RTO’s need to retain evidence that demonstrates feedback has been gained from industry stakeholders relating to training and assessment strategies and practices as required by Clauses 1.5 & 1.6 in the SRTOs 2015. Outcomes of industry consultation and subsequent changes made to RTO processes as a result needs to be recorded appropriately. Document your formal and informal discussions with employers so you can use their input as a basis to ensure your delivery is industry relevant. Here are some considerations RTOs need to take to ensure sufficient evidence is maintained of your interactions with industry.

Template:

RTOs should ensure they have a template in their QMS that provides a consistent format for documenting records of conversation conducted with industry stakeholders. Ideally, use a template that includes the provision for the industry stakeholder and the RTO representative to date and sign the record created so it can be verified. Without this the evidence created may not be viewed as being authentic. Your template should also prompt your representative to ask appropriate questions that address the requirements of Clauses 1.5 & 1.6 so the feedback captured from industry representatives is meaningful and specific to relevant training products.

Documenting conversations:

RTOs must gather feedback from industry on chosen electives, contexts, methods, resources and current industry skills of trainers and assessors for all training products on scope of registration. Documenting advice obtained from industry stakeholders in relation to training and assessment strategies and practices by using an Industry Consultation Record will ensure RTOs can evidence the formal or informal discussions held with industry. By documenting your engagement and consultation with industry whether done in person, via email or by phone you can ensure your RTO has recorded meaningful feedback and used that information effectively in its strategies.

Retaining evidence:

RTOs should have a document management system in place that stores all the records related to your ongoing industry engagement activities. The evidence stored should include recent and historic industry feedback relating to your RTOs training and assessment strategies and practices. Whether you maintain physical or digital records it is critical to ensure your organisation has an appropriate record keeping system in place, so records are centrally located and easily retrieved in the event of an audit or information request.