australian government department of employment, …...report for milestone 1 a project management...

Service Provider Instructions 2020-2023

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Contents 1. Document History 2

2. Purpose 3

3. About the Program 3

4. Program Documentation 4

5. Roles and Responsibilities 6

6. Project Lifecycle 7

7. Assessment Round 8

8. Relationship with other programs 8

9. Project Eligibility Exemption 9

10. Participant Eligibility 10

11. Participant Eligibility Exemption 11

12. Project Design 12

13. Project Delivery 16

14. Quality Assurance Framework 19

15. Milestones: Key Deliverables 21

16. Project Application Assessment 25

17. Reporting and Project Completion 26

18. Promotional Material 29

1. Document History

Version Start Date Date Effective End Date Change and Location

1.0 1 May 2020 1 May 2020 30 June 2023 Original

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2. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to clarify the administrative arrangements for organisations (the

Service Providers) that have been appointed to the Department of Education, Skills and

Employment (Department) panel for the delivery of Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital

Literacy (LLND) training services under the Foundation Skills for Your Future program (the

Program).

This document should be read in conjunction with the Deed, Program Guidelines, any Work Order

and any relevant reference material issued by the Department. In accordance with clause 8.3 of

the Deed, the Service Provider is required to comply with this document, but it does not contain

the entirety of the Service Provider's obligations and does not supersede the requirements as

outlined in the Deed or any Work Order.

In this document, the use of the term ‘must’ means that compliance is mandatory. The term

‘should’ means that compliance represents best practice.

This document may, in accordance with clause 8.3(b) of the Deed, be updated in whole or in part

at the discretion of the Department. When this occurs, the Department will notify the Service

Provider.

In this document, except where the contrary intention is expressed the definitions set out in

Schedule 1 (Glossary) of the Deed apply.

3. About the Program

The Program is an initiative of the 2019-20 Budget measure ‘Skills Package — Delivering Skills for

Today and Tomorrow’.

The Program supports eligible employed or recently unemployed Australians to identify and

address LLND needs through the provision of fully subsidised Accredited Training and Non-

Accredited Training delivered by Service Providers.

Eligible Australians seeking to improve their LLND skills or employers seeking to develop workforce

LLND skills can access the Program by linking up with a Service Provider. Service Providers will

develop Projects, deliver LLND training that improves Participant LLND skills, and provide

Participants with the confidence to meet current and future employment and training needs.

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4. Program Documentation

This section sets out the documentation for the administration of the Program.

Overarching documentation

The following list sets out the documentation that provides the contractual framework for the

delivery and governance of the Program.

Table 1: Overarching documentation

Document Description

Administrative Advice Operational advice, templates, reference documents and other supporting documentation issued by the Department to assist Service Providers.

Contract The legal agreement formed when the Department issues a Work Order in accordance with the Deed.

Deed Deed of Standing Offer entered into by the Service Provider and the Department for the delivery of the Program.

Guidelines The document titled 'Foundation Skills for Your Future - Program Guidelines', as updated by the Department from time to time.

Project Application Form The template form for a Project Application made available by the Department as amended from time to time.

Service Provider Instructions (this document)

The instructions issued by the Department to all Service Providers in relation to the delivery of Projects under the Program, as updated from time to time by the Department.

Work Order A written order for Services issued in accordance with the Deed.

Detailed documents List

The following list sets out the administrative documents that form part of the Program requirements. The Department has identified in the table the documents which the Service Provider must use or comply with in delivering the Services.

Documents can be accessed at www.dese.gov.au/FoundationSkills.

Table 2: Document list

Document Title Compulsory Yes/No

1. Program Enrolment Form Yes

2. ACSF Assessment Kits for Indigenous, Youth and Mature Aged No

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Document Title Compulsory Yes/No

3. DLSF Assessment Kit No

4. RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form Yes

5. Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form Yes

6. Project Extension Request Form Yes

7. Project Survey Form Yes

8. Digital Literacy Skills Framework Yes

9. Australian Core Skills Framework Yes

10. Secure File Transfer System (SFTS) User Guide Yes

11. Program Style Guide Yes

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

Reference What is required

5.1 Service Provider Obligations

The role of the Service Provider is to deliver the Services in accordance with the Deed, any Contract, Program Guidelines and applicable administrative documents. This includes:

complying with the administrative requirements set out in these Service Provider Instructions (see clause 8.3 of the Deed);

managing and reporting on the risks associated with the delivery of the Services;

employing appropriately qualified and experienced staff (see clause 18.1 of the Deed);

maintaining registration as an RTO in accordance with the Vocational Educational Training (VET) Quality Framework (see clause 8.2 of the Deed);

participating in regular meetings arranged by the relevant Department Representative (see clause 20 of the Deed);

attending Service Provider conferences, workshops and other forums arranged by the Department, as required by the Department;

providing access to all locations where the Services are delivered, as required by the Department (see clause 51.2 of the Deed); and

reporting all Participant complaints or issues that are of a serious nature to the department within 24 hours, regardless of the resolution status (see clause 8.5 of the Deed).

