Study Quality Auditing & Compliance Online | College For Adult Learning

Quality auditing and compliance are two areas of significance for any business. Both these careers can take you through work in a wide range of industries, from finance to medical, food safety to manufacturing, and many more.

A Quality Auditor inspects the quality of products or services within a business or organisation to ensure they meet legal standards and quality assurances. Compliance, on the other hand, relates to ensuring the regulations and requirements set out by governments and industry bodies are being met within an organisation.

Either a quality auditing or compliance qualification will afford you the skills needed to succeed and fast-track you into a career in either position.

Study Quality and Compliance Online

Becoming a Quality Auditor or Compliance Manager is a strong career choice for those looking for a job whose skills will take them across industries.

If you’re ready to begin your career in quality auditing, CAL’s online Quality Auditing diploma will afford you the quality management skills and knowledge to conduct end-to-end audits. Students will gain the confidence to be a strong quality auditor with our nationally recognised qualifications created by leading industry experts.

A Compliance diploma will teach you the fundamental skills needed to succeed as a compliance officer or manager. As you grow your career, you will be prepared to step into a compliance role and develop strong leadership and communication skills.

Diploma of

Business (Compliance)

BSB50120

Having one of the best compliance certifications under your belt will allow you to be prepared to confidently step into a variety of business compliance roles. Develop key skills in risk management and compliance risk functions, leadership and quality auditing.

Delivery

100% Online Learning

Duration

Approx 14-16 months part-time

Approx 12 months full-time

Outcomes

Compliance Manager$94,000

Compliance Coordinator$68,000

Compliance Officer$66,000

Learn more

Diploma of

Quality Auditing

BSB50920

Enhance your Quality Auditing career and refine your skills to manage and implement quality measurement procedures and audits, ensuring compliance across your organisation. Learn to manage the quality of projects and processes, develop continuous improvement initiatives, and to get the most out of your team.

Delivery

100% Online Learning

Duration

Approx 14-16 months part-time

Approx 12 months full-time

Outcomes

Quality Assurance Coordinator$69,000

Quality Manager$98,000

Internal Auditor$71,000

Learn more

Diploma of

Business (Compliance)

BSB50120

Delivery

100% Online Learning

Duration

Approx 14-16 months part-time

Approx 12 months full-time

Outcomes

Compliance Manager$94,000

Compliance Coordinator$68,000

Compliance Officer$66,000

Learn more

Diploma of

Quality Auditing

BSB50920

Delivery

100% Online Learning

Duration

Approx 14-16 months part-time

Approx 12 months full-time

Outcomes

Quality Assurance Coordinator$69,000

Quality Manager$98,000

Internal Auditor$71,000

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions about Quality and Compliance

What are the best Quality Auditing courses to study in Australia?

The best Quality Auditing courses to study are vocational qualifications, including the Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920). Getting qualified with a Nationally Recognised course demonstrates a level of skill that employers can rely on, with the right combination of practical skills and interpersonal capabilities to move up the career ladder and apply your knowledge in a variety of roles and sectors relating to Quality Auditing.

Can I get a qualification in Compliance online?

Compliance courses are a perfect fit for online and self-paced study. By learning at your own pace, you’re not held back by the speed of the classroom, and you have the freedom to pause and pick up your studies around your schedule.

Whether you’re looking to upskill, change careers or kick start a new pathway, studying Compliance online is a smart choice to earn the practical skills you need to excel, paired with the flexibility to study when and where it suits you.

What skills will a Quality Auditing course give me?

Our Quality Auditing course is designed to equip you with the technical and interpersonal skills you need to be successful in your Auditing career. A Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920) will demonstrate that you have the key skills to get ahead, including:

Ability to ensure compliance and ISO standards are being met,
How to conduct end-to-end audits, and
Communicating effectively in workplaces.

Do you need to study a Compliance course to become a Compliance Officer?

Getting a Compliance Officer role in the Compliance industry is a key first step in your career. Studying a Compliance course will give you the foundation skills you need to kickstart your career and apply practical skills like managing budgets and financial plans and interpreting compliance requirements straight into your job. With a few years of experience, the right set of hands-on skills, and a recognised compliance qualification, you can look to make the move into becoming a Compliance Manager, or other managerial roles in the industry.

How long does it take to study a Compliance or Quality Auditing course?

A Diploma course can take approximately 12 months to complete if studying full-time, Certificate IV courses can be as short as 10 months full-time, while you should expect around 18 months to complete an Advanced Diploma. The duration of your qualification also depends on how many hours you put in each week to study. However, at CAL all students are offered a generous 24-month enrolment period to complete their Compliance and Quality Auditing qualifications at their own pace.

Do you need to study a Quality Auditing course to become a Quality Manager?

Becoming a Quality Manager usually needs at least a Diploma-level qualification coupled with a few years’ experience to be taken seriously in the industry. A Quality Auditing course will teach the relevant technical skills and know-how like conducting end-to-end audits and project management skills, as well as the transferable people and business management skills essential for getting ahead in the quality auditing industry. Industry experience is strongly recommended, with most professionals having two years of experience before undertaking a Quality Auditing Diploma.

Why is quality control important in the food industry?

While quality auditing skills and expertise can take you across many industries, one of the most important ones is the food industry. Quality Auditors of food must make sure food is met to both organisational and health standards. They ensure food is safe for human consumption while also making sure the packaging, production, delivery and transportation of food meets regulations and health standards, too.

What jobs in Quality Auditing are in the health and social care industry?

Quality Auditing can focus on both the products and services of the health and social care industry. Quality improvement auditors can work closely with government bodies such as the NDIS to ensure the right care is provided, or work for an individual aged care facility to make sure regulations and ratios are being met.

Other Quality Auditing roles in health care can include the oversight and checking of compliance of health related products and systems used in hospitals, doctors offices, and other allied health practices.

