CODE OF PRACTICE - SPECIALISED TRAINING SERVICES
1.1
Specialised Training Services has been established as a vocational education
facility specialising in traineeship training and the delivery of quality skills
develop which is predominately delivered in a workplace setting.
2.1
Specialised Training Services is committed to high standards in the
provision of education and training. The following Code of Practice describes
the minimum standards of our service delivery and customer support.
2.2
As a registered Training organisation, Specialised Training Services has
agreed to operate within the Principles and Standards of the Australian Quality
Training Framework (AQTF). This
includes a commitment to recognise the training qualifications issued by other
Registered Training Organisations.
2.3
This Code of Practice provides the basis for best practice in the
marketing, operation, financing and administration of education and training
services by Specialised Training Services, in compliance with the registration
requirements of Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
2.4
The policies set out in this Code of Practice underpin the operations of
Specialised Training Services. Specialised Training Services recognises that
registration as a Registered Training Organisation may be withdrawn if we do not
honour the obligations of the Code of Practice.
2.5
Specialised Training Services has a commitment to providing a quality
service with a focus on a continuous improvement. Specialised Training Services
values feedback from students, trainers, and industry representatives for
incorporation into future programs, (Refer to AQTF Quality Manual). Where
possible, Specialised Training Services designs diagnostic assessment
instruments specific to student needs.
3.1
Specialised Training Services has policies and management strategies, which
ensure sound financial and administrative practices.
3.2
Management guarantees the organisation’s sound financial position and
safeguards student’s fees until used for training and assessment.
3.3
We have a refund policy, which is fair and equitable. When Specialised Training
Services charge fees for attendance at specific courses, the costs are clearly
outlined in the promotional material and on the enrolment form. Costs are
also detailed on the STS website. Please see the separate Refund Policy for
procedures.
3.4
Student
records are managed securely and confidentially and are available for student
perusal on request.
3.5
STS maintain adequate insurance policies, including but not limited to Public
liability, Professional Indemnity and WorkCover.
4.1
Specialised Training Services prides itself on creating
a ‘unique learning experience’ for all of its Learners. We incorporate the
principles of Adult Leaning in all of our delivery to encourage active
participation in all of our programs. The STS model of individualised training
encourages learners, employers and trainers to communicate and work
synergistically to ensure the success of the program. STS also provides an
environment that is totally free from discrimination and bias.
4.2
Assessment will meet the National National Assessment
Principles (including Recognition for Prior Learning and Credit Transfer).
4.3
Appropriate facilities, equipment and training
materials will be utilised to ensure the learning environment is conducive to
the success of Learners. Acceptable
behaviour in a learning environment is outlined in the STS P.20 Disciplinary
Procedure and discussed at induction of learners.
4.4
Specialised Training Services has personnel with appropriate
qualifications and experience to deliver the training and facilitate the
assessment relevant to the training products offered. Facilitators will be skilled in vocational training techniques and adult
learner principles and have a thorough knowledge of topics being delivered
4.5
Specialised Training Services will ensure that assessments are conducted
by a person who has the following competencies from the Training Package for
Assessment and Workplace Training, or can demonstrate equivalent competencies:
§
BSZ401A, BSZ402A, BSZ403A – Plan, conduct & review assessment or,
§
TAAASS401A, TAAASS402A, TAAASS404A, plan, organise, assess and validate
assessment
4.6
Delivery methods and assessments will incorporate a
variety of methods to ensure a participatory and stimulating training
environment
4.7
All training notes will be written in plain English.
Notes will be in a format that encourages Participants to take notes and
modify techniques to their specific situation
4.8
The health and safety of Participants will be the
primary consideration when selecting venues
4.9
Training will be designed to meet the identified
needs of Participants
4.10
All personal information gained through
questionnaires, activities and general discussion will remain confidential
unless permission to disclose this information is granted by the Participants
4.11
Specialised Training Services embrace policies and management practices
that maintain high professional standards in the marketing and delivery of
vocational education and training services.
These policies and practices will safeguard the interests and welfare of
students.
4.12
All trainers will maintain a learning environment that is conducive to
the success of the students. They
will have the capacity to deliver the training and facilitate the assessment
relevant to the training products offered and provide adequate facilities and
use appropriate methods and materials.
5.1
Specialised Training Services will comply with all legislative
requirements of State and Federal Government.
