Quality and compliance are a vital part of many industries, including education. Ensuring standards are upheld, correct policies are in place and delivering the best experience possible are some of the responsibilities of a quality and compliance auditor. Becoming a quality and compliance auditor in the education sector is a dynamic and rewarding career with plenty of growth opportunities.
The role of a quality auditor is to ensure that the standards of quality and compliance are upheld throughout the whole organisation. Specifically, compliance involves adhering to the legal requirements of the industry, keeping accurate records of business activities and following industry standards or codes of practice. In essence, it is making sure that the business’ activities are aligned with the law.
Quality, on the other hand, is less about legal compliance and more concerned with ensuring that the specific workplace or industry is upholding high standards of quality. Duties may involve putting into place specific company policies or procedures, as well as regularly reviewing these to ensure they are actioned. The specifics vary greatly and education has very particular requirements that other sectors do not.
Quality and compliance in the education sector are governed by established standards set by the government and in specific legislation determined by the sector. This can vary for primary, secondary, or tertiary education. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) must also adhere to these legal standards.
A quality and compliance auditor in the education industry will be familiar with all necessary legal requirements and frameworks and how they apply to multiple areas. Key areas of focus may include teacher registration, curriculum updates, and assessment frameworks.
Along with compliance, businesses in the education sector must ensure that their offering is quality assured. Quality assurance means that the courses provided are not just legally compliant but are also providing a high standard of education. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) are examples of governing bodies which set out standards for education in Australia.
While one of the most critical considerations of quality auditing in education is to ensure compliance when reviewed by an external auditor, it is also a key to keeping all stakeholders of the business satisfied and confident.
Working in the education quality sector requires a combination of both soft and technical skills. Essential skills for success in this role include:
Many of these skills are polished by on-the-job training. To acquire and establish a strong skill set, the best course is to undertake a qualification in auditing, such as a Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920).
There are several career opportunities within the quality and compliance industry. Most people who work in this industry will work in-house, or externally.
In-house quality and compliance auditing requires working within a business or RTO to ensure that internal practices are aligned with the legal requirements of the industry, as well as ensuring that quality controls are upheld. It is the responsibility of an in-house quality and compliance officer to ensure the business will pass external audits and minimise the risk of fines or legal action.
Working externally in quality and compliance involves working or consulting for industry bodies such as ASQA to audit other businesses and ensure that they are complying to the necessary legal requirements.
Acquiring a qualification in quality and compliance does not mean that you are restricted to only working as an auditor or quality and compliance officer. Quality auditing skills are in high demand and you will be well suited to career roles in areas such as:
You aren’t limited to working in education. Many industries, particularly manufacturing, food safety and construction, are continually seeking qualified compliance professionals.
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards. Over 20 million businesses are ISO certified, making ISO officers in demand across the globe.
Becoming an ISO certified auditor is the best way to increase your employability and earning prospects throughout your career. This certification allows you to audit businesses who require ISO certification. You also can award or remove the ISO certification of companies based on the findings of the audit.
The Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920) will equip you with the skills and knowledge to further your career goal of becoming an ISO-certified auditor.
Working in the quality and compliance industry is a rewarding career choice with plenty of opportunities for career advancement. You will acquire an in-demand skill set that will carry you in good stead throughout your career. By ensuring that the standard of education for traditional learning and online courses are of a high standard, you are helping people achieve their goals, and empowering them for success.