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The average salary for management in the industry

42%

Managers with at least a diploma qualification

31%

The Percentage of Quality Assurance Managers that work in manufacturing

Your future in Quality and Compliance

A career in Quality Auditing & Compliance is a strong option for workers looking to pivot their career into a sought-after position. Many of those in quality auditing or compliance have worked in the manufacturing or business sectors and are ready to work in a senior-level management and administration position.

Studying at CAL will teach you the practical and fundamental skills you need to succeed in quality auditing and compliance. Gaining a nationally accredited qualification will fast-track you into a position in either role. Be confident in leading internal and external audits, and managing, implementing and delivering quality measurement procedures.

Find out what roles and salaries you can expect in the quality auditing and compliance industry, and how a qualification at CAL can make it possible.

Discover your future here

About Quality and Compliance

The Benefits of a Compliance Diploma

Why a diploma in compliance is a good career move Unsurprisingly, the ‘global pandemic’ tops the list of what business leaders consider the most serious risk in 2021. The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 are responsible for that, and rightly so. However, it’s interesting to note what other factors are on risk managers’ radar for 2021 and beyond. Compliance management matters The Allianz Global 2021 Risk Barometer survey[1] found that Australian businesses consider changes to legislation and cyber incidents among the top five events that could negatively impact their sectors. In both cases, compliance management is at the forefront of proactively preparing for these scenarios. Legislation changes Changes to legislation topped the list of critical incidents in the previous survey and is an area that compliance officers deal with every day. Keeping tabs on the ever-changing legislative landscape (local, state and federal) and communicating these changes within the business is an essential aspect of their job. Cyber incidents As more and more businesses come to rely heavily upon data and digital markets, they must monitor changes in technology and ensure compliance with the best security procedures possible. Keeping ahead of the curve offers the best protection from the impacts of technology changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Where are compliance officers needed the most? There are very few aspects of any business which is not subject to compliance. Compliance officers have the critical task of ensuring a company obeys all laws, licensing and regulations that might apply to different aspects of the business. Compliance officers are needed by heavily regulated businesses, such as mining, financial services and health care. In essence, compliance officers are an intricate part of many business’ ecosystems. Business units that have the most compliance issues include finance, auditing, and health and safety. Day-to-day, a compliance officer might be undertaking an internal audit of compliance matters, assessing and managing various risks, ensuring records are kept up to date and advising managers and perhaps a board of directors about compliance issues affecting the business. All this requires first-rate administrative skills and attention to detail that is second-to-none because even the smallest of compliance breaches can have enormous consequences for a company (financially and otherwise). Is compliance a good career to choose? An entry-level compliance officer in Australia can expect to earn $66,170 and quickly progress to an average salary of about $89,000 (Talent.com.au). Click To Tweet Compliance is an excellent way to get a ‘foot in the door’ of an industry that interests you. There is no ‘traditional’ background, such as finance or health, which would necessarily give one candidate an advantage over another. Earning potential in this sector is attractive. An entry-level compliance officer in Australia can expect to earn $66,170 and quickly progress to an average salary of about $89,000. Senior compliance officers can command much higher salaries, the average of which is $113,000, with the potential to earn much higher[2]. There are many benefits beyond the financial. Depending on the size of the business, compliance officers usually have direct access to the decision-makers at an executive or board level. Their work is well respected and relied upon because of its’ critical nature. The work is full of variety, given the frequency and impact of legislative or legal changes businesses need to comply with, while the job security is solid. Almost 90% of financial services executives say they find it difficult to recruit skilled compliance workers[3], meaning they’ll go above and beyond to retain the good ones. What are the career advantages? Compliance is a varied field, which encompasses many specialties. Among them are jobs in the areas of equal opportunity, health and safety, property inspection, licensing, or any industry that is subject to a heavy regulatory environment. There are various ‘soft skills’ associated with compliance careers. For example, being across the detail of a new legislative requirement is not much use if you can’t influence the behaviour of those who need to implement and comply with it. That requires an understanding of human nature while developing techniques and processes that encourage compliance. Compliance officers also play a vital role in establishing an ethical relationship between the business and the customers, given that treating customers fairly is implicit in so many aspects of the legislation. You’ll need to be across areas of the company that other workers who are work in individual units or ‘silos’ are not and develop a deep understanding of business management. The skills you learn are ultimately transferable across different industries. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to craft excellent communication skills by dealing with different types of people. For businesses with national or global customers and suppliers, travel will be a significant part of the compliance role. How do I Become a Compliance Officer in Australia? What is the best compliance certification? Heading down this career path in the right way begins with a compliance diploma. A compliance professional’s job is equal parts preparation and implementation. Reviewing business practices and identifying risk, coupled with proper lodgement and implementation of policies, require practical and strategic thinking. Making yourself heard and facilitating change will go smoother when you are using the right soft skills. A diploma in compliance offers real-life units and case studies that will prepare your mindset, develop these core competencies and open the right doors to a rewarding career. While there’s no set path to entering the industry, it is more often than not a career that demands minimum educational standards. Besides this, the diploma is an excellent grounding in what to expect once you land that job. It helps you learn the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential to a compliance officers’ role. A Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) sets you on the right path to a rewarding career in which you can help shape the way a business operates. It’s a serious responsibility and one for which you’ll be well regarded and compensated. [1]Riskware [2]Talent.com.au [3]eFinancialCareers

How do I Become a Compliance Officer in Australia?

Finding a business compliance course for your career A compliance officer in Australia is responsible for ensuring a business is compliant with local and international laws, regulations and other policies relating to the business and its industry. Becoming a compliance officer involves completing a relevant qualification such as a business compliance course like the Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120). What does a compliance officer do? Compliance officers work closely with other business functions to ensure each department is operating in a compliant way. They offer advice and leadership in risk management, work health and safety, financial risks, audits and more. They are a highly valued member of many businesses across various sectors, and the need for skilled compliance officers is only increasing. The ‘typical’ duties of a compliance officer vary greatly and differ by industry, but key responsibilities include: Carrying out risk assessments and managing identified risks Investigating reported compliance issues Reporting to key stakeholders on risk and compliance issues Preparing for audits Completing and reporting on audit results Ensuring records are up to date Learning about new regulations or laws relevant to the industry Courses to become a compliance officer Becoming a compliance officer requires a solid foundation of relevant education. The Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) is an excellent stepping stone into a career in compliance. You will learn crucial skillsets such as managing budgets, financial plans, business resources and business risk, reporting on quality audits and more. A flexible business compliance course allows you to study while working and completing the coursework when it suits you. Some businesses offer sponsorship to interested employees who want to complete a compliance course. The business compliance diploma can be completed in as little as 12 months or up to 24 months if needed. This means you can complete the course while still working in your current role. The well-rounded diploma qualification is nationally recognised and provides real-world examples to set you up for success in the workplace. The course also features units teaching risk management, meaning careers in both risk and compliance are in reach upon graduation. Wanting to get ahead of the competition? Consider combining the Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) with the Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920) to better manage larger scale compliance projects. Who is best suited to being a compliance officer? Those who have worked in finance, law, supply chain management, human resources or health and safety are particularly well suited to business compliance. However, the role is an excellent choice for those wanting to begin their career in a secure industry. Compliance officers require attention to detail and an ability to comprehend often complex laws and regulations. Compliance officers work closely with people from both inside and outside the business, so an ability to build rapport, communicate and lead a team are all excellent skills to have, too. Regardless of your previous experience, you’re on the right path for a successful career in compliance by completing a well-rounded diploma qualification. How to succeed as a compliance officer Setting yourself up for success as a compliance officer with the proper qualification and workplace skills is key to excel in your career. Three ways to accelerate success are: Education: Completing a diploma such as the Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) is an excellent way to ensure you enter the workforce with practical, real-world knowledge under your belt. The course frequently references workplace applications of compliance, giving you an edge over other early-career compliance officers. Soft skills: Soft skills such as leadership, communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, and resilience are essential to gaining success in your career as a compliance officer. Brushing up on skills such as these will put you in good stead for a choice of roles once you graduate. These soft skills can be honed in various situations, such as networking, volunteering, joining social groups and playing a team sport. Seek out opportunities to develop and grow your soft skills as soon and as often as possible. Work experience: An excellent way to increase your chances of success as a compliance officer is to find work experience in a compliance-heavy workplace. You don’t need to work in a large business or a professional role in order to pick up valuable skills. Not-for-profits are a good place to apply and will be grateful for your efforts. All workplaces equip you with skills such as working with others, communication and time management. A depth of work history on your resume is looked on favourably by employers. Career opportunities as a compliance officer Working as a compliance officer is an exciting career choice with plenty of growth potential. Not adhering to laws or regulations can cost businesses hefty fines, result in serious legal action or loss of reputation, or even business closure. Businesses need skilled compliance officers who can implement the right policies and procedures and ensure they are upheld by others. Compliance professionals are a valuable asset to all businesses, no matter what industry they’re in. Some of the most common industries that require compliance officers are: Financial Services Building and Construction Healthcare Supply and Manufacturing Education Career pathways in compliance In terms of career pathways, working in compliance allows scope for you to grow in your career, whether that be vertically into a more senior role or horizontally into another industry or role. There are also plenty of opportunities to seek out similar roles such as an auditor or work health and safety officer due to the varied and complementary skills you will possess. Since compliance officers gain a broad knowledge about all business units, career progression to C-suite roles such as Chief Operations Manager or Chief Executive Officer are also possible. A typical career path may look something like the below: Complete a relevant diploma qualification such as the Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) Seek a graduate role as a Compliance Assistant or Officer. Alternatively, you could find work in a relevant industry where you can assist with compliance-related matters. Develop your skillset by keeping up to date with key industry trends and completing professional development Apply for promotions within your current business or seek external senior roles Gain a leadership or senior management role like Compliance Coordinator or Compliance Manager, potentially overseeing a team of Compliance Officers Move into C-suite or executive board positions How to choose a risk and compliance course in Australia Completing a business risk and compliance course such as the Diploma of Business (Compliance) (BSB50120) is the best place to begin. Coupling your qualifications with well-rounded soft skills will set you up for success in your career, allowing you to grow into senior roles as you become experienced and confident in your capabilities. A current shortage of compliance officers, combined with increased demand, is incentivising workplaces to offer education sponsorships. Companies realise that it is a wise investment to support employees who are interested in careers as compliance officers, particularly if the employee has a current understanding of the business. Staff can implement what they learn as they study, making it a win-win scenario. It is worth discussing this possibility with your employer. Choosing a business compliance course is best determined by a few essential factors. These include the length of the course, flexibility to study online, the quality of case studies and units available, the testimonials from others who have completed the course, price-point, and availability of educators and learning mentors for support. You should also consider any experience you have already that can be credited to units and potentially shorten the length of the course. Working as a compliance officer in Australia is a rewarding career choice, with plenty of opportunities to advance your career in a range of industries.

How to become a Quality and Compliance Auditor in Education

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 but rewarding career option with plenty of growth opportunities. What is the role of a quality auditor? 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 is 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. What is the role of a quality auditor in education? 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, among others. 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, too. Quality Auditing and ISO Skills for the education quality sector Working in the education quality sector requires a combination of both soft and technical skills. Essential skills for success in this role include: Ability to often comprehend complex legal information and communicate this in an easy-to-understand manner Attention to detail and highly organised A ‘people person’ who can work cross-functionally to implement and uphold quality and compliance standards A passion for education and an interest in keeping up to date with industry changes An understanding of the importance of quality and compliance in education both from a business and customer perspective 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). A Day in the Life of a Quality Auditor Career pathways in quality and compliance 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: Project Management Risk Management Quality Control Human Resources Accounting and Finance You aren’t limited to working in education either. Many industries, particularly manufacturing, food safety and construction, are continually seeking qualified compliance professionals. Profession Pathways to a Career in Quality Auditing How do I become an ISO certified auditor? 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.

How to Upskill from Risk Compliance Officer to Risk Manager

Risk occurs every hour of every day within an organisation and can be one of the main obstacles to a business achieving their goals. A career in risk compliance can be incredibly rewarding should you seek a promotion path to senior roles. You can upskill to a supervisor position from an administration role, a junior risk management position or another role in risk compliance. Here we discuss the skills and attributes needed to enter the next chapter of your career in risk compliance and ensure that you can be a valuable part of any successful organisation. Discover the essential components of risk compliance and how to upskill yourself to gain the promotion you’re seeking as a risk manager or supervisor. What is risk compliance? Risk compliance officers ensure that an organisation is running within the rules and regulations set to them by external bodies. It’s ensuring paperwork is filled out, document archiving is taken care of and meeting any other regulations that bind the company. Daily, compliance officers minimise the risk for their organisation by researching, monitoring and maintaining regulations at the required standard. Compliance is different in every industry, but developing the skills of research, organisation, and communication will build a foundation that can assist in your transition from officer to manager. The specific tasks that fall under risk compliance include maintaining incident management programs, completing operational risk reports, conducting internal audit reports and ensuring information privacy measures are in place to keep documents secure. How to take the next step and be promoted to a risk manager Risk Management is different from compliance in that it is more predictive. Compliance officers focus on ticking the boxes and keeping the company on the straight and narrow. Risk managers must predict and identify the risks, and organisation is likely to encounter and form plans and strategy to overcome risk. Risk managers are a more qualified position. Diplomas in areas such as quality auditing and logistics are necessary tools in upskilling to the standards of a risk manager. A relevant diploma will build your knowledge of industry skills and set you apart from others competing for a risk management job. A high level of initiative is required for risk managers and supervisors. They are tasked with seeking out unknown risks and putting in place strategies to circumnavigate them. Exemplary communication skills are necessary to educate employees across the entire organisation of their occupational risks, along with putting in place strategies to overcome and prevent these risks. General risk manager skills fall into four key areas, outlined below: Maintaining insurance and finance records for policies and claims This is an area that is strengthened by your history in risk compliance, where securely keeping important documents is a crucial role. Educate members of the organisation on risk From board members to new employees, an entire business must be risk-conscious, so building relationships and communicating with people on all levels of authority is a vital skill for risk managers.

How to Upskill and Achieve a Qualification When Working FIFO

FIFO lifestyle: rewards and risks FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) workers are mainly found in Australia’s resources industry, which contributes a mind-boggling $250 billion to the economy each year in exports alone (70% of our total exports). This industry employs about 250,000 workers, and almost six times that number (1.1 million) rely on the industry for their employment. Backed by the raw data, the importance of Australia’s resources sector is paramount. FIFO Industry employs about 250,000 workers, and are found in Australia's resources industry - with a $250 billion annual contribution in exports to the Australian economy. Click To Tweet Mining demands a high level of skills, and in return, employees receive high wages ($140,000 on average, 60% more than the median wage). A FIFO worker salary can be very lucrative, and some of the highest-paid employees in Australia are FIFO workers. Mining sites are often located far from the nearest town, and companies find it more financially beneficial to bring workers in for their shifts. These shifts are typically 12 hours per day, lasting anywhere from seven days to four weeks. Workers get breaks of several days between shifts but spending long periods away from home can put a strain on personal relationships (especially in young families). Nonetheless, FIFO life is found in an exciting, rewarding industry in which the key to success is striking a work/life balance that suits you. How to survive and thrive in the world of FIFO Apart from the financial gain, there are real advantages to earning a living on remote work sites. The hours and ‘swings’ might be long, but there are decent periods to spend at home in between. On-site, the only thing other than work that you need to do is your laundry! Personal expenses are minimal, so the opportunity to save money is what attracts many FIFO workers. The downside includes missing significant milestones (birthdays, social events) while you are away, a lack of variety in the workplace, and difficulty establishing friendships on big worksites. Despite these circumstances, one significant advantage FIFO workers have is the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience and first-hand knowledge, from a multitude of different departments and even companies. Those who can capitalise on this knowledge and nurture industry contacts are in a great position to advance their career. Using on-site breaks and downtime to upskill, qualifications is a smart way to impress employers and advance your career. FIFO as a pathway to management A recent survey found career development is second only to work/life balance in terms of what workplace issues are the most important to FIFO workers (40% compared to 37%). Many industries are aggressively pursuing graduates, incentivising mining companies to bring something to the table in terms of career progression opportunities. If becoming a leader is attractive to you, be strategic and ask around about what skills your managers think will be essential in the next three, five, or even ten years. Click To Tweet Technology is changing rapidly, so employees who upskill with diplomas relating to any number of disciplines will have a strong advantage. Engineering is an obvious choice in this space, particularly as spending on resources infrastructure increases. Internal candidates with the right qualifications will be front and centre for promotion, if for no other reason than employers know you are already across the industry’s unique culture. The key to making this work is by structuring your study around difficult rosters and long hours. That is why online diploma courses, such as those offered by the College for Adult Learning, are so well suited to the FIFO lifestyle. They can be completed in at your own pace and in your timeframe. Study tips for FIFO work There’s a host of online courses that can assist you in upskilling and becoming qualified for management roles in the resources sector. The practical experience you’ve gained is certainly valuable, but earning a further qualification allows you to take the next step in your career. Subjects that would be helpful within the industry include project management, human resources, health and safety, leadership management, and quality auditing. However like anything, online study requires a plan. A good strategy is to enlist the help and support of your friends and family. FIFO workers are already good at managing time and can easily adapt to adding online study commitments to the mix. Try and stick to a regular study routine such as setting aside study periods during breaks on-site, slotting an hour of study a day aside when you’re back home, or researching on your laptop during transfers between home and the worksite. Make the most of your days off and take advantage of your colleagues’ experience by choosing appropriate mentors to help with your work. Online study is specifically designed as something you can do it at your own pace and in your own time. You will have great access to tutors and coaches who have significant industry experience. Shifts can offer a week or even two weeks off in one stretch, allowing you plenty of time to commit to your diploma. Many professionals find that dividing their time into pre-planned work/study/downtime sections creates a discipline that also enhances other aspects of their lives. Why FIFO industry management is worth it More than three quarters (77%) of employers are more likely to consider a candidate who upskills regularly, yet only 24% of workers upskill just once a year. Click To Tweet Knowing the culture of an industry where you want a management role is vital. Even letting the boss know your desire to get promoted can be a factor. More than three quarters (77%) of employers are more likely to consider a candidate who upskills regularly, yet only 24% of workers upskill just once a year. In contrast, only 4% of workers never study for extra qualifications at all. If becoming a leader is attractive to you, be strategic and ask around about what skills your managers think will be essential in the next three, five, or even ten years. Picking the brains of those who are planning a company’s strategic direction is a smart way to decide what qualifications you need. Industry trends are one thing, but there’s nothing better than knowledge gained on the ground. Those with both ‘hands-on’ experience (via FIFO work), coupled with the right qualifications, will be the future leaders of an industry which produces six of Australia’s top ten most valuable goods; iron ore, coal, natural gas, gold, aluminium, and petroleum. That’s a powerful incentive to upskill and get the qualifications you need to have a pivotal role not just in your industry, but to contribute significantly to an entire country’s economy.

