A draft model for self-assurance
In early 2022, we developed a draft model for self-assurance, through a co-design process with the sector. This page details the process involved to create this model during Stage 2 of this process. You can read more about what we heard from the sector as part of the co-design process, to create the draft model.
Defining self-assurance
Self-assurance is when training providers have their own systems and practices to systematically monitor, evaluate and continually improve their training outcomes and performance against the Standards and obligations as a registered training organisation (RTO).
Throughout the co-design process, we shared the following definition of self-assurance with providers and stakeholders;
Self-assurance refers to how providers manage their operations to ensure a focus on quality, continuous improvement and ongoing compliance with the Standards.
It means providers have systems in place to critically examine their performance against the Standards and training outcomes, on an ongoing basis, to identify ways to continuously improve.
Throughout the co-design process, there was broad agreement with this definition of self-assurance.
Principles for a model for self-assurance
Throughout the co-design process, we have progressively refined a set of principles for the self-assurance model with providers and stakeholders. These principles reflect a shared understanding of what a model should and should not be.
Throughout Phase 2 of the co-design process, we heard strong agreement with and support for these principles to continue to guide the development of the self-assurance model through the next phase of co-design. These considerations are contributing to Phase 3 of the co-design process, currently underway.
Principles for the model:
flexible to be appropriate for all providers regardless of size, type, operating context and self-assurance maturity
aligned with RTO standards and supporting other requirements including State/Territory where possible
focused on continuous improvement rather than merely compliance
simple and easy to understand for providers
encouraging and supporting providers to fully integrate self-assurance into their business (‘organic’ to operations)
reinforced and validated by other regulatory activities including ASQA’s performance assessments and risk analysis
valuable to providers and linked to a reduction in regulatory burden
backed by effective support, guidance and education by ASQA
A model should avoid:
being overly prescriptive
encouraging providers to just ‘tick the box’ / achieve the minimum requirements
causing self-assurance to become an additional business process for providers
duplicating existing requirements of providers
The draft model
We have progressively refined the elements of the draft model with providers and stakeholders throughout the co-design process.
At the end of Phase 2 of the co-design process, there was strong agreement and support for the elements among our stakeholders and providers, with most feeling that the categories were appropriate and covered the key areas that would ensure quality and compliance with the Standards.
Figure 1 The draft model for self-assurance: End of Phase 2
The following draft model for self-assurance has been superseded by the Phase 3 model, which is now open for feedback. Have your say on Phase 3 model
Next steps
We are now seeking feedback from the sector about the draft model for self-assurance through Phase 3 of the co-design process.
During Phase 3, we will:
- develop and refine the level of detail for the overall model and each element, including an overall explanation about its purpose
- explore guidance and information requirements by model element/sub-element
- identify providers’ expectations about and capacity to provide evidence of self-assurance by model element
- identify expectations about ASQA’s and others’ role in the provision of education
- identify additional tools or resources required, based on further model development.
You can provide feedback in a number of ways:
- have your say on the Phase 3 model (survey open until 8 June 2022)
- email the project team at StrategicReviews@asqa.gov.au
If you have a question or comment about self-assurance in the VET sector, you can contact the project team at StrategicReviews@asqa.gov.au