There has been a significant increase in applications to add training products in April to June compared to January to March 2020 and April to May 2019 and April to June 2019 to date

The qualifications most frequently added to scope during between 1 April and 31 May 2020, in order, are:

• BSB80615 - Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) (30)
• BSB80515 - Graduate Certificate in Management (Learning) (19)
• BSB61015 – Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (18)
• BSB51415 – Diploma of Project Management (15)
• CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (15)
• SIT40516 - Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (15)

The units of competency most frequently added to scope are:

• CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (17)
• HLTAID001 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (17)
• RIIWHS206 – Control traffic with portable traffic control devices and temporary traffic signs (15)
• RIIWHS303 – Position, set up and program portable traffic control devices (14)
• HLTINF001 – Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (13)
• RIIRIS402E – Carry out the risk management process (13)

97.7 percent of providers have submitted their Declaration on Compliance. This is illustrated by the sharp increase in the Material Change Notifications received by ASQA between 15 April and 13 May 2020.

The graph below shows the number of applications and material change notifications received by ASQA.

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Complaint numbers to ASQA have remained steady – with COVID-19 related complaints emerging but in small numbers. Of the 236 complaints and intelligence reports received by ASQA, 39 relate specifically to COVID-19. The emerging issues in relation to COVID‑19 that have been reported to ASQA by way of complaints include:

• Online delivery – providers not amending course content or resources to suitably deliver online training. Similarly, concerns from learners were raised in relation to meeting their work placement/practical components. This categorisation of complaints also gives rise to learners receiving inconsistent assessment guidelines, and the use of different household resources to meet practical assessments, which may not be consistent with the assessment requirements of the units being completed.
• A request for a refund, or negotiation of tuition fees. While this does not fall in ASQA’s jurisdiction there have been complaints requesting a refund or to be able to negotiate fees with providers as learners had originally enrolled in face-to-face learning, and as a result of COVID-19 are now not receiving what they had paid for.
• Slow response to COVID-19 requirements. Also falling outside ASQA’s jurisdiction, a small number of complaints have been received indicating a slow approach from providers in enforcing social distancing guidelines, and ensuring appropriate hygiene protocols are maintained at training facilities.

ASQA received 1368 enquiries by email or phone relating to COVID-19 between 23 March and 31 May.