5.2 Department Obligations (National Office)

The role of the Department is to administer the Program, including:

paying fees to Service Providers in line with contractual arrangements (clause 27 of the Deed);

managing the Deed and any Contracts;

Program budget management;

development of Program policy advice;

monitoring the Service Provider's progress against the Key Performance Indicators (see clause 16 of the Deed); and

preparing and amending Project documentation.

5.3 Program Advisory Committee (PAC)

The role of the Program Advisory Committee is to:

advise on the technical feasibility of the project in terms of accredited and non-accredited LLND training and project design;

provide local knowledge appropriate to the application;

advise if proposed projects duplicate support provided in other Commonwealth or State and Territory programs;

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advise on exemption requests to the Program Guidelines eligibility criteria; and

prioritise projects, if warranted.

6. Project Lifecycle

The Project lifecycle depicted at Figure 1 describes the process to deliver the Program’s objectives

and outcomes.

Service Providers may lodge Project Applications to develop:

Employer Workplace Training Projects: An employer or industry-specific workplace

training project delivered, providing Accredited LLND Training and Non-Accredited LLND

Training in the workplace; and/or

RTO Personalised Training Projects: provides tailored Accredited LLND Training and Non-

Accredited LLND Training through flexible delivery modes.

Table 3: Foundations Skills for Your Future Project Life Cycle

A. Needs Analysis

• Conduct a Need Analysis to identify Training opportunites

B. Project Design and Application

• Design Project

Employer buy in for work place projects

• Needs analysis and Participant requirements

• Lodge Project Application with the Department

C. Project Assessment

• Assess Project Application

• Delegate approval

• Work order issued (and Contract is formed)

D. Project Delivery

• Participant enrolment

• Participant initial LLND assessment

• Training commences Project reporting

Milestones

• Participant final LLND assessment

• Program data collection and Reporting

E. Project Completion and Reporting

• Project training completion and reporting activities

F: Payment

• Payments on acheivement of milestones

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7. Assessment Round


7.1 Assessment round

[Clause 5.1 of the Deed]

The Department intends to conduct multiple assessment rounds each year.

At the launch of each assessment round the Department will notify the Service Providers of the policy objectives for that round. For example, an assessment round may emphasise Employer Workplace Training Projects over RTO Personalised Training Projects to ensure a balance of Project types or to ensure national coverage of the Program’s delivery.

Program appropriation is capped per financial year. If the appropriation for a particular financial year is exhausted, the Department will not accept further Project Applications for that financial year.

8. Relationship with other programs

This section sets out the Service Provider's requirements in relation to obtaining additional funding

in respect of a Project.


8.1 Project funding

[Clause 27.6 of the Deed]

[Section B.1.2 of the Statement of Requirements]

[Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form section 2.1)]

[RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form section 2.1]

If funding for the proposed Project is being received from an alternative funding source then the Project will not be eligible for funding under the Program.

8.2 Is the proposed Project eligible for funding from other State, Territory or Commonwealth Programs?

[Sections B.1.2, B.1.4 and B.1.5 of the Statement of Requirements]

Service Providers should not seek to deliver LLND/Foundation Skills qualifications or courses that are subsidised or partially subsided by the Commonwealth1, State or Territory governments, unless there is material issue with access to the program. For exemptions to this requirement, please refer to section 9 of this document.

1 The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program

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[RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form section 2.2)]

8.3 Will the proposed Project be delivered alongside State and/or Territory programs?


[RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form section 2.3)]

Service Providers should provide information in the Project Application Form on how the proposed Project intends to support the delivery of Commonwealth, State and/or Territory programs.

9. Project Eligibility Exemption


9.1 Project Eligibility Exemption

[Sections B.1.4 and B.1.5 of the Statement of Requirements]

In exceptional circumstances, Service Providers may seek an exemption from the Department to deliver a Project that meets the Commonwealth, State or Territory LLND/Foundation skills funding criteria, as detailed under 9.2 of this document, provided the Service Provider can demonstrate that there is a material issue with access to the programs. In instances where the Service Provider is seeking an exemption, the Service Provider must complete section 3.0 on the Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form or section 3.0 on the RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form. When assessing the Service Provider's request for an exemption, the Department (in consultation with the Program Advisory Committee) will take into consideration:

the location in which the proposed Project is being

delivered;

the availability of State/Territory/Commonwealth LLND

training programs in the region in which the training will

be provided; and

mitigating circumstances applicable to the proposed Project.