Why Your Healthcare Practice Needs a Quality Auditor

On a fundamental level, a Quality Auditor has a vital role in the success of a healthcare practice, whether traditional or complementary medicine. They are the quality specialists the healthcare practice turns to for procedural oversight and approval, compliance necessities, and to improve on existing systems. A quality auditor acts as an advisor on all processes and procedures that the practice is obligated to put in place to ensure long-term success as a business. Why are Quality Auditors beneficial to a healthcare practice? Hiring a quality auditor is never a bad decision, but you do want to ensure you make the best decision. Training an employee who is familiar with the healthcare sector to be a QA will add a unique and tailored role that fits the needs of the practice. They will be able to easily spot the flaws and weaknesses in your systems or processes and be able to communicate and collaborate more effectively to find the right solutions. Auditors who are specific to the industry will be able to identify the gaps in performance and processes and measure them against quality standards. From there, they will be able to provide recommendations accordingly and provide thorough follow-through. Key Tip: Hiring a quality auditor is a great move. Hiring a quality auditor familiar with the healthcare sector is even better. What is the importance of Quality Auditing in Healthcare? It is always advisable to have a member of your team who is a certified quality auditor, or at the very least, someone who possesses the same skills. Particularly in the current times when the world is facing a global pandemic with COVID-19, practices need to be certain they are abiding by changing standards and regulations. With the arrival of coronavirus in Australia came a myriad of new rules that needed to be implemented quickly, but effectively. Healthcare practices which had an existing member of staff with the capabilities to ensure these procedures were done correctly were automatically better off than practices which needed to bring in an outside consultant. Many practices with an existing quality competency were able to sign-off new safety strategies without having to wait for third party approval. One of the best ways to give your business the upper hand would be to invest in upskilling an internal member of staff with the right qualification in quality auditing. Nominate an existing member of staff or ask for a volunteer and offer to fund their qualification. You will be providing them with the skills required to do the job for your business, without having to go through the rigmarole of finding a new, trustworthy employee to hire. Key Tip: It may be more useful to invest in training an existing staff member to run your quality audits. Safeguarding your healthcare practice Anyone running a busy healthcare practice knows the pressure the job entails. You are responsible for many people on a daily basis, often during stressful and unpleasant times in their lives. The temptations to let compliance slip or delay decisions relating to quality can have dire consequences for your practice. The last thing you want is for your practice to face issues with non-compliance. One way to safeguard your practice from compliance and quality issues is to invest in training your staff each year with a Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920). They will learn valuable information and gain crucial skills through units like Lead and Manage Team Effectiveness, Manage Project Quality, Participate in a Quality Audit, Facilitate continuous improvement, and many more. By investing in your staff, you will add a vital skillset to your business. You’ll ensure that your compliance checks are correct and completed as a priority, and not just a task that can drop down the list of things to do. Key Tip: Further education, like a Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920), is a smart investment for any practice. Invest in people to keep your doors open Working in or running a healthcare practice is a time-consuming and stressful job to undertake on a normal day, without the added stress of ensuring all your practices and process are compliant and meet the required standards. There are several things that you can do to ensure your practice stays on the right track. Whether you choose to hire an inhouse quality auditor, or you invest in your existing staff and offer them further education opportunities – both options are essential steps you can do to support your practice with better processes and procedures. Quality auditing for healthcare practices has never been more critical. In a world that is dealing with a global pandemic and the necessary restrictions in services – healthcare practices, more than other businesses, have an obligation to their staff and clients to stay safe and vigilant. Regular quality audits by a qualified quality auditor is a logical way to ensure your doors remain open to the community your serve.

