NARA Audit Model
The NARA audit model provides a contemporary regulatory approach for training organisations that have their registration and audit functions managed by NARA. Features of this model include:
- NARA-endorsed Quality Consultants - observed as a strength by NARA's independent auditor, who said that NARA's approach was 'similar to the many third party personnel certification schemes which are increasingly being used worldwide to assist in the implementation of government regulations.
- NARA Client Relationship Managers - also observed to be a strength by NARA's auditor, who reported 'there is clearly an advantage in having one staff member initially responsible for receiving feedback from a variety of sources and using this information to continuously improve NARA's approach to implementing the AQTF and ESOS' (NCVER Report 2007)
- Effective auditor moderation - KPMG's 2008 report on the Formative Evaluation of the Implementation of AQTF 2007 found that NARA's model of audit moderation is an ideal example of effective moderation, distinguished by the key factors of frequency and an emphasis on consensus-building. The KPMG evaluation cited NARA's audit moderation process as an example of good practice, and noted that audit consistency is reinforced through auditor communication and review of audit reports.
KPMG Report 2008
- Same Lead Auditor - NARA assigns the the same Lead Auditor to an RTO over the period of its registration, together with a rotational team of other auditors and technical experts as required. This assists NARA to build a comprehensive picture of the RTO’s continuous improvement and development as a training organisation.
- Service Standards - NARA has an explicit commitment to achieving a high standard of service in processing RTO applications and conducting audits, and to publishing our performance in relation to set service standards. See below for more details.
NCVER Audit Reports
NARA was audited against the AQTF 2007 Standards for Registering and Course Accrediting Bodies in August 2009. Download a copy of the audit report and NARA’s response below:
- NCVER Audit Report 2009 [777kb]
- NARA response to 2009 Audit Report [396kb]
Previous reports:
- NARA Audit Report 2008 [297kb]
- NCVER Audit Report 2007 [297kb]
NARA Service Standards
The following service standards apply to NARA processes:
- the processing of applications that require a site audit will be achieved within eight weeks of receipt of the application; and
- the processing of applications that only require a desk audit will be achieved within four weeks of receipt of the application.
For the period 1 July - 31 December 2009, NARA achieved the following:
- 100 per cent of applications that required a site audit were achieved within eight weeks, with an average duration of 19 working days; and
- 100 per cent of applications that required a desk audit were achieved within four weeks, with an average duration of 13 working days.
NARA Auditors
NARA audit activities are undertaken by independent auditors who have successfully applied to join a national pool of NARA auditors and who have a contractual arrangement with TVET Australia.
As part of their contract, NARA auditors are required to participate in regular national moderation activities conducted by NARA which are aimed at achieving consistency in NARA audit processes. NARA staff and auditors also participate in moderation activities with State and Territory Registering Bodies to ensure national consistency.
Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
NARA requires its auditors to avoid potential conflicts of interest that could arise in the conduct of their audit or consultancy roles.
A NARA auditor conducting an audit on an RTO:
- must not have undertaken work for that RTO during the six months prior to the audit; and
- must not undertake work for that RTO as a Quality Consultant for six months after the audit.
Each NARA Auditor is required to sign a Declaration of Confidentiality that requires him/her to maintain strict confidentiality in relation to audits undertaken for NARA.
Information for NARA RTOs
Information for NARA RTOs about audit processes and requirements.
For fee details see the NARA Fee Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
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