Quality assurance is a pillar that upholds Australia’s vocational education training (VET) sector. Maintaining high standards and complying with regulatory requirements is crucial for registered training organisations (RTOs) across the country. The annual declaration on compliance is vital to this process and ensures VET quality nationwide.
Understanding Your RTO’s Annual Declaration on Compliance
The ASQA annual declaration on compliance is a formal statement required from RTOs across Australia. It confirms adherence to the 2015 RTO Standards for all certifications issued in the past year. Your annual declaration of compliance reports that:
- Your organisation keeps accurate and timely records.
- Your organisation monitors and complies with regulatory requirements.
- Your organisation actively identifies and manages risks.
For more information on the regulatory requirements for reporting, refer to Clause 8.4 of the Standards.
Meeting the Deadline for Your Annual Declaration on Compliance
Each year, ASQA sends email invites to each RTO’s chief operating officer (CEO) as a reminder to submit their annual declaration on compliance. Each email contains a unique web link for your online declaration, so it’s crucial to ensure that all registration details on training.gov.au and asqanet are updated to avoid missing deadlines.
ASQA will also send email reminders, website notifications, and newsletter mentions to help you keep track of submission deadlines. RTOs with late submissions may be subject to regulatory action.
Preparing Your RTO: Declaration of Compliance Checklist
For a timely submission:
- Ensure that your ASQA records are current and accurate.
- Update provider information on asqanet.
- Monitor compliance and prepare early.
- Evaluate current operations against the Standards and registration requirements.
- Confirm regulatory compliance.
- Submit the form by the deadline and if late, request prior approval before submission.
Using ASQA’s Self-Assessment Tool
ASQA encourages RTOs to use their self-assessment tool to supplement the preparation process. This tool is valuable for assessing your organisation’s compliance with regulatory and operational requirements. When utilised properly, the tool can help you ensure ongoing compliance and identify areas for improvement within your organisation.
Visit the ASQA Self-Assessment Tool page for more information. The page provides comprehensive guidance and instructions to help you maximise the benefits of this valuable resource.
Completing Your Annual Declaration on Compliance
When filling in the form, remember to:
- Edit, review, and save information.
- Verify that all details are correct.
- Save a copy of your answers immediately after submission.
You can only submit the form once since ASQA restricts access and edits afterwards. Proper submission is essential, so it’s best to refer to the original email for the unique web link. You will be receiving a confirmation email if your submission was successful.
If your CEO did not receive a link during the ASQA annual declaration submission period, have them check their spam or junk mail folders. Otherwise, they would have to check if the email address listed on training.gov.au is correct. If not, they must immediately update their details on asqanet and contact the ASQA Info Line to request a new email.
If further assistance is necessary, the ASQA Info Line is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Australian time.
Remember that your RTO’s annual declaration on compliance is vital for upholding nationwide VET quality standards. Your prompt and accurate submission will contribute to maintaining the integrity of training systems across Australia.