In particular Work Place Health and Safety, Workplace Relations,
Vocational Placement, Anti Discrimination and Equal Opportunity, National
Information Privacy, Vocational, Education, Training and Employment ACT 2000 and
the mutual recognition of accredited qualifications issued from another RTO will
be met at all times.
5.2
We will ensure that Workplace Harassment, Victimisation and Equal
Employment Opportunity information are available to learners and staff members
alike.
5.3 The following site contains links to relevant legislation and will be updated as required. http://www.sts-training.com/legislation.htm
6.1
Specialised Training Services will meet the needs of individuals and the
community through the integration of access and equity guidelines. Specialised
Training Services will ensure that equity principles for all people are
implemented through the fair allocation of resources and the right to equality
of opportunity without discrimination. Specialised Training Services will
increase opportunities for people to participate in the vocational education and
training system, and in associated decisions, which affect their lives.
Recruitment of participants will be consistent with the principles of
social justice.
6.2
All students are recruited in an ethical, responsible and equitable
manner adhering to Equal Opportunity Legislation and all other relevant
legislation and consistent with the requirements of the training product.
6.3
Potential learners will be given a clear indication of the existing
skills and knowledge required to achieve the stated outcomes of their course.
6.4
Our Access and Equity Policy
ensures that student selection decisions comply with equal opportunity
legislation.
6.5
Appropriate qualified staff will
assess the extent to which the applicant is likely to achieve the unit of
competency or outcomes of the course, based on the applicant’s qualifications
and competencies. Specialised
Training Services will set out detailed, relevant and precise information to
Learners relating to their course content, vocational outcomes, fees and hours.
Opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer will
be discussed with every student.
6.6
Specialised Training Services
prohibits discrimination towards any group or individuals in any form, inclusive
of:
§
Gender
§
Pregnancy
§
Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or ethno-religious
background
§
Marital status
§
Homosexuality (male or female, actual or presumed)
§
Age (in relation to compulsory retirement)
Access
and equity issues are considered during training package/product development.
Access and equity issues are considered in training delivery and assessment.
7.1
Specialised Training Services will market their vocational education and
training with integrity, accuracy, and professionalism, avoiding vague and
ambiguous statements.
7.2
In the provision of information no false or misleading comparisons will
be drawn with any other Training provider or course.
7.3
Specialised Training Services’s marketing strategies will not
contravene legislation. Marketing
and advertising materials will not include any reference to clients or
Participants without their prior written permission (F.59 consent form).
7.4 Marketing and advertising materials will conform to the standards required of Registered Training Organisations, particularly:
§
clearly identify which courses are nationally
recognised within the scope of our registration
§
advertise only those AQF qualifications or Short
Course competencies we are registered to issue
§
comply with the names and titles of courses as
endorsed or recognised by the relevant bodies
§
provide clear course information, including
actual content and vocational outcomes
7.5 Students will be recruited responsibly and ethically at all times and recruitment will be consistent with any training package/product requirements. Specialised Training Services is committed to non-discrimination in any form when recruiting and selecting and at all times comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation. There may be prerequisites before commencing a program due to health requirements or the nature of the program.
8.1
Specialised Training Services has in place a process and procedure for
the effective management of practices that maintain high professional standards
and safeguard interests and welfare of Learners in situations that might result
in their harassment. All course
participants will be given clear instructions regarding the avenues for any
complaints as well as a support person to assist them through the process.
8.2 We have sound management practices to ensure effective client service. In particular we have client service standards to ensure timely issue of student assessment results and qualifications. These will be appropriate to competence achieved and issued in accordance with national guidelines. Our quality focus includes a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, a fair equitable Refund policy, a Grievance/Complaints Policy, an Appeals Policy, an Access and Equity Policy and Learner welfare and guidance services. Where necessary, arrangements will be made for those Learners requiring literacy and/or numeracy support programs. Specialised Training Services will take every opportunity to ensure that this information is disseminated, understood and valued by personnel, clients and Learners.
8.3 Information detailed in the training plan will ensure that all fees and charges are known before enrolment to both the learner and the employer, that course content and assessment procedures are explained and that vocational outcomes are outlined.
8.4
Student records and documentation are recorded, kept confidential and
securely archived. Specialised
Training Services keeps complete and accurate records of the attendance and
progress of Learners, as well as financial records that reflect all payments and
charges and the balance due, and provides copies of these records on request by
the owner of the records. Students
can access their own files upon request to STS administration, Employer
representatives can access any information relevant to the training plan and
fees that they are party too.
