ASQA and TAC are looking to see that an RTO can demonstrate its commitment to identifying and supporting the student well-being needs of your RTO. This includes young learners, older learners and promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.  The Draft Revised Standards for RTOs have introduced a focus on Learner Support as it relates to “wellbeing”. Lets explore some ways to do this.   Identifying Student Well-being Needs Embrace the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of your learners. Conduct pre-enrolment assessments or interviews to understand individual learners’ circumstances, support needs, and potential barriers to learning. Observe learners during training for signs of requiring additional support, such as disengagement, absenteeism, or personal issues impacting their studies. Implement processes for learners to request support services.  Provide Training for Staff Offer professional development opportunities for trainers and support staff to enhance their skills in identifying and responding to well-being concerns among learners and other staff. This could include mental health first aid training, trauma-informed practices, or cultural awareness training.  As you implement well-being initiatives, celebrate the successes, no matter how small. Recognising and sharing positive outcomes can motivate further efforts and inspire others within the RTO to contribute to the cause. At the same time, approach challenges with a growth mindset. Analyse setbacks or ineffective strategies to identify areas for improvement and adapt your approach. Learner well-being is a complex area, and continuous learning is essential. Conduct Well-being Surveys Implement regular well-being surveys or questionnaires for learners to self-report any concerns, challenges, or support needs they may have. This can be done during enrolment, at regular intervals throughout the course, or upon request. Establish a Well-being Committee Form a well-being committee comprising staff members, learner representatives, and external experts (if applicable). This committee can review feedback, identify trends, and recommend strategies to address well-being needs within the learner cohort. Providing Well-being Support Services Develop a Well-being Resource Hub Create a centralised online or physical resource hub that provides information on available well-being support services, both internal and external. This could include contact details, service descriptions, and self-help resources. Remember, even small steps towards supporting learner well-being can have a profound impact.   Implement Peer Support Programs Establish peer support programs where learners can connect with trained peer mentors or support groups. Extending the well-being focus beyond individual learners cultivates a supportive and inclusive community within the RTO. Encourage peer support networks, promote diversity and inclusion, and create opportunities for learners to connect and build meaningful relationships.A strong sense of community can provide a valuable safety net, where learners feel understood, valued, and empowered to seek help when needed. Collaborate with Community Organisations Partner with local community organisations, health services, or counselling providers to offer on-site or referral-based well-being support services tailored to the needs of your learner cohort. Reach out to other RTOs,  or industry associations to share best practices and learn from their experiences in supporting learner well-being. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can provide valuable insights and inspire new approaches. Conduct Child Safety Risk Assessments Develop and enforce a clear code of conduct that outlines expected behaviours and responsibilities for staff and learners when interacting with young learners, promoting a safe and respectful learning environment. Regularly assess potential risks to the safety and well-being of young learners, considering factors such as course content, delivery modes, physical environments, and staff-learner interactions. Implement Child Safety Training Provide mandatory child safety training for all staff, covering topics such as recognising signs of abuse or neglect, reporting procedures, and creating a child-safe culture within the RTO. RTO Policies & procedures And finally develop and review your RTO policies and procedures to identify relevant support services that can assist learners, such as counselling, disability support, financial aid, or mental health resources. Each RTO is unique, and it’s student cohorts vary, so these suggestions may not be suitable for your learners. While the specific strategies may not be a perfect fit, the key is to approach learner well-being with an open mind and a willingness to adapt and experiment. Even implementing one or two initiatives tailored to your learners’ needs could make a significant difference in supporting their well-being and potentially preventing or addressing challenging situations. Rather than attempting to implement a comprehensive well-being program from the outset, consider starting small and iterating based on learner feedback and observed outcomes. Pilot a well-being initiative, gather data on its effectiveness, and refine or expand it as needed. Engage your learners in the process of identifying well-being needs and developing support strategies. Their insights and perspectives can be invaluable in ensuring that the initiatives resonate with their experiences and address their specific concerns. Happy well-being 🌸😊

The key benefits of watching the webinar, aligning them with the new RTO standards and emphasising the importance of technology in meeting these standards.