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10. Participant Eligibility

This section sets out the Service Provider's obligations in relation to the eligibility of Participants.


10.1 Eligibility Requirements

[Section B.1.3(a) of the Statement of Requirements][Section 3 of the Program Guidelines]

[Program Enrolment Form]

The Service Provider must determine Participant eligibility and this should be established at the time of submitting the Project Application. To assist Service Providers to determine the eligibility of Participants and support the Department in collecting Participant information, each Participant must complete the Program Enrolment Form, in accordance with section 10.2 of this document. If the Participant is assessed as not eligible, and there is no approved exemption, then the Participant cannot participate in training. If a Participant commences training and it is established that they are not eligible, the Service Provider must advise the Participant that they are not eligible for training and withdraw them immediately.

10.2 Program Enrolment Form

[Program Enrolment Form]

Service Providers must ensure that Participants:

sign the Participant declaration included in the Program Enrolment Form consenting to the collection and use of Personal Information; and

provide proof of identity as required by the Program Enrolment Form.

A copy of each Participant's Program Enrolment Form must be provided to the Department via the Secure File Transfer System (SFTS) at the lodgement of the first Milestone Report.

10.3 Program Enrolment Form: Under 18 years

In relation to obtaining consent from individuals under the age of 18, the Service Provider must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles Guidelines. The Australian Privacy Principles Guidelines provides information in relation to obtaining content from an individual under the age of 18.

10.4 Refusal to sign Program Enrolment Form

If the Participant refuses to sign the Program Enrolment Form, the Service Provider is unable to satisfy the Participant's eligibility criteria and the Participant cannot access training under the Program.

https://www.oaic.gov.au/assets/privacy/app-guidelines/app-guidelines-july-2019.pdf

https://www.oaic.gov.au/assets/privacy/app-guidelines/app-guidelines-july-2019.pdf

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11. Participant Eligibility Exemption


11.1 Participant Eligibility Exemption

[Sections B.1.4 and B.1.5 of the Statement of Requirements]



Service Providers may seek an exemption for Participants to access LLND training that they would not otherwise be eligible to access if the Participants or employers can demonstrate:

that there is a material issue with access to subsidised or partially subsidised Commonwealth, State Government and/or Territory LLND/Foundation Skills training; or

where subsidised or partially subsidised Commonwealth, State Government and/or Territory LLND/Foundation Skills training is:

not being delivered in the region in which the Participant resides;

no longer being offered as the available subsidy (funding) has been exhausted;

to deliver LLND training outside working hours, for example, to cater for Participants that work full-time, and accessible LLND training is not offered.

In instances where an exemption is being sought, the Service Provider must complete section 3.0 on the Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form or section 3.0 on the RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form. The Department, prior to the assessment of the Project Application, will consult with the Program’s Advisory Committee on the grounds for the exemption When assessing the Service Provider's request for exemption the Department will apply the following criteria:

the location in which the proposed Project is being

delivered;

the availability of Commonwealth, State and/or Territory

LLND training programs in the region in which the

Participant resides;

the personal circumstances that may prevent the

Participant from accessing Commonwealth, State and/or

Territory LLND training programs, such as:

caring responsibilities;

health related issues or disability; or

natural disasters, other emergencies, or

unforeseen events.

If the exemption is approved, the Project Application will be assessed as outlined in section 16 of this document.

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The Service Provider must record the grounds for the Participant's exemption on the first Milestone Report. Refer to Table 4 in section 15 of this document.

12. Project Design

Project design is critical to the delivery of the Program’s objective and outcomes and Service

Providers should be informed by the needs analysis before proceeding to the Project’s design

phase. This section sets out the requirements for designing a Project.

For Employer Workplace Training Projects, relevant employers should be involved in all facets of

the Project’s design and must endorse the proposed Project in the Project Application.


12.1 Project Objectives



Proposed Projects must be designed to deliver LLND training that meets the Participants and/or employers training needs utilising existing and/or minor resource customisation.

An Employer Workplace Training Project should:

demonstrate how it will contribute to increased productivity of Participants;

improve the Participants' job security and/or career prospects; and

lead to a measurable increase in Participant LLND.

A RTO Personalised Training Project should:

demonstrate how it will contribute to the Participants' employment and/or further training needs; and

lead to a measurable increase in Participant LLND.

12.2 Project Application

[Clause 5.1(b) of the Deed]

Project Applications must be submitted to the Department using the following templates made available by the Department at www.dese.gov.au/FoundationSkills:

RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form

Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form

A separate Project Application Form must be completed for each proposed Project.

Projects proposed to take place across more than one state/territory will be considered a national Project and marked as such on the Project Application Form.

