Speaker 1: 0:23

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the top five mistakes I see RTOs making right now, as we race towards the 1 July 2025 deadline and, most importantly, I'll tell you how to fix them so you can avoid a compliance disaster. These are drawn from real world examples, from my own clients, conversations with Asqua and the patterns we're seeing across the sector. So let's dive in. Mistake number one assuming you're covered because you submitted early, maybe before 1 July. Many RTOs believe that because they submitted an addition to scope or an initial registration before 1 May, they're only subject to the old standards. But here's the catch If your application is still being processed after 1 July, asqa can request additional evidence under the new standards. How to fix it? Start preparing your RTO now. Get your updated evidence updated now. Don't wait to be asked. Be proactive so you're not caught off guard. Mistake number two not updating policies and procedures to match the revised standards. I still see RTOs relying on their old policies, thinking they can update them later, maybe when they've got an audit coming up. But if your documents don't reflect the revised standards, you're going to be out of step, in particular, if you get one of those surprise audits that we all dread. How to fix it. Prioritise key documents your enrolment agreement, training and assessment strategy, learner support framework and trainer assessor credential documentation. Use a checklist or engage expertise like vivacity to help you to ensure alignment. Mistake number three overlooking self-assurance and continuous improvement requirements. The 2025 standards place a bigger emphasis on self-assurance, meaning you can't just say you're compliant, you need systems to prove it. How to fix it? Review your continuous improvement processes. Do you have regular internal audits? Do you gather and act on student feedback? Do you document on how to check training product relevance? Strengthen these systems now.

Speaker 1: 2:55

Mistake number four not training the team. Too many RTOs focus on documents and forget the people. Trainers and assessors and admin staff must understand the changes and what the implications will be on them and the RTO. How to fix it? Run a team training session. Even a short focus workshop can ensure everyone knows what's changing and how they can contribute to compliance, or even send them to one of our webinars. We've got many of them and there are so many that are out there right now on the new compliance requirements.

Speaker 1: 3:34

The snake number five waiting for ASQA to provide all the answers here's a big one. Many RTOs are stuck because ASQA's operational details like updated forms and clear processes haven't been fully released. But waiting passively is risky. How to fix it? Work from the practice guides and the revised standards themselves. Build your evidence base now, even if you just have to adjust once ASQA's processes are clarified. Document all your efforts and interactions with ASQA to show good faith.

Speaker 1: 4:13

Let me share a quick story. Just in the last couple of weeks, my team contacted ASQA about a new addition to scope process, expecting updated forms or detailed instructions. What we got was uncertainty. They referred us to the practice guides, but no clear operational process was available. There was no form. There was no process at all. They didn't even know what the process was. When the team asked you know, do you have a form for the addition to scope? They went I'll just go to the practice guides. But okay, okay, how do we submit? I don't know, I'll ask someone. And then they came back and said they still don't know. So this highlights the need to be proactive, even when the regulator's details are unclear. You can't just wait. You need to prepare your evidence and update your systems and stay alert for new information.

Speaker 1: 5:11

Compliance is not static. It's an active, ongoing process. Here are my final tips and some resources that you can access. Prioritise the areas with the highest compliance risks. Conduct a risk assessment to identify what are the risks. Engage your team. Compliance is a shared responsibility. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Vervacity offers compliance clarity calls, membership resources and toolkits to help you transition smoothly. Remember, the best way to avoid mistakes is to stay informed, stay engaged and take action. Thank you for tuning into the RTO Superhero Podcast. If you found today's episode valuable, please subscribe and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us to continue to bring you expert insights and practical strategies. If you need support navigating the revised, visit our website, wwwvivasitycomau, to book a clarity call or learn more about our services. Stay compliant and keep thriving.