Profession Pathways to a Career in Quality Auditing

We live in a time when profession pathways are the career norm rather than the exception. In any profession, there are times when the day-to-day can become mundane. That’s often the time you’ll begin to search for new challenges and greater intrinsic rewards. The ideal is to use your current qualifications as a springboard into a new role. Consider migrating your current skill set into the booming global growth sector of Total Quality Management, where your existing qualifications and experience could provide you with the background you need to have a successful career in Quality Auditing. Total Quality Management “A system of management based on the principle that every member of staff must be committed to maintaining high standards of work in every aspect of a company’s operations.” What Does a Quality Auditor do? Much of what you’ll be doing is winning the hearts and minds of every person at every level of an organisation. You’ll be challenged every day because you’ll be meeting with many people, finding out what they do, and how they do it. Seeing each team member become empowered to speak up and contribute to the development of processes that lead to zero errors and customer satisfaction will be enormously fulfilling. You’ll participate in regular – often daily – audits of processes and compliance with ISO. You’ll be involved in process mapping and improvement methodologies, and you’ll be writing complex audit reports. Quality Auditing is very much a team process and no two days will ever be the same. General Qualities you’ll need to succeed Based on Quality Auditor job postings, employers are on the lookout for candidates with these core skills: Proven skills in problem-solving, negotiating, successfully resolving issues through constructive communication, and ability to establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels Eye for detail, analytical, self-motivated and high level of emotional intelligence Soft skills of being persuasive and effective in articulating and fostering change Six Professional Pathways Available Now Accountants With an increased need for greater transparency in both the Banking and Finance industries and the Australian Taxation Office, there has been a significant rise in the demand for qualified accountants with suitable quality qualifications for internal Quality Auditor roles. Health Care Professionals Many opportunities are available in the Aged Care Sector with the increase in community scrutiny of the levels of care. Both internal and external auditors are required. Hospitals, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment suppliers are all areas to explore. Defence Personnel Defence related industries are required to meet ISO 9000 standards to gain tenders. Defence contracting and Aerospace are both growth sectors, and multinational companies are expected to employ a large quota of local talent. If you are currently a Defence member, you will know that standards, system and procedures are fundamental to all operations, which means you are well placed to move seamlessly into a Quality Auditor role. Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Assessment Professionals You are already skilled at performing audits, writing reports, modifying environments and procedures. Where else could you go with your career if you were to take these skills into Quality Auditing? Would your career be more fulfilling if you were helping to shape corporate cultures where every member of the team matters? Education Professionals Higher Education in Australia is governed by strict standards, mostly to ensure low attrition rates and so graduates are well prepared for jobs. Robust internal assessments are required, and there is increasing demand for Quality Auditors in this sector. Project Management Professionals There is a growing call for projects to be subject to both Quality Assurance to ensure the project is conforming to the expectations of stakeholders, and Quality Testing, which is focused on system inspection and finding errors and implementing corrections. Quality Auditors with project management qualifications are highly sought. Ways to increase your resume and marketability: Earn an online Diploma in Quality Auditing (BSB50920) from a well-respected provider Volunteer in a company audit process as an observer Attend company meetings where quality discussions and decisions are key Become involved with team processes across all aspects of the company Where possible, ask clients and suppliers about their quality processes Once you have gained enough experience as a Quality Auditor, you’ll find that applying your skills will allow you to transition to multiple business sectors both locally and globally. Emerging economies report a large Quality talent gap and favour recruiting talent from Australia. Consider using your current profession to your advantage and take the logical career pathway into Quality Auditing.

A Day in the Life of a Quality Auditor

You’ll find no two days will ever be the same in a day in the life of a quality auditor. You’re going to participate in regular – often daily – audits of processes and compliance with ISO. Additionally you’ll be involved in process mapping and improvement methodologies and writing complex audit reports. And yes, a great auditor will also need to get down into the thick of things within the organisation. Winning hearts and minds Much of what you’ll be doing at an interpersonal level is winning the hearts and minds of every person at each level of an organisation. You’ll be meeting with many people, finding out what they do and how they do it. You’re going to need every ounce of your ability to put people at ease and communicate what you need. You’ll find out people are generally proud of what they do and happy to be a part of the process. Quality Management emphasises that every team member, no matter what their role, is ultimately responsible for their final product. It can be hugely satisfying to see each team member become empowered to speak up and contribute to the development of processes that will impact them. You will feel the pride they experience in providing a consistently high-quality product to their customers. Educator and leader When companies decide to become ISO compliant, they may need to be reminded more than once that it is a ‘bottom-up’ process. The full cooperation and participation of every level in the company will be required and keeping the vision in clear sight will be essential for the process to be successful. Your ability to communicate, educate and lead to achieve this can be both supremely challenging and ultimately rewarding. Quality is something that nobody can do alone and why you need to ensure that people know creating better quality is an integral part of business success. Prepared for quick changes You’ll be involved in as many zero waste strategies as you will in zero error strategies. Such is the rapid changes impacting every level of the Quality model, which must continue to respond to the demands of an increasingly informed and educated customer base. There will be times you will need all your analytical and problem-solving skills. Zero errors will always be the ultimate outcome – and sometimes you’ll be asked to oversee a critical detection process. At times the future operations of a company can be completely reliant on the outcome. The final product – whatever the nature of the deliverable – can mean the difference between dissatisfied and upset customers or customers who become the company’s greatest advocates. Quality is culture change Every organisation adopting Quality Management will require a significant culture change. You’ll need to become the best example of your Quality stand – from your commitment to team advocacy through to always honouring your integrity with all levels of your reporting and recommendations. You are governing a profound shift in how each employee begins to see their role and their importance in the complete scheme of the business, and your contribution will be key. An extraordinary future Expect every day to be fast-paced. There’ll be no time for boredom here. You’ll be working vigorously and diligently to strict milestones and meeting often tight audit deadlines. You can look forward to global opportunities, and you’ll find that as you grow your experience across industries and working in many countries, you will strengthen your ‘quality muscle’. Every day will be a new opportunity to learn and develop. Every new day in your life as a quality auditor, you will need to be motivated and proactive to be better than yesterday. Every day will be an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to advance the ‘Quality Message’ for companies everywhere.