12.3 Project delivery Period

There is no required minimum of a proposed Project. The maximum permitted length is two years

The length of the Project should be dependent on the Participant and/or employer needs. Intensive workplace training can be

http://www.dese.gov.au/Foundation

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[Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form section 11.0]


delivered over a short interval or delivered outside of normal Business Hours over longer intervals.

If a proposed Project is over a particularly long period (for example, greater than 12 months), the Department may request that the Service Provider break the proposed Project into multiple Projects to manage the potential risks associated with a longer Project.

12.4 Extension of Project delivery period

[Clauses 14 and 23 of the Deed]

[Project Extension Request Form]

Without limiting the Service Provider's obligations under clauses 14 and 23 of the Deed (as relevant), the Service Provider may request to extend the Project delivery period in instances where:

there is a delay in meeting a Milestone, which prevents the Service Provider from completing the training by the due date (refer to clause 14 ‘Delays in meeting Milestones’ of the Deed); and/or

an unforeseen event has occurred which prevents the Service Provider from delivering Services or completing a Project (refer to clause 23 ‘Unforeseen Events’ of the Deed).

Service Providers requesting an extension must submit the request by completing and submitting the Project Extension Request form to the Department. If the request to extend the Project delivery period is approved, this change will be given effect in accordance with clause 22 of the Deed.

12.5 Project planning and delivery method

[Employer Workplace Training Project Application Form sections 8.1, 8.4]

[RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form sections 7.1, 7.4]

Service Providers should consider flexible training options to support the Participants personal circumstances and/or employer needs. Proposed Projects may include:

standard face-to-face delivery;

onsite workplace delivery (if applicable);

distance learning modes (see section 12.6);

blended delivery methods; or

other innovative training options.

When designing the proposed Project, the Service Provider must consider:

the different learning styles of Participants within each training location;

what (if any) additional support services should be provided; and

what digital platforms and resources are required for online delivery.

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12.6 Distance Training delivery



Distance delivery of a Project can include the provision of training via:

online course content via intranet/extranet;

virtual classrooms;

videoconferencing and/or live lectures (video streaming); and

the provision of printed course materials.

If a Service Provider is considering a Project that involves distance training, the Service Provider should ensure that Participants have the required skill level to participate. Participants must be provided with the resources and required support to enable them to meet the requirements of the Accredited LLND Training and/or Non-Accredited LLND Training.

12.7 Designing Non-Accredited LLND Training



When designing Non-Accredited LLND Training Service Providers must consider the:

intended purpose and outcomes of the training;

LLND skills and knowledge required to complete the Non-Accredited training;

estimated time to complete each Non-Accredited training component to enable each Participant to demonstrate competence;

assessment methods and evidence required for a Participant to demonstrate competency in each training component; and

evaluation strategy that drives a process of continuous improvement.

During training development, it is essential that relevant key stakeholders are consulted to ensure the training design addresses the needs of Participants and employer organisations.

Service Providers must provide the Department with a Training and Assessment strategy.

12.8 Digital literacy training



Digital literacy refers to the skills and competencies needed to use digital technologies to achieve personal goals and/or enhance employability or career progression.

It also involves understanding concepts and language associated with the digital world and the capacity to understand and work with emerging risks associated with online environments.

Service Providers should integrate digital literacy tasks into Accredited LLND Training and/or Non-Accredited LLND Training and should consider:

the language and literacy requirements associated with the digital world;

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the emerging risks associated with online environments; and

how digital technology can enhance or make possible specific aspects of a role or task, and create new opportunities.

12.9 Contextualised training

[Employer Workplace Project Application Form section 9.2]

[RTO Personalised Training Project Application form section 8.2]

Service Providers should contextualise training and assessment materials for a proposed Project, so that the materials are more appropriate for the Participant and/or the employer.

When contextualising training, Service Providers should consider:

the existing skills, experience and needs of the Participants;

adapting the teaching and assessing environment to suit Participants and/or employer needs;

adapting training and assessment content so it is relevant to the Participants' environment and/or the workplace environment; and

the unit requirements and whether the requirements can be contextualised.

12.10 Work experience placements

[Clause 44 of the Deed]


Work experience placement, workplace observation or simulated workplace training maybe incorporated into Projects.

Participant workplace training, observation or simulated workplace training provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and understanding of employers’ needs and expectations. It is intended to increase Participants' work-related skills and knowledge and, as a result, increase their future employability.

If a Participant is required to take part in a work experience placement, the Service Provider must ensure that it complies with the requirements set out in clause 44.2 of the Deed and:

the placement is conducted in an environment that meets all relevant work, health and safety standards;

the Participant receives remuneration, if the Participant is entitled by law to receive remuneration;

if no workers compensation scheme applies to the placement, the Service Provider has insurance in place providing equivalent coverage for the Participant to that provided by the employer for its employees; and

the Participant receives any reasonable assistance required to complete the placement.

