment are kept for financial and maintenance purposes. Staff and students have access to necessary instructional and assessment facilities, materials and equipment. Training facilities have:
- Accessible amenities such as toilets and drink stations
- Adequate acoustics without disturbance from external noise
- Adequate lighting for normal viewing, writing and reading, without glare,
- brightness or distractions
- Adequate ventilation and heating/cooling sufficient to maintain a suitable temperature for work and study
- Clear sight and hearing from all points and to the point of presentation
- Comfortable, ergonomic chairs, designed for use over a sustained period
- Flexible layout options appropriate to room size, shape and furniture
- Pleasing aesthetics
- Sufficient power points placed appropriately
- Suitable audio visual and presentation equipment
- Suitable tools and equipment set up safely and securely
- Tables that have appropriate space for writing and training activities
Exemptions and Recognition of Prior Learning
Under National Recognition the College accepts the awards issued by all other Australian RTOs and international institutions at tertiary level that are deemed by NOOSR to be acceptable in Australia.
The College practices an RPL and Exemptions Policy and Procedure that provides for the assessment of previous qualification, life or work experience.
Records and Archives
Through a Records Management Policy and Procedures the College ensures:
- Security and Confidentiality of all records
- Archiving of all records
- External Reporting
- Access of records by clients
Recruitment and Enrolment
Students and staff will be recruited responsibly and ethically at all times and recruitment will be consistent with prespecified selection criteria. The College is committed to non-discrimination in any form when recruiting and selecting and at all times complies with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation.
Recruitment strategies and selection processes include people from diverse backgrounds, take any special needs of into account and provide support strategies for disadvantaged clients.
Registration Terms and Conditions
The College student registration terms and conditions, including Cancellation and Refunds, are contained within the Application form and college website. The college adheres to these terms and conditions in the case management of all student concerns, appeals and grievances
College Student Recruitment Agents
The college both contracts educational placement agents to recruit students and recognizes that registering students may have their own agents.
The college ensures that all contracted recruitment agents are provided with sufficient college and course information to act as compliant representatives of the college and provide prospective students with the information required to make an informed decision to register into the college and particular courses.