Quality Auditing and Assurance Workplace Job Trends 2022

‘Quality’ will be a 2022 workplace buzzword. Compliance and safety were hot topics in 2021, driving increased focus towards quality assurance and quality auditing as respected career professions ripe with opportunity. 1. Use QA to run your business-like clockwork Quality Assurance is a systematic process that ensures high-performance work and, in turn, quality products. Quality assurance is achieved by implementing a specific framework that deters mistakes and defects while preventing problems when transferring products to customers. Quality auditing provides a non-biased check that ensures Quality Assurance standards are met. A Quality Assurance Manager will work with an internal or external Quality Auditor to increase efficiencies that flow to the bottom line. 2. Why it is essential to upskill Upskilling is the process of teaching a current employee new skills. As a result, that employee’s capabilities and, therefore, their value increases exponentially. The number of jobs someone will have before the age of 40 has risen to ten, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that number is expected to rise to 12-15 jobs for current graduates. A hunger to upskill is an essential tool for the modern-day employee. Upskilling with relevant diploma qualifications is a win-win, increasing both your job security and your likelihood of gaining new employment. A Quality Assurance IT tech might progress from Test Manager to Quality Assurance Manager to Project Manager. A Quality Auditor could begin a career in risk management, health & safety or accounting before obtaining the qualifications to transition into quality auditing. 3. A trend towards preventative thinking When a drop in quality becomes noticeable, it may not always be as simple as using an audit to uncover the issue and correct your course. Businesses now see the value of conducting audits when at the peak of success. Then CEOs, management, and stakeholders begin to understand the Key Performance Indicators of the business, rather than guessing at what they might be. These KPI’s become a blueprint for Quality Assurance and sustained high performance. This gives those working in Quality Assurance the opportunity to work in a range of businesses at different stages of their business lifecycle, leading to more demand for skilled professionals, as businesses recognise the importance of auditing. 4. 2022 New Leases Accounting Standard The new international Lease Standard became mandatory on 1 January 2022, introducing a single lessee accounting model. The Standard demands that a lessee recognises assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months unless the underlying asset is of low value. Challenges for business will be collecting data for all leases, factoring CPI increases and market rent reviews, and reporting to key stakeholders, including investors, banks, customers and suppliers. Quality Auditors who can assist businesses through these new challenges will be in demand throughout 2022. 5. Digging for gold in data and technology Unquestionably, at the heart of every successful audit lies a goldmine of rich data. Once collected and analysed, data offers the most reliable reference point for business intelligence and decision making. Computer-assisted audits increase productivity, comprehensiveness and effectiveness by increasing the sheer amount of data that can be analysed, as opposed to by hand. Computer-assisted audits can perform effective testing of areas such as: Payroll Accounts payable/Accounts receivable Credit cards expenses Artificial Technology (AI) will become more commonly used in the industry, helping QA professionals to focus on the important parts of their roles. The important hurdles to overcome when transitioning to a computer-based audit lies in the costs of technology and training of staff, again making it essential to upskill. A technology-assisted approach is too productive to refuse and will open more jobs in Auditing and Assurance in 2022 and beyond. Quality assurance and quality auditing jobs stats Positions available on SEEK offer an average salary of $90,000 to $107,000. A quarter of positions on offer attract salaries over the average. There are over 3,000 positions available across Australia, with APS, Government and Banking being the top employers. Sectors with increasing opportunities are Healthcare, Construction, IT, Engineering, Manufacturing and Finance. To succeed and flourish in our ever-evolving market, ensuring you are adaptable to 2022 workplace trends for quality assurance and quality auditing is a sensible approach to developing or maintaining any business. The Quality Assurance and Quality Auditing industry is tipped to have strong growth (Job Outlook), making it an excellent choice for those looking for a rewarding and future-proofed career. The effects of the pandemic have led to increased demand for professionals who can uphold high levels of compliance, not just in healthcare but across all sectors.

Leading International Trends in Quality Auditing

Leading international quality auditing trend indications from global research show developing economies competing in the global market are increasing demand for Quality Auditors, both internal and external. Currently, there are 1,559 jobs in Quality Auditing in Australia and 14,686 available globally. The new trending standards emphasise evidence-based decision-making, requiring companies to collect wide-spread, reliable and current evidence at every level. Leading Changes in Quality Standards There are now many factors influencing Quality Management and consequently the auditing process. These include: Improving customer focus to ensure that the customer gets what they expect. Leadership teams are now required to be fully involved in quality management. Employees have significant opportunities for involvement, empowerment and engagement. Relationships with suppliers are considered important to sustain effective and reliable partnerships at every level of the supply chain. A complete focus on improvement and continuous improvement. Substantial gap analysis both internally and externally to create a process for corrective actions, ensuring smooth and consistent operation. The ISO 9001 standard is now a proven system that has gained international respect for its rigour through internal and external assessment processes and its reliability as a quality indicator. Three Future Trends Leading Quality Auditing 1. Sustainability is the New Black Is sustainability the new Quality Management measurement? New inclusions in quality standards seem to suggest this is true and ISO is evolving to meet the changes in market expectations. The business world is driving this change as it pushes for improvement in respect to social equity and environmental sustainability. Total Quality Management (TQM) advocates are set to embrace this focus towards sustainability once they work out how to incorporate the disruptive and innovative qualities that it brings to the business. 2. Innovative Project Management Another emerging quality auditing trend is the increasing reliance on Project Management in the business world, which shows no signs of slowing. Project Management and Quality Auditing are required to work together to maximise successful organisational outcomes. Experts agree that all industry sectors will be governed by applying innovative project management approaches and smart quality principles in years to come. 3. Rapid Advances in Technology The technology landscape is evolving in ways completely unexpected from only a few years ago. In particular, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain technology and Internet of Things (IoT) will change everything. When applied to Quality Auditing, Artificial Intelligence makes use of varied methods such as knowledge bases, expert systems, and machine learning. Using computer algorithms, AI can sift through massive amounts of raw data looking for patterns and connections much more efficiently and quickly than a human could. IoT allows for a connected network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity. IoT enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data without human or computer intervention, providing real-time data and allowing for fast corrective decision-making. Blockchain’s biggest strength for auditing is its application to creating secure and tamper-proof systems with irrefutable record logs. Technology can act as an effective enabler to manage compliance processes. The challenge will be how to apply the data, for example, AI algorithms to manage quality processes. With the need to assess evidence collected at every level to support decision making and verify compliance, technology will become a powerful tool in the future. What this could mean to your role as a Quality Auditor Your role will require an in-depth understanding of how to assess the application of the changes already in place. The responsibility is to ensure that the organisations you assess have a proactive approach to quality at every level and no longer merely as a means to get certification. As technology, particularly AI and IoT, become mainstream it will help to simplify and streamline flows of information to become a significant part of decision making. Good decisions will include wise corrective actions while managing the consequences of innovation and potential disruption that auditing sustainability is likely to produce. International indicators highlight that Quality Auditors need to embrace future trends and those who do will be in demand sooner rather than later.

