Standard
A registered training organisation undertakes systematic monitoring and evaluation of the organisation to support quality delivery and the continuous improvement of services.
Performance Indicator
An RTO demonstrates:
- it has a system in place for monitoring and evaluating its performance with the requirements set out in this instrument [these Standards] and any other instrument [the Compliance Requirements] made under section 185 of the Act, as in force from time to time;
- how outcomes derived from monitoring and evaluating its performance are used to inform continuous improvement; and
- it has mechanisms in place to lawfully collect and analyse data including any feedback received from VET students, staff, industry, VET regulators, state and territory training authorities and employers of current or former VET students.
Intent of Standard 4.4
RTOs are expected to continually self-assure – that is, they are expected to be:
- continuously testing whether they are meeting the Standards
- identifying any adjustments that need to be made to their systems, processes or practices to ensure they not only remain compliant with the Standards but also continuously improve the quality of their services.
As part of their system of self-assurance, RTOs are expected to undertake systematic monitoring and evaluation. The nature of the monitoring and evaluation undertaken by the RTO will vary based on context, including the size of the RTO, the complexity and scope of operations and the student cohort.
Systematic monitoring and evaluation should include:
- consideration of the outcomes to be measured and the indicators used to track progress and measure outcomes
- the data collection methods and tools, including how data and feedback will be collected from relevant stakeholders, including staff, students, employers and industry
- the program of monitoring, including whether it will be continuous or periodic as relevant to the activities, outputs or outcomes being tracked
- how data and feedback will be reviewed and evaluate the effectiveness of systems, processes and practices to identify opportunities for improvement
- how relevant stakeholders will be involved in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities
- how the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation will be reported and communicated to different stakeholders (including governing bodies) and how they will be able to provide feedback
- how the findings of monitoring and evaluation will be used to inform decision-making, adjust systems and improve services (i.e. how it will inform continuous improvement).
Self-Assurance Considerations
In self-assuring against this Standard, consider (among other things):
- the inputs to your monitoring, including measures / performance indicators, data sources and mechanisms for collecting stakeholder feedback
- how frequently will you review data and undertake evaluation activities relevant to the training product
- how you will involve relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities
- how you will document, report and use the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation
- how you will adjust your systems, processes and practices in response to the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation
Standard 4.4 – Reflective Questions
In considering the reflective questions, consider the extent to which your current practices are working and what if any, changes you could make to improve these. It may be helpful to think about examples.
- How do you monitor and evaluate your performance against the Standards?
- How do you involve students, staff, clients, industry representatives and other stakeholders in ensuring your RTO continues to monitor its services and adjust as required?
- What is in place to collect and analyse data and feedback from students, staff, industry, employers, regulators and others?
- How are the outcomes of monitoring and evaluation used to improve your performance and the quality of the services?
Additional Resources
Fact Sheet
Webinars
- Continuous Improvement Standard 4.4
- Using Internal Audits for Continuous Improvement
- Internal Audit Series
- Part 1 - Overview
- Part 2 - Process
- Part 3 - Taking Action for Improvement
TAC Website
Related Standards
Standards
- Standard 4.4 relates to all other Standards
Compliance Requirement