The Service Provider must specify details of any workplace training or observation in the Project Application Form.

12.11 Development of training resources

Development of training resources or customisation of existing resources may be incorporated into the Project design and must be:

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[RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form Section 9.1]

included in the implementation plan; and

costed in the Service Provider's proposed Project Fee.

When incorporating the development or customisation of resources into the Service Provider's proposed Project Fee, the Service Provider must include the amount of hours to prepare the resources.

12.12 Employer Workplace Projects: Employer in Kind Contribution


Service Providers must work collaboratively with the employer to identify what support and assistance (in-kind contribution) is reasonably required to enable the employees to participate in training.

Employer contributions may consist of, but is not limited to the following:

releasing employees to attend training during business hours;

providing transport to employees to access training;

providing appropriate resources and facilities; and

back-filling, if appropriate.

13. Project Delivery

Service Providers must incorporate the following tasks into the design of a Project and

Implementation Plan.


13.1 Participant Orientation

Service Providers should provide orientation for all Participants prior to commencing training. Orientation seeks to ensure Participants:

understand their obligations in relation to attendance, withdrawing from training, participating in LLND assessments at the beginning and end of the training, and anything regarding change in enrolment /participation status;

are provided the Program Enrolment Form (including the declaration) to sign;

are made familiar with the facilities (including emergency procedures);

understand the complaints handling procedures;

aware of additional support services; and

are provided with information on the training they will receive.

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13.2 Conducting an Initial Assessment

[Section B.1.6 of the Statement of Requirements]

All Participants enrolled in LLND training must undertake an Initial LLND Training Assessment (an 'Initial Assessment').

The Initial Assessment will determine each Participant's LLND skill level and will assist each Service Provider to develop appropriate Projects to support the Participants.

The Initial Assessment must be undertaken prior to a Participant commencing training. However, in instances where the Participant is unable to complete the ACSF and/or DLSF assessment during the initial appointment, the assessment can be conducted within the first two weeks of the Participant commencing training.

During the Initial Assessment, the Service Provider must:

assess the Participants LLND skills against the ACSF and DLSF; and

record ACSF/DLSF results in the Milestone Report.

ACSF/DLSF Assessment kits are available at www.dese.gov.au/FoundationSkills .

For each Participant, the Service Provider must maintain all original ACSF/DLSF assessment tasks and documentation on the Participant's File.

13.3 Tailored Training Plan

Service Providers must develop and provide a Tailored Training Plan for each Participant prior to commencing training.

The Tailored Training Plan should include:

the enrolment/training site and the delivery mode of the training;

proposed orientation and commencement date of the training;

details of the training being delivered, schedule and expected outcomes; and

details of the Participant's goals and pathway.

The Service Provider must maintain a copy of the Tailored Training Plan on the Participant's File.

13.4 Conducting a Completion Assessment

[Section B.1.7(a) of the Statement of Requirements]

Prior to the Participant completing training, the Service Provider must conduct a final LLND assessment against the relevant LLND skills (a 'Completion Assessment'). The Completion Assessment will assist in evaluating the success of the training in achieving the Participant's goals and the Program’s objectives and outcomes. The Completion Assessment must include:

an assessment to identify and report the Participant's:

http://www.dese.gov.au/FoundationSkills

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ACSF progress against the Initial Assessment; and/or

DLSF progress against the Initial Assessment,

Or

an assessment of a Training Package/ Accredited Course/Units mapped to the ACSF and/or the DLSF to report the Participant's progress against the Initial Assessment.

The Completion Assessment does not need to include an ACSF/DLSF assessment of all core skills. Only those skills, which the training targeted.

13.5 Completion Assessment: Employer/Participant Project Survey

[Section B.1.7(b) of the Statement of Requirements]

At the completion of training, employer organisations and Participants are required to complete the Department’s Project Survey Form, which will rate the Participant's and Employer’s satisfaction with, but not limited to the:

enrolment process;

training delivery model;

training content; and

ACSF/DLSF assessment process.

The completed Project Survey Forms must be included in the final Milestone Report.

13.6 Completion Assessment: Participant Transition Options

Service Providers should provide information and/or assistance to Participants seeking to access:

additional vocational education training (VET) qualifications and/or accredited courses; and

training through alternative learning pathways, such as though Adult Community Education (ACE) programs.

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14. Quality Assurance Framework

The Department’s Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) for the Program is designed to facilitate high quality Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) outcomes for Participants.

The Program’s quality assurance indicators provide standards against which the Department will assess the design, delivery and outcomes of Accredited and Non-Accredited LLND Training Projects.


