What are Policies?

Most well run organisations have some sort of policy documentation.

Policies are like the ‘rules’ of the organisation. They set a framework for operation. When all members of the organisation understand what the policies are, it’s like having everyone’s compass pointing in the same direction.

They are usually aligned to the organisation’s vision or mission statement, as well as any regulatory requirements.

Policies are very specific, amounting to a statement of “we will always do X…” or “we will never do Y…”

They are meant to be clear, concise statements of what the organisation will and won’t do.

Why have RTO Policies?

An RTO is a Registered Training Organisation. Like any organisation, they also have policies. A key difference for an RTO, is that the policies should align to one of the major regulatory requirements of an RTO – The Standards for RTOs.

All RTOs must comply with these Standards. Therefore, any decent RTO will want its operations aligned clearly with the Standards.

Remember we said it’s like all people aligning their compass to point in the same direction? That’s the objective of having a good set of policies.

A good set of RTO policies will get everyone in the RTO working in a way that complies with the standards.

Free Policies for RTOs

While doing some research recently for some training, I developed a set of policy statements that align with the Standards for RTOs. I wanted something that people could use as a framework to adapt a compliant set of policies of their own.

The documentation aligns very specifically with the Standards for RTOs. The wording is essentially a set of statements that the RTO will do certain things, in a way that meets the requirements of the Standards.

They are set up with an easy system to simply “find-and-replace” a placeholder easily with your own RTO’s name.

FREE RTO POLICIES

The above will take you to a Google Doc where you can download as a Word document (docx), PDF, or simply make a copy into your own Google Drive if you use Google Docs.

How to use

Once you’ve copied to Google Doc to your own account, or downloaded it as a Word Document, review it thoroughly. Consider how it works in line with your own practices.

The document thoroughly addresses all areas of the Standards for RTOs 2015 but is generic in nature. Some aspects of the document may not be relevant to your organisation. Other areas will be insufficient and further detail will need to be added.

1. Perform a “find and replace” for all references to [RTO Name] (including the square brackets) and replace it with your RTO name.
2. Find and replace [Complaints-Appeals-Record-Timeframe] with the timeframe in which your RTO will retain its records of complaints and appeals (e.g. 12 months).
3. Find and replace [Complaints-Appeals-Acknowledgement-Timeframe] with the timeframe in which your RTO will acknowledge a person’s complaint or appeal (e.g. 5 business days).

This document merely establishes a basic policy framework. You will need to consider also how each policy is enacted within your RTO.

Typically this is done with procedures, processes, systems, tools, checklists and of course the ongoing systematic review and improvement of your systems.

Naturally, it’s important also to educate all stakeholders on the implementation of these policies and whatever processes are attached to them.

Why do you give it away for free?

Accellier is a leading provider of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Many RTO staff, under the above-mentioned Standards, must hold this qualification. Naturally, we want to support RTOs in their pursuit of compliance and excellence.

The documentation comes with no warranties, guarantees, support, or guarantee of any kind. It is purely for reference, educational purposes, a review tool or a useful starting point for any RTO wishing to develop their own policies and procedures which comply with the Standards for RTOs 2015.

You are welcome to freely use and adapt without attribution. If you do improve on this document, or have any feedback, please let us know.

Building a great RTO?

If you’re building a great RTO, and you need your staff qualified in Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, consider Accellier. With over a decade of service, we will support your trainers and ensure they graduate equipped with the skills needed for excellence.

If all your staff are already qualified – consider our free PD initiatives (which of course help you meet your RTO compliance obligations too 😉).

Learn More

Let us know how you’re using our free resources, give us feedback, or ask your RTO and Training and Assessment related questions below: