AUSINTEC
Academy
Terms and
Conditions
2006/2007
Introduction
AUSINTEC
Academy aims to provide quality training that meets the needs of equestrian
industry. The values and beliefs that underpin our code of practice are:
responsiveness to the training needs of the relevant industry; equity; the
principles of social justice; ethical practices; access; and inclusively.
Organisational Chart
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Director
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Student Liaison Officer/Counsellor
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Equestrian Manager
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Office Manager |
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Principal |
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Marketing Manager |
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Financial Manager |
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Equestrian Staff/
Workplace Trainers & Assessors |
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Office Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors |
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English Language Teachers, Trainers & Assessors |
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Specific Skills Workplace Trainers & Assessors |
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Marketing Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors |
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Financial Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors |
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1
Systems for quality training and assessment
Educational
Standard
AUSINTEC
Academy has adopted policies and management practices which maintain high
professional standards in the delivery of education and training services,
and which safeguard the educational interest and welfare of clients.
AUSINTEC
Academy aims to maintain a learning environment that is conducive to the
success of all clients.
We have:
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The capacity to deliver all advertised courses (Human resources and
physical resources meet requirements of the offered courses);
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Adequate facilities for delivering all courses;
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Appropriate materials, resources and methods to cater for the needs
of international and domestic clients.
The
clients’ progress throughout any courses will be closely monitored and
allocation to classes will be periodically reviewed according to the
client’s progress.
AUSINTEC
Academy has an innovative program, which integrates practical tasks with
theoretical knowledge, which enables clients to progress at a rate relevant
to their individual ability levels.
Ongoing
tutorial assistance (including English Language, Literacy and Numeracy) is
available and additional work experience organised where necessary or
requested.
AUSINTEC
Academy understands that as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) they
can only provide courses that are registered with State and National
authorities.
It is
AUSINTEC Academy’s responsibility to monitor and assess each client’s
performance, course attendance and progress.
AUSINTEC
Academy has policies and procedures in place which ensures that all staff
who are involved with clients are not only suitably qualified but also
sensitive to the culture(s) and differences of individual clients being
taught and will provide for training of such staff as appropriate.
AUSINTEC
Academy works within the 'Working with Children' guidelines set down by the
Commission for Children and Young People
Risk
Management
The
Director or a designated staff member to identify and manage risks
associated with the compliance and non-compliance of the Standards for
Registered Training Organisations will conduct AUSINTEC Academy’s Risk
Management assessment
Any
risks that are identified are investigated and deemed likely or un-likely,
we also investigate the impact that would be had on the students and on
AUSINTEC Academy,
if these are found to be substantial, procedures to limit the impact are
brought into place.
All
findings and new suggested policies and procedures are documented using our
Risk Management Table and or Risk Management Form with the results being
made available to the Director for review. When these documents are
reviewed all new policies and procedures will be implemented into the
everyday running of the institute.
Continuous Improvement
AUSINTEC
Academy strives
to be an internationally recognised educational provider, considering this
it is important for us to continually improve. Our educational material and
systems are continually reviewed and improved.
Staff and students are regularly surveyed and asked for feedback on our
educational material and systems.
Stakeholders are also regularly surveyed and asked for feedback and
satisfaction data.
Any
staff member, student or stakeholder that detects the need for improvement
is encouraged to discuss the matter with the Director.
If
this feedback is given verbally, it is then written into a report by the
relevant staff member.
These opinions are important to AUSINTEC Academy and are all read and
considered by the Director. If this information can be used to improve the
Policies and Procedures of Ausintec, they will be reviewed and monitored.