14.1 Objective

G.2 Approach

The QAF’s objective is to ensure that each Project provides high quality Accredited LLND Training and Non-Accredited LLND Training that meets the needs of the Participant, employers, and leads to quality training outcomes and provides economic benefits to the Australian Economy and the broader Community.

The Program’s Participant outcomes are to:

up-skill or re-skill for new roles;

obtain and retain secure employment;

undertake further education and training;

The Program’s Employer outcomes include:

improve productivity;

improve Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards;

increase workplace efficiency; and

other outcomes as specified.

The Project Application Forms are framed against, and should be read in conjunction with the Quality Assurance Framework. The QAF details four quality assurance Indicators, which are as follows:

1.0 Project Design;

2.0 Training Delivery;

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3.0 Learner Centred Approach ; and

4.0 Resources (including facilities and equipment). The Department will apply the QAF’s four quality indicators to performance monitoring to ensure compliance with the Deed, the relevant Contract, Program Guidelines, other relevant Program documentation.

Quality Assurance Indicators

1.0 Project Design

[Employer Workplace Training Application section 8.0]

[RTO Personalised Training Application section 7.0]

Quality project design is responsive to feedback from stakeholders such as industry and employers and includes clearly articulated training objectives that lead to positive Participant outcomes.

Guiding Principles:

1.1 Project design supports the Program, Participants and employers objectives.

1.2 Quality learning outcomes are supported through quality training and delivery strategies.

1.3 Project design supports Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and Digital Literacy Skills Framework (DLSF) assessments.

1.4 Project design is responsive to feedback from stakeholders and Participants.

The Department will assess each Project Application to ensure it is achieving the Project design principles.

2.0 Training Delivery



Quality training is defined as training that is fit-for-purpose and relevant to the needs of the Participant. It is realised through appropriate course design, supported through quality teaching and assessment processes to achieve positive training outcomes.

Guiding Principles:

2.1 Teaching and learning strategies are fit-for-purpose and relevant to the needs of the learner.

2.2 Trainers and assessors have appropriate training and experience for the courses they deliver and assess.

2.3 Evaluation of training and assessment practice is regular and rigorous.

The Department will monitor each Project to ensure it is achieving the training delivery principles.

3.0 Learner-Centred Experience

[Employer Workplace Training Application section 8]

[RTO Personalised Training Application section XX]

Quality Participant outcomes are facilitated through quality Project design and teaching processes. Training that is learner-centred should encourage student participation and achievement, and be tailored and flexible to the needs of the individual or group.

Guiding Principles:

3.1 Participant needs drive the Project design.

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3.2 Feedback is routinely integrated into the training delivery processes to enhance the learner experience.

3.3 Participants should be enabled to build on skills, behaviours and confidence to be used beyond the learning setting.

The Department will assess each Project against the Learner- Centred Experience Principles to ensure that the Participant LLND learner experience is optimised.

4.0 Resources and Facilities



Resources and facilities must be to a standard that creates an effective learner environment for LLND training delivery. Participants must have access to sufficient facilities and equipment required to successfully complete LLND training.

Guiding Principles

4.1 The facility has existing resources and/or customises resources for each Project to meet a range of Participant learning needs, styles and preferences.

4.2 Teaching and study spaces facilitate LLND learning. 4.3 Teachers have access to space and resources to create

learning materials to meet training needs.

The Department will assess each Project against the Resources and Facilities Principles to ensure that the Participant LLND learner experience is optimised.

15. Milestones: Key Deliverables

The Milestones articulate the key performance obligations associated with each Project.


15.1 Milestone Reporting

[Employer Workplace Project Application Form section 11.0]


[Section C.1.4 of the Statement of Requirements]

Service Providers must report on Project progress against the key Deliverables within each Milestone for the duration of the Project.

The Milestones are set out in each Work Order and are based on the Service Provider's Project Application, which must include the key Deliverables detailed in Table 4 (below).

The length of the Project will inform the frequency of Milestone reporting periods and Milestone Payments. The Milestone requirements are as follows:

<6 month Project = at least 3 Milestone Reports and Milestone Payments;

6-12 month Project = at least 4 Milestone Reports and Milestone Payments; and

>12 month Project = subject to separate arrangements.

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15.2 Key Deliverables

The Key Deliverables identified within each Milestone are identified in Table 4 (below). The key Deliverables must be delivered and completed within the timeframes specified in the relevant Work Order.

15.3 Project management Service Providers must develop and submit with the Milestone Report for Milestone 1 a Project Management Plan for the Project. The Project management plan must detail the plan to implement training as set out in section 8.1 ‘Project Planning' of the Employer Workplace Project Application Form or section 7.1 ‘Project Planning' of the RTO Personalised Training Project Application Form.