Who are you listening to? There are many different people saying they are experts. Expert guidance seems to be everywhere. Yet there are pitfalls.  We live in a business world of information-saturation. We’re bombarded with opinions, advice, and “expert” guidance from every direction. Social media, podcasts, blogs, and even well-meaning friends and family all contribute to a cacophony of voices telling us how to live, work, and succeed. But in this sea of opinions, whose voice should you really be listening to? I see and have had opinions from so many people – people who want to share their thoughts onto me and that is OK. Now, I don’t make it an issue. Yet when I wasn’t so wise to see it as “their opinion” I did allow it to become an issue. When I was younger, I fell into the trap of trying to please everyone. I listened intently to every piece of advice: “You need to speak more assertively.” “Your appearance isn’t professional enough.” “You’re too young to be taken seriously.” “You need more qualifications before you can succeed.” I tried to conform to these expectations, moulding myself into what I thought others wanted me to be. The result? I found myself running in circles, exhausted and no closer to my goals than when I started. Then I woke up and became conscious.   The turning point came when I realised that in trying to please everyone, I had lost touch with the most important voice of all – my own. For me this message was the way to my freedom. To be just me and learn from my own experience. Building Meaningful Connections Getting to know the people you work with is so important. Whether they are industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, students, clients or staff. Try these tips: Understanding Individual Contexts. Take time to learn about each person’s background, goals, and challenges. Tailored Support. Offer guidance that’s relevant to their specific situation and aspirations. Building Trust. Genuine interest and understanding create and encourage trust, making your advice more impactful. Encouraging Self-Reflection. Help others develop their own critical thinking skills rather than just providing answers. Are you listening to people who have no idea as to what it is like to be you? Everyone is unique, we all have different experiences, different ideologies. Therefore others cannot understand what it is like to be uniquely you. They don’t know you ideals, or goals. Other people’s opinions are real, for them. They have not been through your experience. They do not know what your heart says. No one should say that you shouldn’t do whatever it is you want to do. They are judging your life, by their own life. Are we paying attention to people who have no idea what you are about? This is advice you can apply now. Filter the advice. Not all advice is created equal. I learned to consider the source and how it aligned with my values and goals. Trust my instincts. Our gut feelings are often more insightful than we give them credit for. Learn from experience. Instead of relying solely on others’ opinions, I started valuing my own experiences as a source of wisdom. Seek diverse perspectives. While not accepting every opinion, I made an effort to expose myself to diverse viewpoints to broaden my understanding. Seeking Mentors, Not Just Advisors Mentors invest in understanding your unique situation and aspirations. They offer insights based on relevant experience, not just theoretical knowledge. Good mentors recognize and respect your individual journey, offering guidance without imposing their path on you. Unlike advisors who might offer quick fixes, mentors consider your long-term growth and development. For me, the people who I work with, I get to know them. Recognising Limiting Beliefs Have you ever heard someone say: “You don’t have the money” “It’s hard work” “It’s not worth it” “If you earn that much, you’ll be taxed more”   These statements often reflect the speaker’s own limitations rather than your potential. Many successful RTO owners and entrepreneurs have achieved their goals by ignoring such naysayers. Be cautious of taking advice from those with poor track records, especially in specialised fields like setting up RTOs. Their experiences may not align with best practices or current industry standards. When receiving advice: Listen actively Consider the source Reflect on how it resonates with your inner wisdom Evaluate its relevance to your specific situation The Fitness Analogy I wouldn’t seek fitness advice from an overweight personal trainer. Similarly, in business, seek guidance from those who embody the success you aspire to achieve. Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration Choose associates who inspire rather than expire you Seek out those who understand and support your vision Align yourself with individuals who represent your aspirational self For those looking to set up an RTO, the support of an experienced RTO mentor is essential. Look for someone who: Has a proven track record Possesses extensive audit experience Understands the current regulatory landscape Can provide practical, actionable advice   Making decisions can be challenging, but remember, you are the expert on your own life and business.  Seek advice, but trust your instincts Align yourself with those who support your vision Don’t be afraid to seek specialised help when needed   When you’re ready to take your RTO journey to the next level, consider working with a mentor who has been there before. We’re here to support you with the experience and knowledge you need to thrive in the RTO sector. Remember, those who truly support your growth will offer guidance that empowers you to make your own informed decisions, rather than trying to make decisions for you. So let me leave you with this knowledge and consider if you are being true to yourself and listening to the people who truly want to support you and your goals. And whilst you’re in this journey, strive to be that kind of supportive presence for others as well. So if you want to work with me, send me a message

RTO Leadership is changing.  RTO leadership is needing to undergo significant changes as vocational education and training continues to change. I’ve been writing about this for years, and finally we have it written in the RTO Standards. , Today’s RTO leaders are expected to adapt their strategies, moving beyond a sole focus on compliance to cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation. This shift means so much more than what ahs happened in the past with many RTO. It means prioritising a student-centric approach that meets regulatory standards and enhances the overall learning experience.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfr0fQdGYq8 With the recent updates to the RTO Standards, the role of RTO leaders is evolving, and we’re here to talk about what that means. What’s New?The new standards emphasise integrity, accountability, and a commitment to quality outcomes for students. As an RTO leader, you’re not just overseeing operations; you’re shaping a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities:   Why It Matters: Effective leadership is critical for delivering high-quality vocational education. By taking on these changes, you can empower your team and provide exceptional support for your students. Here’s why: Quality Assurance: With the increased focus on quality outcomes, your leadership directly impacts the standard of education your RTO provides. By embracing these changes, you’re ensuring that your students receive the training that truly prepares them for their careers. By focusing on risk management and continuous improvement, you’re building an RTO that’s surviving, and  thriving in a continuously changing sector. This resilience is key to long-term success. Industry Relevance: Your ability to create strong industry connections means your RTO can deliver training that’s compliant, AND genuinely valuable in the real world. This makes your graduates more employable and your RTO more reputable. As you navigate these changes successfully, you’re not just leading your RTO – you’re helping to elevate the entire VET sector. Your innovations and best practices can inspire others and contribute to the overall quality of vocational education in Australia. Student Success: The emphasis on student wellbeing and support means you have the power to create an environment where every student can thrive. Your leadership in this area can dramatically improve completion rates and student satisfaction. By championing these changes, you’re creating a culture of excellence that motivates and empowers your staff to deliver their best. Effective leadership in this new landscape isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about seizing the opportunity to redefine what quality vocational education looks like. By looking at these standards proactively, you’re positioning your RTO as a trusted, compliant organisation. This can lead to smoother audits and a stronger reputation with regulators. Win!  You have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of your students and the strength of your industry. This is your moment to shape the future of vocational education, creating a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond your own RTO. By welcoming these changes and leading with vision and purpose, you’re going to ensure meeting standards and you’re setting new benchmarks for what vocational education can achieve. Your leadership can transform lives, boost industries, and contribute to a more skilled and prosperous Australia. I challenge you to rise together and make a lasting impact on the VET sector!

Quality reviews conducted by humans can ensure that the training remains relevant and aligned with industry requirements. This in itself is a huge advantage to your RTO as it can enhance an RTO’s reputation among employers and industry partners.