2
Compliance with Commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulatory
requirements
AUSINTEC
Academy has identified and complies with relevant Commonwealth,
state/territory legislation and regulatory requirements including, but not
limited to:
i occupational health and safety
ii
workplace harassment, victimisation and bullying
iii
anti-discrimination, including equal opportunity, racial vilification and
disability discrimination
iv
privacy
v
VET
vi
apprenticeships and traineeships
AUSINTEC
Academy ensures its policies and procedures meet the requirements of
Commonwealth or state/territory legislation and regulatory requirements that
are relevant to the RTO’s operations including industry legislation and
regulatory requirements specific to its scope of registration and that:
i
staff are provided with information about current legislation and regulatory
requirements that significantly affects their duties
ii
clients are provided with information about current legislation and
regulatory requirements that significantly affect their participant in VET
3
Effective financial management procedures
Financial Management
All
students’ fees (Domestic and International) will be placed into the
nominated trust account/s
If
a Student Visa is denied* all monies except enrolment fee will be refunded
Thirty (30) days before commencement of course 20% of student fees will be
drawn down
Seven (7) days before commencement of course a further 20% will be drawn
down
Once course has commenced the remaining portion will be drawn down weekly
*Withdrawal of Visa is not accepted as Visa denied
Fee
Structure
AUSINTEC
Academy’s course fee structure is addressed clearly within each
enrolment/application form for clients.
AUSINTEC
Academy has strict financial standards to safeguard funds paid by clients.
We fully
comply with the provision of the Education Services for Overseas Students
(ESOS) Act 2000 and its accompanying Regulations. We have a Trust Account
for all full-time client fees to be held, with withdrawals being made in
compliance with ESOS Regulations.
Should we
for any unforeseen reason be unable to deliver all agreed services, we will
make a refund to the client in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and/or
State and Territory legislation.
We ensure
that there is proper documentation of the contractual and financial
relationship between the client and the provider and will make available to
the client copies of this documentation.
Refund of
Fees Policy
AUSINTEC
Academy’s policy is fair and equitable to all students (International and
Domestic). It is designed to protect and enhance our reputation as a
training provider as well as that of our state. It also incorporates the
cancellation procedure that is to be followed if a student wishes to cancel
their enrolment.
Notice of
cancellation from a course is only valid if such notice is received by
AUSINTEC in writing.
The
enrolment fee for all courses is non-refundable.
All fees,
except the enrolment fee, will be refunded if a client is not granted a
visa.
If notice
of withdrawal is received more than and including 28 days before
commencement of the course, then all fees, except the enrolment fee, will be
refunded within 14 days.
If notice
of cancellation is received less than and including 28 days before course
commencement, then 80% of course fees will be refunded within 14 days.
If notice
of cancellation is received less than and including 7 days before course
commencement, then 60% of course fees will be refunded within 14 days.
No refunds
of enrolment or course fees will be made if a client cancels enrolment on or
after the course commencement date or withdraws before its completion.
No refunds
will be made directly to any overseas client whilst such client is in
Australia without consultation with Management first.
Any refund
will only be paid to the person who originally entered into the contract
with Ausintec about the student, unless the person gives a written direction
to Ausintec to pay the refund to someone else; and by providing for a refund
to be fully paid by the registered provider in the same currency in which
the fees were paid, unless payment in that currency is impracticable.
The total
amount of each refund to be paid no later than two months after it is due.
If a client
is participating in the AUSINTEC Academy homestay program and wishes to
conclude these arrangements, then that client is required to give two weeks
notice for the termination of the homestay accommodation. No refund on
homestay fees will be given if a client cancels out of the program within
this period.
If AUSINTEC
Academy terminates or does not offer a course and is unable to offer a
suitable course, the client will be refunded the full amount of unused fees.
Tuition
fees are not transferable to another person or institution.
AUSINTEC
Academy reserves the right to expel a client who is in breach of Australian
Government visa requirements or whose conduct disrupts the normal operation
of classes. In such cases no refund will be made.
AUSINTEC
Academy reserves the right to change, alter or amend curricula, syllabi,
course structure, fees and any other matter pertaining to the provision of a
course at any time. Such changes, alterations and amendments may be made
without notice.
If AUSINTEC
Academy has to change any of the above conditions for any reason, all
students will be notified of the change in writing.
This
agreement does not remove the right to take further action under Australia’s
consumer protection laws.
AUSINTEC
Academy’s dispute resolution processes do not circumscribe the student’s
right to pursue other legal remedies.
