One of the areas where the most significant changes to the Revised Standards for RTOs have been made is in the new Outcomes Standard 2.5, which states:
“Standard 2.5
Outcome Standard
(1) The learning environment promotes and supports the diversity of VET students.
Performance Indicators
(2) An NVR registered training organisation demonstrates:
(a) it fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment for VET students; and
(b) it fosters a culturally safe learning environment for First Nations people.”
While many training organisations offer supportive learning environments for their students, these environments may stem more from the organisation’s internal culture and the individuals employed than from explicit policies or formally articulated practices.
The publication of ASQA’s latest draft Practice Guide for Outcome Standard 2.5 offers a range of questions to identify if, and how, providers have developed safe and inclusive learning environments, and to allow reflection on providing a culturally safe learning environment for First Nations students.
ASQA has also published a draft Practice Guide for Outcome Standard 2.6 – which is focussed on the wellbeing of students.
“Standard 2.6
Outcome Standard
(1) The wellbeing needs of the VET student cohort are identified and strategies are put in place to support these needs.
Performance Indicators
(2) An NVR registered training organisation demonstrates:
(a) it identifies, by reference to the training product content, the wellbeing needs of the VET student cohort and appropriate wellbeing support services; and
(b) it advises the VET student cohort of the availability of wellbeing support services, and any organisation students can contact, or additional action students can take to support their wellbeing.”
ASQA is seeking feedback on these and the other Draft Practice Guides before the Revised Standards take effect from 1 July 2025.
To help you work through what the Revised Standards will mean for your RTO, VDC has plenty of professional development opportunities on offer which will allow you to learn more from experts you can trust. See below for the upcoming webinars:
