Shows
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityDesigning A TAS That Proves Outcomes Under QA1Stop treating your TAS like a file and start using it like a strategy. Angela Connell Richards walks through how QA1 reframes the Training and Assessment Strategy from a plan on paper to a living guide that proves learner outcomes, aligns with industry needs, and equips trainers to deliver with confidence.We dig into the essentials of a compliant TAS: clear delivery modes that match your resources and cohorts, assessment mapped to units and validated with recent evidence, and consultation that documents who you spoke to, when, and what changed. Angela breaks down common pitfalls—generic templates, in...
2025-12-0910 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityHow Retail And Hospitality Training Packages Are Changing And What RTOs Must Do NextBig shifts are landing across Australia’s retail and hospitality training packages, and we’re breaking down what actually matters for RTOs, trainers, and learners. Angela sits with returning guest Lauren Hollows to dig into what’s changing in SIR and SIT, why this reform cycle feels different, and the practical steps you can take now to protect funding, simplify assessment, and improve outcomes. The core story is transparency: using the Markup platform, anyone can see and respond to unit-level feedback in real time, creating a visible trail of what gets accepted, what doesn’t, and why. That’s a big win...
2025-10-2829 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityBuild Capability, Not Dependency: RTO Compliance Starts with YouA glossy promise, a long wait, and an audit that collapsed in four and a half hours—this cautionary tale shows how fast things unravel when a consultant says “we’ll take care of everything.” We walk through a real CRICOS case where outdated policies and false confidence met the hard edge of the 2025 standards, and the regulator made it clear: capability sits with the CEO and PEO, not the consultant on the call.We dig into the mindset shift that turns compliance from a paperwork chore into a leadership habit. That means reading your policies, sitting in on va...
2025-10-2128 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityBeyond the Bot: Navigating AI Ethics in Vocational EducationThe vocational education landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence transforms everything from assessment design to compliance management. This thought-provoking conversation with AI expert Lauren explores the practical implications of this revolution for RTOs.We dive deep into how AI is already reshaping assessment validation processes, with Lauren sharing how her organisation has redesigned hundreds of assessments to incorporate live video components. This critical adaptation allows trainers to validate a student's written submissions against their verbal capabilities—helping to identify potential AI-generated work when written language significantly outpaces verbal expression.The discussion takes a...
2025-10-0734 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityNavigating New Standards: First Audit ExperiencesEver wondered what your first audit under Australia's new RTO standards might look like? In this revealing conversation, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows share candid insights from their recent experiences guiding RTOs through audits under the updated regulatory framework.The landscape has shifted noticeably. Auditors now place substantial emphasis on governance structures, risk management processes, and inclusivity practices. Both initial registrations and re-registrations reveal a regulatory approach that's evolving but increasingly data-driven. Lauren describes how auditors are spending significant time explaining their quality assurance processes to RTOs, creating greater transparency about how compliance determinations are made.
2025-09-3021 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityNavigating the 2025 Standards: A Comprehensive Guide to RTO Re-registrationNavigating the re-registration process doesn't have to be stressful. This enlightening conversation between Angela Connell-Richards and compliance expert Maycheck reveals crucial strategies for approaching RTO re-registration with confidence under the 2025 Standards.Did you know you can submit your re-registration application up to 12 months before your expiry date? This proactive approach not only demonstrates organisation to ASQA but gives you valuable time to address any compliance issues. While there's no guarantee whether your RTO will undergo an audit during re-registration, understanding ASQA's risk-based approach helps you prepare effectively regardless of the outcome.The podcast dismantles the...
2025-09-2322 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityFirst-Hand Experience: RTO Initial Registration in the 2025 Standards EraThe training sector has witnessed significant regulatory changes with the introduction of the 2025 standards, leaving many RTOs uncertain about what to expect during their ASQA audits. This episode cuts through the noise to deliver practical insights from two practitioners who've recently navigated the new audit landscape.Drawing from their combined experience with seven initial registration audits under the new standards, Angela and Maycheck reveal a fundamental shift in ASQA's approach. Auditors are now prioritising the "tell and show" method – they want to hear RTOs explain their implementation strategies rather than simply reviewing documentation. This represents a move to...
2025-09-1623 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityYour Policies Are Still Out of Date. Here’s Why.In this powerful follow-up episode, Angela Connell-Richards revisits the policy topic with a reality check: even after updates, many RTO policies still fail to meet the new 2025 Standards. Why? Because they lack implementation, contextualisation, or evidence.Key points discussed: ✅ Why many “new” policies are still non-compliant ✅ The missing links between documentation and delivery ✅ How to embed your policies into team culture and student experience ✅ Simple tools to review and update effectivelyAngela challenges you to go beyond cosmetic updates and build policies that drive quality, not just paperwork.Listen now and download...
2025-08-1210 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityOne Month Into the New Standards – Our Journey, Lessons, and SurprisesIn this special reflection episode, Angela Connell-Richards shares an honest and insightful look at what the first month under the new 2025 Standards has really been like. From wins and breakthroughs to unexpected challenges, Angela takes you behind the scenes of her work with RTOs over the past month—revealing what’s working, what’s still settling, and what everyone should be paying attention to as the sector adjusts.Key points discussed: ✅ How RTOs are adapting to the 2025 Standards in practice ✅ The biggest lessons learned (so far) from the first month ✅ Surprising trends and common r...
2025-08-0508 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityComplaint = Audit: Building a Bulletproof Response ProcessIn this crucial episode, Angela Connell-Richards sheds light on one of the fastest-growing audit triggers under the 2025 Standards: complaints. Even one unresolved student complaint can lead to a full ASQA investigation—so how you respond matters more than ever.Key points discussed: ✅ How ASQA uses complaints to trigger audits ✅ What makes a compliant, defensible response process ✅ How to train your team to handle feedback and escalation ✅ What documentation you must retain to protect your RTOAngela provides a framework to turn complaints into opportunities for improvement—and a shield against unexpected audits.Li...
2025-07-2909 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityHigh-Risk Products: What You Deliver Could Be Your Weakest LinkIn this high-stakes episode, Angela Connell-Richards breaks down the reality of delivering high-risk training products in the VET sector. From early childhood to cookery, some qualifications are magnets for ASQA scrutiny—and Angela shows you how to stay protected.Key points discussed: ✅ What defines a “high-risk” qualification or unit ✅ How to assess and strengthen your delivery of risky products ✅ Common pitfalls in assessment, placement, and validation ✅ Evidence strategies to demonstrate quality and improvementAngela gives you the tools to handle high-risk delivery areas with confidence and audit-readiness.Listen now and download Angel...
2025-07-2211 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityScope Trap: Why Expansion Can Trigger Audit DisasterIn this timely episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores the compliance risks that come with adding courses to your RTO’s scope—especially under the 2025 Standards. What seems like growth can quickly turn into an audit nightmare without the right preparation.Key points discussed: ✅ The audit risks tied to scope additions and amendments ✅ How to pre-assess your readiness before submitting a scope application ✅ The evidence ASQA looks for when reviewing new course delivery ✅ How to align your TAS, trainers, and resources before expansionAngela helps you build a proactive process for safe, strategic scope growth—wit...
2025-07-0811 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityFunding Chaos: Navigating Australia's Complex VET Landscape with Lauren Hollows🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Lauren Hollows tackle a confronting reality in Australia’s VET sector—how arbitrary funding decisions are crippling high-performing private RTOs.Despite delivering 80% of Australia’s training, private RTOs receive just 30% of government funding. Even worse? RTOs with exceptional outcomes are being denied funding simply because their success happened in the “wrong” state.🚨 What’s happening behind the scenes:📉 Outstanding RTOs excluded from funding programs due to postcode politics📊 “Mom and pop” RTOs pushed out by sk...
2025-07-0345 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityBeyond 1 July – Building a Culture of Self-Assurance, Not Just ComplianceIn this forward-looking episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores what it takes for RTOs to move beyond the 1 July 2025 Standards deadline and embrace a culture of continuous self-assurance. Rather than treating compliance as a checklist, Angela invites you to reframe it as an ongoing journey of quality, improvement, and organisational excellence.Key points discussed: ✅ What “self-assurance” really means under the 2025 Standards ✅ How to embed continuous improvement across all Quality Areas ✅ The role of leadership, team culture, and systems in sustaining compliance ✅ Tools and strategies to help your RTO thrive—not just survive—beyond audit day...
2025-07-0107 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityFunding Fairness: Public vs Private RTOs with Lauren Hollows🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards, with Lauren Hollows, dives into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia’s VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs.Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding—despite data showing private providers deliver better outcomes at lower costs.🚨 Here’s what’s at stake:📊 Private RTOs boast higher completion rates (54%) vs. TAFE’s 43%💰 For every $1 spent on a private RTO...
2025-06-2630 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityCredential Chaos: Mapping Your Trainers to the 2025 StandardsIn this practical episode, Angela Connell-Richards helps you decode the updated credential requirements for trainers and assessors under the new 2025 Standards. If you’re unsure whether your team meets current expectations—or how to evidence it—this episode is your step-by-step guide.Key points discussed: ✅ What the Credential Policy now requires (and what’s changed) ✅ How to audit and map your trainers' qualifications and experience ✅ Documentation strategies to satisfy ASQA in an audit ✅ Common credential compliance gaps to avoidAngela walks you through the credential tracking process so you can protect your RTO from costly...
2025-06-2410 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityVET Talks: Future-Proof Your RTO - Embracing the 2025 Standards with ConfidenceVET Talks: Future-Proof Your RTO - Embracing the 2025 Standards with ConfidenceIn this insightful episode of VETtalks, join Scott Rogers (CEO of eSkilled) and Angela Connell (CEO of Vivacity RTO Consulting) for a focused Q&A on navigating the upcoming 2025 Standards for RTOs.With major reforms now on the horizon, this episode dives into why it’s critical to start preparing now—not later. You’ll hear expert insights into the compliance risks of delay, the key operational and strategic adjustments required, and how to begin aligning your RTO with the new regulatory framew...
