The client
A not-for-profit group delivering training and apprenticeship services across regional NSW, with a broad scope of registration and Smart and Skilled funding.
The approach
Rather than a one-off check, the provider chose an independent benchmarking audit every year. Each audit built on the last, so the board and management could see progress over time.
Integrated Standards and Smart and Skilled audit
One year’s audit covered both the Standards and the Smart and Skilled contract, including its operating guidelines, in a single engagement. We sampled two qualifications, two units per qualification and up to 10 student records per qualification, and spent seven days on and off site reviewing evidence and interviewing staff. Separate reports covered the Standards and the contract, so each could go to the right people.
Full-scope audits in following years
Later audits covered all of the Standards, the qualifications and credentials the provider issued, and the requirements of its own quality assurance system, over five to seven days.
Assessment validation
We validated assessment across five units, reviewing around 80 student records. Each unit received mapping showing how every tool and task addressed the unit requirements, and a validation report with a constructive critical review of the assessment system. Each student record received notes on anything to follow up. The provider’s subject matter experts gave input on technical questions.
What the client received
- An audit report each year, with risk-rated findings, evidence and improvement strategies
- A consistent baseline for measuring progress from one year to the next
- Validation reports and mapping for every unit reviewed
Client details are withheld. This case study describes the scope and approach of the engagement.