Refunds
will be paid within the relevant time period specified in the ESOS Act 2000.
If AUSINTEC
Academy defaults, a refund cannot be covered by a written agreement between
AUSINTEC Academy and the student. Such situations are covered by the
provisions of the ESOS Act 2000 and the ESIS Regulations 2001.
4
Effective administrative and records management procedures
Administration and Records Management
All records
will be held in a locked and held at AUSINTEC Academy.
An
electronic copy of all records will be held in a locked room behind the hay
shed.
AUSINTEC
Academy retains all files and records for thirty (30) years for archiving
and retrieval and transfer in accordance with State registering
requirements.
AUSINTEC
Academy complies with the external reporting requirements for the Australian
Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical
Standard (AVETMISS)
Except as
required under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations or law,
information about clients is not disclosed to any third party without the
written consent of the client.
Clients may
access their own personal records after consultation with the Director.
Version
Control
When
AUSINTEC Academy documents are updated or renewed a record will be made on
the Version Control table, detailing the date, document, version and any
other details and the details adjusted on the updated renewed documents,
with the Director overseeing the process.
Each
document should have
-
www.ausintec.com
in top left hand corner
-
name of document in the top right hand corner
-
version in the lower left hand corner (including initials of author
and date)
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page number and total pages in the lower right hand corner
5
Recognition of qualifications issued by other registered training
organisations
AUSINTEC
Academy’s goal is to ensure that each individual is given recognition for
prior learning gained through training (from other Registered Training
Organisations), work experience or other life experiences.
RPL
Principles
AUSINTEC
Academy acknowledges the key principles governing the recognition of prior
learning (RPL) as specified in the NFROT Agreement.
The
recognition of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications
and Statements of Attainment issued by any other Registered Training
Organisation (RTO).
The
recognition of prior learning shall focus on the competencies held as a
result of formal and informal training, not how, when or where the learning
occurred.
The
recognition of prior learning underpins a system of competency based
training.
It is
essential that training providers have a demonstrable commitment to
recognising the prior learning of adults.
The
recognition of prior learning shall be available to all potential clients.
The
recognition of prior learning shall involve processes that are fair to all
parties involved.
The
recognition of prior learning shall involve the provision of adequate
support to potential clients.
RPL
Objectives
These
principles underpin the objectives of our RPL policy and our action plan is
to see that:
Access is
available to AUSINTEC Academy courses by way of RPL (particularly relevant
to domestic courses);
RPL is
recognised as an integral component of the assessment process in determining
an individual’s eligibility for an award;
The
implementation of our RPL policy is consistent with NFROT principles;
All
procedures for RPL incorporate a range of valid and reliable techniques
designed to accurately assess competencies held and Non traditional learning
processes are considered as valid pathways to competency achievement and
recognised training outcomes.
Key
Principles of Assessment in RPL
In
recognising prior learning the mechanisms used will be valid, reliable,
flexible and fair. The following principles will be observed.
Validity
Assessments
will cover the range of skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate
competency.
Assessment
of competency will be a process that integrates knowledge and skills with
their practical application.
Assessment
of a learner’s competency will be judged on evidence gathered on a number of
occasions and in a variety of contexts or situations. The evidence will be
collected from activities and tasks that can be clearly related to the unit
of competency or learning outcomes specified and demonstrate that the
performance criteria have been met.
Reliability
Assessment
practices will be monitored and reviewed to ensure that there is consistency
in the interpretation of evidence.
Assessors
will be competent in terms of the national competency standards for
assessors.
Assessors
will have adequate knowledge of the area of competence they are assessing.
(Note: Without reliable assessments there can be no comparability of
credentials)
Students
may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL), Ausintec provides a
formal process for conducting and recording this. A record of the student’s
RPL is signed by the student and a copy placed on their file.
When an
overseas student is granted RPL which leads to a shortening of the student’s
course, Ausintec will do one of the following
If the RPL
is granted before a visa is granted, the registered provider will indicate
the actual net course duration (as reduced by RPL) in the eCoE issued for
that student for that course.