The Project Management Plan should include but not be limited to, the following elements:

1. Key Deliverables and due date for:

course design

training delivery

reporting outcomes

2. Project schedule, including applicable travel details;

3. Roles and responsibilities of Personnel;

4. Communication/marketing Plan; and

5. Tracking and management of training.

15.4 Milestone evidence

[Clause 27.1(b)(ii) of the Deed]

Service Providers must include the documents detailed in Table 4 when lodging each Milestone Report. Additional documentation may be requested by the Department to support evidence of Milestone completion

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Table 4: Milestones and key Deliverables

Implementation Plan

Note: For proposed projects spanning multiple ASGS regions (within and across jurisdictions), the Service Provider must provide the total number of hours to complete each of the key Deliverables identified below.

The Department may request additional documents or materials to support evidence of Milestone completion and/or Quality Assurance review.

Key Deliverables - Milestone 1:

Project design, planning and development


Project commencement and training delivery


Project training delivery


Project training delivery


Project completion

Milestone Report Evidence to be uploaded to the SFTS

Additional Evidence that can be requested

Develop Project Management Plan (see requirement 15.3 of the SPIs)

Project Management Plan

Develop ACSF/DLSF assessment process

Conduct IA:

ASCF/DLSF assessment

Create Tailored Training Plan

Completion Assessment: - Assessment

ASCF/DLSF/course units Participant/ employer survey

ACSF/DLSF Assessment Outcomes

ACSF/DLSF Assessment Plan

ACSF/DLSF Assessment tasks

Develop/customise training resources (if applicable)

Develop/Customise training resources (if applicable)

Developed Training resources

Develop Non-Accredited LLND Training units (if applicable)

Training and Assessment Strategy and/or equivalent document

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Develop ACSF/DLSF unit mapping resources/documents (if applicable)




Developed Mapping resources/ documents

Commence training, hours to be delivered:

Training hours to be delivered



Training and Assessment Strategy and/or equivalent document

Upload Program data via Milestone Report:

Participant exemption details

Upload Program data via Milestone Report:

- Participant commencement dates

- Change in Participant status

- ACSF/DLSF assessments outcomes

Upload Program data via Milestone Report: - Participant

commencement dates


Upload Program data via Milestone Report: - Participant

commencement dates


Upload Program data via Milestone Report - Change in Participant

status

Milestone Report Completed Participant/Employer Survey report

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16. Project Application Assessment

This section sets out the Department's process for assessing Project Applications. The Department

will assess the strengths of each Project Application on a merit basis having regard to the Program

Guidelines and associated documents.


16.1 Assessing the Project Application

Once a Project Application is submitted, the Department will assess the Project Application.

The Department will endeavour to consider a Project Application, in accordance with clause 5.3(d) of the Deed, within 20 Business Days of receipt of the Project Application.

16.2 Clarifying the Project Application

[Clause 5.3(c)(ii) of the Deed]

If aspects of a Project Application are not clear, the Service Provider may be requested by the Department to provide clarification or additional information, in accordance with the Deed.

16.3 Assessment Result

[Clause 5.3(e) of the Deed]

Formal advice notifying the Service Provider of the outcome of the assessment will generally be provided within 20 Business Days of the lodgement of the Project Application.

Once approved, a Work Order will be issued under the Deed for the relevant Project.

16.4 Project Applications not approved

If the Project Application has not been approved, the Department will notify the Service Provider and provide a brief outline of the reasons the Project Application was unsuccessful.

If a Service Provider is not satisfied with the decision, the Service Provider may request a review of the decision and set out the evidence to support a review.

Any review of a decision is at the discretion of the delegate.

The delegate will advise the Service Provider of the outcome of the review within 20 Business Days after receiving the request for review, depending on the case presented and whether legal or other advice is required.

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17. Reporting and Project Completion

Service Providers must meet the reporting requirements as outlined below and as set out in each

Contract.


17.1 Secure File Transfer System (SFTS)

[Clause 10 of the Deed]

The Department has established an encrypted SFTS to electronically transfer of Project Applications, reports and any other relevant files for the purposes of the Program. The SFTS can be accessed at Web Transfer Client - Login (https://ftp.jobs.gov.au)

Skills Service Providers will have restricted access to the SFTS and will only be able to access their own secure Project Applications and/or files.

Service Providers must nominate one or multiple users to access the SFTS. The following details of the nominated users should be provided at the time of lodging a Project Application:

Name of user/s

Organisation and position

Email address

A contact number.

Once users have been set up in the SFTS, Service Providers will be notified of their username and passwords.

