TAC Update - Issue 106 - May 2025

News story
Training Accreditation Council's monthly newsletter providing information on the TAC Event 2025 including important updates made by Chairperson Anne Driscoll, updated Fact Sheets and recordings, and a Focus Article on Governance.
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Welcome to the May Update

We are pleased to share that at our recent TAC event, The Next Chapter: Insights into the 2025 Standards held on 14 May 2025, over 130 participants joined us for engaging workshops and discussions on the implementation of the Registration Standards for RTOs 2025 (the 2025 Standards).

The Chair of the Council Anne Driscoll, shared an update regarding the implementation of the 2025 Standards for TAC registered RTOs This update is available via the TAC Special Bulletin and includes:

  • To implement the 2025 Standards in WA, amendments to the WA Regulations are required.
  • As the actual commencement date for the WA Regulations is dependent on finalisation of drafting and approval processes, the official commencement date for the 2025 Standards has not yet been finalised. TAC will confirm the date as soon as it is available.
  • The updated WA Regulations will be provided to RTOs in advance to allow sufficient time for review and preparation.
  • The content and requirements of the Commonwealth Instruments outlining the 2025 Standards will apply to TAC registered RTOs, with some adjustments to reflect WA circumstances. RTOs can confidently prepare for implementation using the policy information available on the TAC Online Guidance Hub.
  • A three-month transition period is proposed following the commencement of the WA Regulations. During this time, RTOs may remain compliant with either the 2015 or 2025 Standards, allowing flexibility as they adjust their operations.
  • Similarly, for the first three months after the 2025 Standards commence, RTOs will be able to submit applications under either the 2015 or 2025 Standards.
  • For the first six months of implementation, the rectification period for non-compliances identified at main audit will be extended to 30 days — except in cases where serious risks to students or safety are identified.

TAC will continue to update RTOs on the progress of the WA Regulations and confirm key dates as soon as possible.

The TAC event featured three informative workshops including Transitioning to the Registration Standards for RTOs 2025; Unpacking Governance: Leadership, Accountability, and Risk Management, and Designing and Delivering Quality Training: Insights from Outcome Standards 1.1 and 1.2. Recordings of the workshops are now available on TAC’s YouTube channel.

photos from TAC Event 25

TAC Education Program

Upcoming Events:

Register now for our upcoming event. You can also be alerted to new events by following Event Page on Humanitix.

This webinar will provide information about the latest requirements and changes to the 2025 Standards, focusing on Outcome Standards 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and the introduction of the Credential Policy.

Webinar Recordings:

View the TAC Education Program to access professional development opportunities, support and guidance materials and access previous webinar recordings and resources.

TAC Event :

Transitioning to the Registration Standards for RTOs 2025

This comprehensive workshop provides RTOs with the critical information needed to navigate the transition, implementation, and compliance with the 2025 Standards.

Unpacking Governance: Leadership, Accountability, and Risk Management

This workshop is specifically designed for those in managerial roles or involved in the governance of RTOs. It aligns with Outcome Standard 4.4 of the 2025 Standards.

Designing and Delivering Quality Training: Insights from Outcome Standards 1.1 and 1.2

This workshop is tailored for Trainers and Assessors, focusing on Outcome Standards 1.1 and 1.2, which highlight engaging, inclusive training aligned with industry and training package requirements.

 


Updates to the Online Guidance Hub

Updated Fact Sheets

The following Fact Sheets, aligned with the 2025 Standards, are now available:

Governance

The 2025 Standards place an emphasis on governance, particularly in relation to leadership, accountability, risk management and continuous improvement.  This Fact Sheet provides guidance on Outcome Standard 4, highlighting the importance of having fit and proper persons in leadership roles to ensure informed and ethical decision-making. 

It also stresses the need for clear lines of communication, compliance with standards, and effective risk management to protect students, staff, and the organisation.

Training within the 2025 Standards

The 2025 Standards provide a foundation for quality training, focusing on improving outcomes for students and reflecting industry best practices.

Outcome Standards 1.1 and 1.2 emphasise placing students at the centre of training programs, building practical skills, and accommodating diverse student needs while ensuring that training is relevant to industry needs through effective engagement with industry, employers, and community representatives.

This Fact Sheet provides practical guidance on maintaining and demonstrating compliance with these Outcome Standards, including the use of collaborative teaching techniques and continuous improvement strategies.


Focus on Quality Article: Governance

Effective governance is essential for RTOs to ensure accountability, transparency, and integrity in vocational education and training. It encompasses the systems, policies, and structures that guide how an RTO is led and managed, ensuring responsible use of resources, ethical decision-making, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

The 2025 Standards place a strong emphasis on governance, particularly in relation to leadership, accountability, risk management, and continuous improvement. These are captured in Outcome Standard 4, which describes the essential elements of good governance. It involves the RTO:

  • operating with integrity and being accountable for the delivery of quality services;
  • having clear lines of accountability within the organisation, based on well-defined and understood roles and responsibilities;
  • being able to identify and mitigate risks to students, staff and the RTO and putting appropriate risk management strategies in place; and
  • having systems and practices in place to monitor and evaluate the performance of the RTO and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Governance also includes ensuring that individuals in leadership positions are “fit and proper persons” who uphold the integrity of the VET sector and foster a culture of fairness, compliance, and ethical leadership. Clear lines of accountability must be established to support effective decision-making and operational oversight.

Strong governance supports a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback is actively sought and used to refine practices and enhance outcomes. It ensures that the organisation remains responsive to changes in the training environment, including shifts in industry needs, student expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Organisations with robust governance frameworks are more likely to achieve excellence, attract students, and maintain credibility with regulators and the broader community.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following Fact Sheets on: Governance, Child Safe Organisations, Continuous Improvement, Third Party Arrangements and Feedback, Complaints and Appeals. The TAC website provides additional information on Fit and Proper Person Requirements and the Annual Declaration.

The following workshop/webinar recordings on Fit and Proper Person Requirements, Creating a Child Safe Organisation, Governance and Continuous Improvement also provide additional guidance.


Other important Updates

The Department of Training and Workforce Development are providing free webinars to private RTOs to assist them in finding, using and managing a large range of free resources. The next session on Copyright Clarity: Creating Compliant Training Resources will be run 12:00 - 1:00pm AWST, Thurs 12 Jun 2025 and will include topics on:

  • creating and protecting your own training materials;
  • determining the copyright status of different resources;
  • an overview of using AI-generated materials for training; and
  • safe options for using third-party content.

This webinar is suitable for participants with a basic working knowledge of copyright. If you are new to copyright, please attend the Introduction to Copyright webinar in August.

 

Jobs and Skills Australia

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the following report:

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