If the RPL
is granted after the visa is granted, Ausintec will report the change of
course duration via PRISMS under s19 of the ESOS Act 2000. In such cases
Ausintec will remind the student that it is a condition of their visa that
they be enrolled in full-time study. If the student finishes their course
early, they must either enrol in another CRICOS-registered course or depart
Australia immediately unless they have been given authorisation by DIMA to
remain in Australia.
If Ausintec
grants an overseas student RPL which leads to a reduced study load, ie
contact hours per week, Ausintec will not allow the student to study less
than a full-time load as defined in paragraphs 13.1 and 13.2 of the ESOS
Code 2000.
Flexibility
Assessment
will cover both the on and off-the-job components of training.
Assessment
procedures will provide for the recognition of competencies no matter how,
where or when they have been acquired. This of course is subject to any
legislation, regulations or licensing arrangements.
Assessment
procedure will be made accessible to learners so that they can proceed
readily from one competency standard to another.
Fairness
Assessment
practices and methods where possible will be equitable to all groups of
learners.
Assessment
procedures and the criteria for judging performance will be made clear to
all learners seeking assessment.
Assessment
will be participatory. The process of assessment will be jointly developed
/ agreed between the assessor and the assessee.
Opportunities will be provided to allow learners to challenge assessments
and provision will be made for assessment.
AUSINTEC
Academy has a formal process for conducting and recording RPL. Once the
procedure is completed, a record of the student’s RPL must be signed by the
student and a copy placed on their file.
When
granting an overseas student RPL which leads to a shortening of their
course, AUSINTEC Academy will either
-
if the RPL is granted before the visa is granted, Ausintec will
indicate the actual net course duration (as reduced by RPL) in the eCoE
issued for that student for that course.
-
If the RPL is granted after visa grant, Ausintec will report the
change of course duration via PRISMS under s19 of the ESOS Act 2000.
Ausintec will remind the student that it is a condition of their visa that
they be enrolled in full-time study. If the student finished their course
early, the student must either enrol in another CRICOS-registered course or
depart Australia immediately unless they have been given authorisation by
DIMA to remain in Australia.
Ausintec
will not allow a student to study less than a full-time load as defined in
paragraphs 13.1 and 13.2 of the National Code of Practice for Registration
Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.
This also applies to Ausintec granting RPL which leads to a reduced study
load, ie contact hours per week.
Risk
Management and Quality Assurance in RPL
AUSINTEC
Academy is aware that when up to 100% recognition is claimed or may be
claimed, that there is a higher risk associated with recognition.
Given that
the amount of risk in an RPL process is directly related to the following:
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amount of evidence to be collected;
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degree of rigour required
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number of assessors to be used
-
cost of implementing RPL process
The
following general principle will be observed. As the level of risk increases
there will be a corresponding increase in the rigour of the process. This
will be achieved by requiring more evidence of a higher quality, more
assessors to review the evidence and hence make a final assessment.
Fees and
Charges for RPL Services
In
determining fees and charges for Recognition of Prior Learning services the
NFROT principles of access and fairness should be applied.
Stages of
the RPL Process
The RPL
process will include the following stages:
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information;
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initial support and counselling;
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application; assessment;
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post-assessment guidance; and
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certification.
Implementation
All clients
will be provided with information relating to the arrangements for the
recognition of prior learning.
6 Access
and equity and client service
Client
Information
AUSINTEC
Academy supplies accurate and current information to enable a person
unfamiliar with the Australian education and training system to make an
informed decision about the appropriateness of the provider and its courses
to the clients needs.
Information
supplied to clients includes:
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detailed and realistic estimates of costs for clients and for
horse/riding proficiency requirements
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programs including bridging courses, flexible programs and details of
pre-sessional and in-sessional riding programs
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Australian recognition given to qualification(s) offered
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Withdrawal arrangements
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Termination of tuition
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Credit transfer
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Refund entitlements including instances where the provider defaults
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Details of facilities and equipment
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Living conditions and staffing
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Accommodation availability on and off campus
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Internal and external grievance procedures
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Non-academic client support services
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Disciplinary procedures
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Provision for language, literacy and numeracy assistance
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Course information, including content and vocational outcomes
We review
regularly all information provided to clients to ensure its accuracy and
relevance.
