Rose Training talks RTOs and third parties

Many RTOs will enter into arrangements with third parties – whether that be with other RTOs who offer different yet compatible courses, job service companies, or  non-registered training providers.  If you are part of an RTO, and have entered into a third party agreement, or plan on doing so in the near future, it is vital you aware of the processes and rules involves in maintaining an effective third party relationship (these are found in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, in particular Standard 2, Clause 2.3-2.4). ASQA has a new fact sheet which deals with this topic in depth – here we are going to offer a snapshot of what it means to be in a third party agreement (also known as a partnering agreement), as well as what you need to comply with and be aware of.

Third party arrangement:

Defined as – a party that provides services on behalf of the RTO.

It does not include a contract between an employee and the RTO

Services:

Defined as – training, assessment, related educational and support services and/or any activities related to the recruitment of prospective learners.

It does not include services such as student counselling, mediation or information and communications technology (ICT) support.

Examples of services under the definition include, but are not limited to, learning resource centres, LLN programs, equipment and resources to support and help learners with disabilities

What must you have to establish a third party?

Written agreement, which may include

– The names of both parties

– The date at which the agreement start and ends

– The terms and conditions of the agreement

– The way in which the RTO will ensure and manage the relationship with the third party

When RTOs  are publishing an advertisement, or representing or providing a VET training product, they must include the name and registration code of the RTO that will issue the VET qualification or statement of attainment.  Look to the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Act 2015 for more information on these requirements. Under Standard 5, Clauses 5.15.4, a third party arrangement should be made known or accessible to all students.

If you want to know more about RTOs and third party requirements, please read the ASQA fact sheet below, which you can find here: //www.asqa.gov.au/media-and-publications/third-party-arrangements.html

If you want to discuss this with Rose Training Australia, feel free to give us a ring on 3038 3048 or e-mail Jessica Rose at jessica@rosetraining.com.au