QM Context
The concept of “Quality” refers to the standard or degree of excellence of an activity, task, or outcome, often measured against other similar criteria or benchmarks. In other terms, quality is about delivering value and ensuring that the end result meets the desired standards and expectations.
In definition, a “Quality Management System” is a clearly defined set of processes and responsibilities that makes a business run according to its set processes and expectations. Each organisation tailors its
own QMS, comprising a formal set of policies, processes and procedures established to elevate consumer satisfaction. A QMS guides organizations as they standardise and enhance quality controls across manufacturing, service delivery and other key business processes (ISO, 2024).
A culture of quality requires employees to apply skills and make decisions in highly ambiguous but critical areas while leading them toward deeper reflection about the risks and payoffs of their actions (HBR, 2023).
The Need for Q-Mark
The concept of “Quality Management” in the Australian Vocational Education and Training sector has been largely non-existent. The sector is governed by national standards such as Standards for RTOs 2015 (NVR Act), The National Code 2018 (ESOS Act), and ELICOS National Standards 2018, among a range of other standards (accreditation, training packages etc.). While the mention of “quality” has been added in the standards from time to time, it has never been truly implemented or tested. The key reason is the absence of “quality criteria” or benchmarks in the organisations that can be used for evaluation.
However, an effective way to meet and address regulatory compliance can actually be through a quality management system. If a quality framework is designed in a way that incorporates an organisation’s regulatory obligations and requirements as part of “quality” outcomes, such quality outcomes can be measured and tested. While the “compliance” is perceived as something that needs to be demonstrated for audits, a quality management system can actually make a real difference in an organisations performance, outcomes, and productivity.
Thus, the idea for Q-Mark.
QVET Q-Mark
Q-Mark is the mark of excellence and outstanding performance, meeting the requirements of a carefully designed quality framework for RTOs – applied in the context of a provider registration type (VET, CRICOS, ELICOS etc.).
The quality framework is a set of “quality areas” or domains that map the operations and activities of a typical training organisation. In implementing the framework, the regulatory compliance is automatically addressed. The framework goes beyond just the regulatory compliance to a best-practice model where the outcomes are enhanced for the organisation, effectively, changing the mindset from a “must-do” reluctant compliance to an overarching quality management system that actually increases returns and enhances organisational performance.
Contact us for a detailed discussion on how Q-Mark can be a real catalyst in transforming your organisation.