Client
Support Services
AUSINTEC
Academy is sensitive to cross-cultural issues and takes special care to meet
the special needs of all clients, especially those under the age of eighteen
years.
Our
services include:
Adequate
orientation
Information
and advice on accommodation
Counselling
Concurrent
assistance
Bridging
courses
Welfare
facilities
Access to
fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances
AUSINTEC
Academy provides ongoing assistance in language, literacy and numeracy where
necessary to complete the learning outcomes of the course.
AUSINTEC
Academy discharges responsibility under DIMA requirements to approve
accommodation/welfare arrangements for overseas students under 18 years of
age.
Client
Recruitment and Placement
Recruitment
of clients for AUSINTEC Academy is conducted at all times in an ethical and
responsible manner. Offers of course placement are based on an assessment
of the extent to which the qualification, proficiencies and aspirations of
the applicant are matched by the educational opportunity offered. Practical
skills will be specifically assessed where necessary.
Many of
AUSINTEC Academy’s courses will not require practical pre-requisites. We
ensure that suitably qualified staff undertake assessment of educational
background of intending clients and agents and AUSINTEC Academy will provide
for the additional training of such staff and agents, as appropriate.
Offers of
course placements may include the following pre-requisites
a)
Academic qualifications
b)
English language
c)
Practical skills
AUSINTEC
Academy informs prospective clients of the regulations governing students
studying full time. We inform prospective and enrolled clients of any
changes to student requirements and conditions, as advised by the Department
of Employment and Training (DET) or its equivalent.
This
information includes: Advice on Austudy, Youth Allowance and Pensioner
Income Supplement requirements; work rights; course requirements (including
enrolment in full-time course of study, attendance and academic progress
matters); to maintain adequate arrangements for the education of dependents;
and to seek their prior approval of the specific Authority or its equivalent
for certain course changes or before commencing or changing courses.
AUSINTEC
Academy will notify the relevant Commonwealth authority if a client is no
longer participating in a course and has had their enrolment subsequently
cancelled. We also ensure that the requirement and placement of clients
comply with equal opportunity legislation and are consistent with other
relevant requirements.
Staff and
Student Feedback
AUSINTEC
Academy values
student and staff feedback, which is why we distribute a regular survey to
students and or staff. Once they are collected the responses are examined,
if there are no discrepancies the surveys are signed off on by a member of
staff and filed. If there are any problems the issue will be investigated by
the Education Manager. Once the issue has been resolved and documented on
the Complaints and Appeals form it will be
finalised by the
Director then filed in the Complaints and Appeals folder.
All
surveys are filed for later reference.
Dispute
Policy (including overseas students)
Our Dispute
Policy is:
Completely
Confidential – Only the people directly involved in making or investigating
a complaint will have access to information about the complaint
Impartial –
Both sides will have a chance to tell their side of the story. No
assumptions will be made and no action will be taken until all relevant
information has been collected and considered.
Free Of
Repercussions – No action will be taken against anyone for making a
complaint or helping someone to make a complaint. Management will take all
necessary steps to ensure that no victimisation occurs against anyone who
makes a complaint.
Timely –
All complaints will be dealt with as quickly as possible. We aim to resolve
all complaints within 1 week if at all possible.
Documentation – All procedures will be documented using the Complaints and
Appeals form, a copy of all documents and the outcome will be forwarded to
the complainant.
Please use
this procedure if you need to. Don’t let people get away with harassment
and unfair behaviour
AUSINTEC
Academy has in place appropriate support services and is able to demonstrate
the advice provided to intending overseas students on theses services. These
include appropriate arrangements for independent dispute handling/dispute
resolution, which is inexpensive and includes a nominee of the students if
the students so chooses.