The Secure File Transfer System (SFTS) User Guide for Service Providers is available at www.dese.gov.au/FoundatinoSkills . The User Guide provides assistance with access to the SFTS and includes a section on the SFTS File Structure requirements.

17.2 Milestone Reports and Program data

[Part I of the Statement of Requirements]

The Department will collect data relating to Participant information and training Milestones through templates (provided by the Department) for all Accredited LLND Training and Non-Accredited LLND Training.

Service Providers must provide Milestone Reports, which includes Program data to the Department through SFTS within five days of the Milestone Date.

The Program data format will be the same as the data formats that are required by the Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS).

Service Providers that also report through AVETMISS must ensure that the Program’s specific funding identifier code is selected when entering data into AVETMISS.

https://ftp.jobs.gov.au/EFTClient/Account/Login.htm

https://ftp.jobs.gov.au/EFTClient/Account/Login.htm

http://www.dese.gov.au/FoundatinoSkills

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The Funding National Code for the Program is 13 and the program specific identifier is 23.

17.3 Unique Student Identifier (USI)

[Section I.1.3 of the Statement of Requirements]

As an RTO, the Service Provider must collect and report each Participant's USI number in accordance with the relevant USI legislation, including the Student Identifiers Act 2014 and Student Identifiers (Exemptions) Instrument 2014.

For accredited training, Service Providers must:

either collect or create a USI for each Participant (please note that the Participants permission is required prior to creating a USI on their behalf);

verify the USI, if supplied by a Participant;

ensure a Participant has a valid USI before conferring a qualification or statement of attainment on that Participant;

ensure the security of USIs and related documentation; and

destroy any personal information which the Service Provider collected solely for the purpose of applying for a USI on behalf of a Participant.

Service Providers must provide the USI number for each Participant on the Program enrolment form.

17.4 Reporting Training Commencement


Service Providers must record the actual date that training commences for each Participant in the Milestone Report provided by the Department.

Participants who do not commence training must be recorded as a 'non-commencement'.

17.5 Reporting changes to a Participants training status (withdrawal)


If a Participant fails to attend their scheduled training, Service Providers should make every attempt to contact them and/or liaise with their employer, as there may be a legitimate reason for their absence.

If a Participant no longer wishes to participate in training, then the Service Providers must record it as a withdrawal in the Milestone Report provided by the Department and select the appropriate reason code from the drop down box (if known).

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17.6 Reporting Participant re-commencement


When making a decision to recommence a Participant in training after a withdrawal, the Service Providers should consider the benefits likely to be gained by the Participant against the Project timeframes.

Service Providers must record the re-commencement in the Milestone Report.

17.7 Reporting new Participants


Service Providers may replace withdrawn Participants, provided the new Participants can still benefit from training and achieve the required outcomes.

All new Participants must:

undertake a ASCF and DLSF assessment in accordance with section 13.2 of this document;

complete a Program Enrolment form in accordance with section 10.2 of this document; and

be provided orientation in accordance with section 13.1 of this document.

Service Providers must record new participants in the Milestone Report.

17.8 Reporting Completion Assessment outcomes

[Deed Schedule 2 Part I Clause I.1.3]

Service Providers must record the final assessment results for each Participant in the Milestone Report

17.9 Evidence to support ACSF and DLSF Assessment

[Deed Schedule 2 Part I Clause I.1.3]

Service Providers must provide sufficient evidence to support the outcome of the Completion assessment.

Sufficient evidence includes:

assessment instruments, tools, mapping documents and tasks relevant to the ACSF/DLSF indicators being claimed;

Participant work samples, including drafts and final copies relevant to the ACSF/DLSF indicators being claimed; and

assessor notes about the conditions and context of the assessments, including relevant notes about the LLND features being demonstrated relevant to the ACSF/DLSF indicators being claimed as outcomes.

Assessment evidence must be made available for review by the Department, if requested.

17.10 Participant File Service Providers must maintain a Participant File, which includes:

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[Deed Part C Section C Clause 51.1 (d) 51.2 (c)]

signed Individual Privacy Notice Form;

ASCF/DLSF Assessment material;

Tailored Training Plan;

Participant survey results;

complaints and/or warning letters (if applicable);

termination documentation (if applicable);

work experience placement details (if applicable); and

statements/certificates created for Non-Accredited Training components.

18. Promotional Material

The Department will use its infrastructure through a dedicated website and social media to

promote the Program to individuals and employers, as well as promoting the Program through the

VET Stakeholder Committee, which includes industry peak bodies.


18.1 Obtaining promotional material

The Department may provide the following promotional materials to the Service Providers:

social media kits which are to be used for promotion in the Service Provider's local area;

electronic posters; and

electronic fact sheets.

Service Providers seeking pull up banners for display in the reception area or at events must contact the department at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]