Welcome back to the RTO Superhero Podcast. I'm Angela Connell Richards. Today we break down ASCOA's RTO tip-off system. This is ASCA's channel for reporting concerns about training quality, misconduct, unsafe practice, or any issue that threatens the integrity of VET in Australia. A tip-off is not a customer service tool. It is not a place for small disputes. It is used when someone sees behavior that risks students, industry, or the quality of training and assessment. Good operators want this system to work because it protects providers who are doing the right thing. Tip-offs often relate to core standards. Training that does not meet training product requirements. Assessment that is not valid, fair, or consistent. Issuing certificates without proper evidence. Misleading marketing. Unqualified trainers or unsafe third party delivery. Patterns like these trigger regulatory action. ASCA uses tip-offs to detect systemic issues, not isolated mistakes. When several people report similar concerns, ASCA builds a risk picture and targets its audits. This protects students and protects the credibility of nationally recognized training. Let's look at the themes ASCAR sees most. Training that lacks structure, pacing or real practice time. Training delivered without access to required facilities or resources. Assessment with pre-filled answers, recycled evidence, or no observation. Assessment tools that do not match the training product. Issuing AQF documentation without proper assessment. Incorrect use of the NRT logo. Marketing that promises jobs, shortcuts, or unrealistic durations. Third parties delivering without oversight. Agents making claims the RTO cannot support. Each of these connects directly to the outcome standards and compliance requirements. Good RTOs care because their reputation is tied to the strength of the sector. When poor quality providers operate unchecked, the value of every qualification in that industry drops. Tip-offs help remove those risks, which supports the RTOS doing the hard work. Here is how to keep your RTO away from the wrong end of a tip-off. Provide clear, current, and accurate information before enrolment. Ensure training matches the training product. Structure delivery so students have time for instruction, practice, feedback, and assessment. Assure your assessment system through regular risk-based validation. Verify trainer and assessor credentials and keep currency evidence. Monitor third parties and record your oversight. Manage complaints well and respond within the time frames you have published. A large portion of tip-offs come from students who felt ignored. Build a culture of early detection, early correction, and transparent decision making. This is the core of self-assurance. A common question is whether RTOS should self-disclose issues. If a matter impacts training quality or student safety, the answer is yes. Self-disclosure shows integrity and aligns with the leadership and accountability standards. ASCA recognizes providers who take responsibility for fixing issues early. Tip-offs exist to protect students, protect quality, and protect the integrity of national training products. Build strong systems, review them often. Act quickly when issues arise. This keeps your RTO low risk and strengthens the entire VET sector. Thanks for listening to the RTO Superhero podcast. See you in the next episode.