These
procedures allow for prompt resolution having regard to the duration of the
overseas student’s stay in Australia on a student visa.
AUSINTEC
Academy has in place appropriate support services and be able to demonstrate
the advice provided to intending overseas students on these services. Theses
include appropriate arrangements for independent dispute handling
This
procedure is designed to facilitate the resolution of client disputes. The
objectives of the procedure are to promote the prompt resolution of
complaints and appeals through consultation, cooperation, discussion and
documentation to avoid or resolve disputes, and to promote equity in the
Institute.
Stage 1 –
In the first instance a client should inform his/her immediate supervisor of
the existence of a dispute and together they will attempt to resolve the
dispute. The Supervisor is to document the complaint and any action taken.
The client may wish to exercise the right to consult a mediator during the
course of Stage 1.
Stage 2 –
If the dispute remains unresolved, the matter will be referred to the
Education Manager, who will consult with the parties. The Education Manager
is to document the complaint and any action taken. The client may exercise
the right to consult a mediator or have the latter present during the course
of stage 2.
Stage 3 –
If the dispute is still unresolved, the matter will be referred to the
Director of the Centre. The Director will ensure that:
(a)
the aggrieved client or the latter’s representative has the opportunity to
present all aspects of the dispute; and
(b)
the dispute is investigated in a thorough, fair and impartial manner.
The
Director is to document the complaint and any action taken.
The
Director may appoint another person to investigate the dispute. This person
will not be the client’s supervisor. The Director will advise the client
initiating the complaint, such client’s
representative and any other client directly concerned, of the
determinations made pursuant to the investigation of the dispute.
Stage
4 - If the dispute still remains unresolved, the matter will be
referred to ACPET. The decision of this body will be final.
Time Frames
This
dispute procedure is to be completed in accordance with the following time
frames unless the parties agree otherwise:
Stage
1: Discussions should take place between the client and the latter’s
supervisor within 24 hours and this part of the procedure will not extend
beyond 48 hours.
Stage 2:
Not to exceed three working days unless negotiated with the client
Stage 3:
Not to exceed seven working days unless negotiated with the client
The
supervisor in the initial instance will take the following steps:
a)
work out if they are the right person to deal with the complaint. They will
send the complaint (with your consent) to the Manager if:
- they are
biased because of their relationship with the person making the complaint or
with the person who the complaint is about or
- if they
do not have enough power to handle the particular complaint
b)
if they are the right person to deal with the complaint, they will:
explain the
grievance handling procedure including what may happen if there is enough
evidence to support your complaint or what will happen if there is not
enough evidence to support your complaint; where you can go if you are not
happy with the way that the organisation is dealing with the complaint;
other places to go for more information.
c)
take a written record of the complaint;
d)
talk to the other person/people involved separately and impartially to hear
their side of the story;
e) tell
you what the other person/people said and discuss what should be done to
sort out the complaint;
make sure
that whatever you have agreed/decided upon actually happens.
It is a
good idea to have a list of actions appropriate to the behaviour complained
of.
Some ideas
are:
If the
complaint is substantiated (it happened) – a written apology; an official
warning; counselling; demotion; dismissal.
If the
complaint is not substantiated (there is not enough proof) – training for
all staff on anti-discrimination law; keeping a closer watch on the
behaviour of employees.
If the
complaint is frivolous (it did not happen) counselling for the person who
made the complaint; a written apology; an official warning; cancellation of
enrolment; follow up; including periodical assessments of the effectiveness
of the agreed strategies.
Appeals
You can ask
AUSINTEC Academy to take a second look at a decision if they have not
followed the procedure set out here or you think the outcome was unfair. If
you think that the dispute procedure was not followed properly or the
outcome was unfair, you can appeal to the Director.
They will
look at the way that the complaint was handled. If they think it was handled
properly, they will not take any further action.
If they
think it was not handled properly, they will organise for the complaint to
be looked at again.
The review
will be carried out by someone other than the person who first handled the
complaint.
Complainants are advised in writing of the outcome of appeals or complaints.