2025-06-191h 06
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityLLND in the Real World: What RTOs Must Know About Standard 2.2In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Maciek Fibrich unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the 2025 Standards for RTOs—Standard 2.2, with a laser focus on assessing Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills prior to enrolment.There’s been growing confusion in the VET sector: 🌀 Do RTOs need to buy expensive LLN and digital skills tools? 🌀 Does every course require digital assessments? 🌀 What’s the difference between a review and a formal assessment?Angela and Maciek cut through the noise with practical insights...
2025-06-1739 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityAt the Brink: Why Private RTOs Can’t Afford Another Year of Funding CutsIn this urgent episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards takes you inside a growing crisis in Australia’s vocational education sector. Private RTOs—who deliver over 70% of the nation’s training—are being hit with devastating funding cuts, unfunded compliance reforms, and a wave of closures that threaten access, jobs, and student outcomes.Angela shares real frontline stories, the latest NCVER data, and what government isn’t telling you about the Fee-Free TAFE agenda. She also unveils her Open Letter to the Prime Minister and Ministers, backed by hundreds of RTO professionals calling for fair...
2025-06-1625 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityWe Updated Our Policies… So We’re Compliant, Right?In this thought-provoking episode, Angela Connell-Richards challenges the common assumption that simply updating your policies and procedures means your RTO is compliant. She explores the deeper truth behind the new Standards: implementation, understanding, and continuous review are what really matter now.Key points discussed: ✅ Why policy updates alone won’t satisfy ASQA ✅ How to identify gaps between policy and practice ✅ The 4-question self-audit method to review your documentation ✅ How to embed policies into your team culture and systemsAngela shares actionable strategies and a real client case study that reveal how to shift from...
2025-06-1009 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityThe Blind Leading the CompliantAs we race towards the 1 July 2025 implementation of the Revised Standards for RTOs, one uncomfortable truth is becoming clear: many RTOs are more prepared than the national regulator itself.In this unfiltered and empowering bonus episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards takes you behind the scenes of what’s really happening with ASQA—and what that means for your compliance strategy. Drawing on over 30 years of experience (including the last major reform in 2011), Angela shares first-hand stories, current client scenarios, and actionable strategies to help RTO leaders confidently take the reins.What You’...
2025-06-0545 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityThe Top 5 Mistakes RTOs Are Still Making Before July — And How to Fix Them NowIn this timely episode, Angela Connell-Richards tackles the most common mistakes RTOs are making as they scramble to prepare for the 1 July 2025 Standards deadline. Drawing on her work with dozens of RTOs in recent months, Angela shines a light on the blind spots, oversights, and shortcuts that could cost you dearly—and, most importantly, explains how to fix them before it’s too late.Key points discussed: ✅ The top 5 compliance mistakes RTOs are still making right now ✅ Why these issues keep popping up (even in experienced organisations) ✅ Practical, step-by-step fixes to get your RTO b...
2025-06-0310 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityAudit Triggers You’re Not Watching: Scope, Complaints & High-Risk ProductsIn this insight-packed episode, Angela Connell-Richards uncovers the silent risks that could land your RTO in an ASQA audit—even if you’ve already met the 1 July deadline. From additions to scope, to complaints, to the delivery of high-risk qualifications, Angela shows how audit triggers have changed—and what RTOs must now do to stay audit-ready.Key points discussed: ✅ How scope changes can trigger a full audit ✅ Why even one student complaint could launch an investigation ✅ The list of training products ASQA considers “high risk” ✅ Tools to assess and reduce your audit exposureAngela offers cle...
2025-05-2710 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityMarketing vs Misleading – Staying Compliant in How You Promote TrainingIn this essential episode, Angela Connell-Richards tackles one of the most overlooked audit risks for RTOs—non-compliant marketing. With the 2025 Standards now in full effect, your course flyers, website, and social media content are all under ASQA’s lens. Angela explores how a single misleading phrase can trigger an audit—and what you can do to stay on the safe side.Key points discussed: ✅ What the 2025 Standards say about marketing compliance ✅ The top marketing mistakes that RTOs are still making ✅ How to correctly use the NRT logo and represent your scope ✅ Tips for writing clear, com...
2025-05-2109 min
RTO Superhero: Compliance That Drives QualityPolicies with Purpose: How I’m Rewriting Compliance for the 2025In this episode, Angela takes you behind the scenes of her massive compliance rewrite project. Discover why 2025 is the year to rethink—not just update—your policies and procedures. Angela shares the philosophy, strategy, and practical steps she’s using to ensure Vivacity’s documents empower RTOs to meet the new Standards with confidence.Key points discussed: ✅ Why the 2025 Standards require more than a “copy and paste” update ✅ How to align policies with purpose, clarity, and accountability ✅ Tips for writing accessible, actionable policies your team will actually use ✅ Common mistakes RTOs make when updating c...
2025-05-1409 min