8.5
Specialised Training Services has student welfare and guidance services
relevant to the training products. These
include literacy and numeracy support, job search assistance and referral to
counselling as appropriate.
8.6
Upon enrolment to a course, students have an individualised training
plan created. This process will
identify any adaptive technology which may be required, any additional tutoring
assistance and determine a timeframe for the training and assessment to be
conducted.
8.7
Specialised Training Services has a statement of commitment to the
protection of young people from any harm. Please
refer to policy POL.11. Student
welfare is also monitored through the disciplinary procedures refer to P.20.
9.1
Specialised Training Services will provide accurate, relevant and
up-to-date information to all students prior to commencement.
This will include but not be limited to:
ü
A Copy Of the Code Of Practice – available on STS website
ü
A Copy Of the Refund Policy (where applicable)
ü
A Copy Of the Grievance Procedure
ü
A Copy of the Appeal Procedure
ü
A copy of the Client Service Standards
ü
A copy of the Access and Equity Policy
ü
Details Relating To Total Fees, Costs And Charges (where applicable)
ü
The Award To Be Issued To The Student On Completion Or Partial
Completion Of The Course – Training Plan Outline
ü
Competencies To Be Achieved By Students – Training Plan Outline
ü
Admission Procedures and Criteria
ü
Assessment Procedures
ü
Student Support Services
ü
Arrangements For Recognition Of Prior Learning
9.2
Where necessary, arrangements will be made for those students requiring
literacy and/or numeracy support programs. All students in traineeship program
will be assessed in order to
ascertain if their Literacy and Numeracy skills are sufficient to successfully
undertake the training program. Non-traineeship students may elect to be
assessed. This is usually via
interview or completion of an exercise contained in the proposed training
program. Those who require further assessment will be out-sourced to a qualified
expert. Any costs incurred for fee-for-service students will be the
responsibility of the student.
9.3 Specialised Training Services
recognises special needs that some students may have because of their individual
background and experience. They may
progress at a different level, and may encounter different learning barriers
than others. Specialised Training
Services will endeavor to provide and maintain a professional learning support
environment, wherein the Student can progress at a pace consistent with their
own expectations.
9.4
We will take every opportunity to ensure that this information is
disseminated, understood and valued by all STS team members
and students.
10.1
Specialised Training Services recognises the right of a participant to
lodge a grievance.
10.2 Specialised Training Services has a fair and equitable process for dealing with student’s grievances (POL.06). STS team members will be fair, courteous and helpful in all dealings with students. In the event that grievances cannot be resolved internally, we will advise the student of the appropriate body where they can seek further assistance.
10.3
Customer complaints will be processed through the grievance process.
10.4
All written grievances will be treated “in confidence” and a decision
relayed to the student as soon as possible. See separate Grievance and
Complaints Procedure for further details.
11.1
Specialised Training Services conducts regular reviews of its training.
All feedback from students is welcome and will be included in internal
reviews.
11.2
Specialised Training Services has also agreed to participate in external
monitoring and audit processes required by the state training authority.
This covers random audits, audit following complaint and audit for the
purposes of re-registration.
12.1
Specialised Training Services will advise clients of all fees and
charges involved in providing facilitation, training and/or assessor services.
Payment plans are outlined on invoices.
12.2
Course fees and assessment services for courses will be specified in our
website and course brochures.
12.3
Should Specialised Training Services cancel any course/training program
students are entitled to a full refund or transfer of funds to a future course.
12.4 In the event that the student wishes to cancel their course/training program, then fees will be calculated on a recovery basis, allowing STS to retrieve any expenses already incurred including text books and trainer time, the balance of fees will be refunded to the student.
12.5
Application for refunds can be made to the Director of Specialised
Training Services in writing.
12.6
Refer to POL.05 Financial Management Policy.
13.1
Applicants who consider that they have completed appropriate training or
have through prior learning and experience gained the required
skills/competencies stipulated for the units of the course may be granted RPL
upon substantiation of that claim. (Refer to POL.08)
14.1 Students may be entitled to a credit transfer
in the following circumstances:
·
Completed units of competency from a National Training
Package.
·
Complete modules which are mapped totally to a competency
from a National Training Package.
15.1
Assessments undertaken will be consistent with National Assessment
Principles
15.2
STS will provide valid and reliable assessments of
achievements against industry competency standards or modules from accredited
courses within the scope of our registration. These assessment instruments will
be moderated within and externally and feedback will be sort through industry
networks.
15.3
Specialised Training Services will offer a variety of assessment options
appropriate to the qualification outcome.
15.4
Specialised Training Services offers Participants the opportunity to
gain credit for existing competencies through the process of Recognition of
Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) within the scope
of our registration.
15.5
Recognition will be conducted in accordance with the
Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning. Both the National Assessment
Principles and Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning are available for
Participants to read on request. Refer Assessment
Policy and RPL/RCC Recognition Evidence Guide.
15.6
The objective of assessment is for the student to show that they have
achieved the unit’s competencies, that they have the skills and can
demonstrate these skills over a period of time in a variety of ways. Students
may be assessed by one or more of the following methods:
§
Observation
– the completion of a specified task or set of procedures, normally performed
under close supervision, using a detailed checklist.
§
Oral
questioning
– a response is provided to a series of questions presented in order to
demonstrate understanding of principles or reasoning behind the action taken.
§
Case
study
– an opportunity to display problem solving and decision making skills is
provided in a simulated context.
§
Multiple
choice –
a question or incomplete statement followed by several options [usually 4 – 5]
from which the trainee selects the appropriate answer/s.
§
Written
short answer – a written response item consisting of a question/s with answers
of a single word, a few words, a sentence, or a paragraph.
§
Project
–
an exercise or investigation based on a real life situation, generally requiring
a significant part of the work being carried out without supervision, and
involving the completion of a project report.
§
Or
any other method outlined in the student information book
Students
will be advised of the assessment methodology before training commences.
16.1
Learners will be advised of the appeals process at induction and
throughout the assessment process. If
an appeal is received, STS will assign a reviewing assessor to re-evaluate the
evidence. The reviewing assessor has the authority to overturn the
original assessor’s decision. If
the Learner is not satisfied, STS will refer the matter to a mutually agreed,
impartial, accredited assessor for re-evaluation.
17.1
If a Participant’s action at training creates or increases a health
and safety risk to themselves or others, fails to perform activities/tasks in
accordance with the training program and instructions of Facilitators or acts in
a wilfully negligent way the disciplinary procedure shall be used.
17.2
Specialised Training Services
reserves
the right to discipline a Participant where appropriate by restricting their
participation in the class, removing the learner from activities or at worst
removing the learner from the entire course.
17.3
If a Facilitator wishes to discipline a
Participant, he/she should make a formal or informal approach, to the Director.
17.4
If the discipline notice (written notice) is
lodged informally, the Director will immediately clarify the matter in writing
and forward a copy to the Participant and any chosen representative for
confirmation
17.5
Any discipline procedure and the process of
its resolution will remain confidential between the parties involved
17.6
The Participant is entitled to present a
defence against the notice and may nominate a chosen representative to act on
their behalf
17.7
The Director will make every effort to resolve
the disciplinary action internally between the parties involved
17.8
If the action cannot be resolved internally,
an independent person will be approached immediately to act as an impartial
arbitrator
17.9
The Participant will be consulted about the
selection of the independent arbitrator
17.10
Both the Participant and the Facilitator may
nominate a chosen representative to act on their behalf in any subsequent
discussions or arbitration
17.11
The outcome of any discipline procedure will result in one of the
following:
§
The Participant may be taken out of group training for one on one
sessions
§
The Participant may choose not to continue with the course
§
The employer may choose to withdraw the Participant from the training
course
17.12 DETA may also be called upon to discuss the issue where the issue is of a serious nature.
18.1 Qualifications [Diplomas, Certificates, and Statement of Attainment] will be issued within 14 working days of successful completion of the program. Qualifications will meet the requirements of the training package/product and legislation. (Refer to P.12)
19.1
In the event that international students are admitted to any of the
courses/programs conducted by Specialised Training Services, we acknowledge the
requirements and will be bound to the policies governed by the Education
Services for Overseas Students (Registration of Providers Financial Regulation)
Act.
20.1
It is acknowledged that if the obligations of this Code or supporting
documents and regulatory requirements, where applicable, are not met,
Specialised Training Services may be de-registered as a Registered Training
Organisation and have its recognition withdrawn.
Current as at 30/03/2007
Jenny Field
Director - Specialised Training Services