Quality Auditing and ISO

How to use quality compliance to facilitate an ISO accreditation Quality management practices are integral in a competitive marketplace. Quality standards and quality auditing of standards offer many benefits to your business and even more so if ISO accreditation is one of your business goals. Before attempting any external ISO qualification, key compliance staff need to use quality auditing to conduct internal audits, so that quality standards are met and addressed well ahead of certification. Smart reasons to conduct quality auditing before you seek ISO accreditation: Minimise Costs When business processes and outcomes are measured by quality standards, many costs can usually be reduced. In a successful quality culture every process and standard is constantly measured, and best practice principles applied. Customer Satisfaction When a business is continuously auditing internally and applying the changes that are identified as needed, there will be higher levels of customer satisfaction. Staff Engagement Quality management ensures that employees are engaged in the internal auditing process. Staff training and development opportunities are highlighted, and designated employees in each department may have the chance to up-skill responsibilities. Marketing Tool An ISO qualification is a recognised benchmark that allows customers to feel secure that the business they are dealing with has a high level of quality standards in place. Best Practice Quality management and auditing ensure continuous improvement within a business. Quality auditing of standards highlights best practice areas for performance improvement with people or processes. The right staff will be essential to implementing quality standards. Key points to consider are: What skills and experience do your internal team need to manage the quality standards? How will the auditing team work with all your people to manage and evolve the quality management standards? Can your quality auditing team drive business change effectively? Five Core skills staff need to have: People with well-rounded business knowledge will underpin the success of your quality culture. Ideally, your team will share and complement these skills in one another. When selecting the right people to be on the quality team ensure that they have these five core skills: Communication skills Internal auditing requires a strong communicator who can be clear and respectful with all levels of the organisation. Business acumen/experience Broad business experience across at least two departments is ideal. In smaller businesses, the necessary experience may be present in current employees. However, the larger the company, the more difficult it is to find the right staff who have understanding and appreciation for every area of the business. Look for people who can see the big picture along with the importance of processes and procedure. Problem-solving Your quality management team needs to be able to analyse results of quality audits and solve problems as they arise. Creative innovator Your quality management staff need to have a strong passion for continuous improvement to provide better customer outcomes and be advocates for positive change, not just change for the sake of change. Every innovation initiated must be a direct result of the quality auditing process and will require critical and innovative thinking to establish how the internal audit outcomes can be addressed. Training Managing quality auditing and quality standards require excellent time and project management skills to engage the collaboration of all departments to reach and achieve organisational goals. Project and quality management skills are essential, and ideally, your key staff should gain a qualification like Quality Auditing or Project Management. Achieving quality standards and ISO accreditation is the best way to have a winning culture of quality in your organisation. Your quality management staff are fundamental to the success of quality auditing. Investing in the right people and their training will ultimately offer great value to your business. A Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920) is the ideal qualification for staff who are key to the process.

9 Business Sectors where Quality Auditing is essential

Quality Auditing is the process of systematically examining a quality system or process in a business. Quality Audits can be conducted by either a qualified internal or external quality auditor. Regular quality audits are an integral part of a company’s quality management system and can save time and money when performed internally. Many businesses invest in upskilling staff to be qualified to perform the process and outcomes of audits. Quality Auditing is essential to the integrity and success of businesses of all sizes. The following nine business sectors use quality auditing to ensure ongoing success. 1. Medical In the medical field providing a high standard of patient care is essential to business success. Quality auditing will highlight areas for improvement and help establish an action plan for ongoing improvement in the minimum standard of care. A clinical audit will systematically analyse; The quality of care Procedures for diagnosis Procedures for treatment Required resources for a beneficial outcome for the patient. 2. Food Safety Any industry that involves food handling in Australia requires quality auditing to maintain minimum health and safety standards and meet government guidelines and regulations. Regular independent auditing is incredibly necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of anyone consuming food. In the food industry, quality auditing will confirm areas of compliance and determine any corrective actions occur promptly and thoroughly. 3. Training Registered Training organisations provide a measurable service that should ensure organisations run more effectively. Training is an investment in a company’s most important asset – its’ people. It is important that quality auditing supports continuous improvement throughout a business, highlights areas where training will be beneficial, then measures the success of any training implemented. 4. Disability The provision of disability services will often be under strict budgeting and outcome guidelines therefore require regular quality auditing. Quality auditing is essential to the quality of care and services provided for disabled Australians. Therefore, it is also important that the audit process identifies further opportunities for disabled people, whether that be to facilitate employment or even sporting opportunities like the Para Olympics. 5. Aged Care Failing to meet a minimum standard of care is unacceptable in Aged Care as it affects our elderly, and their quality of life. Quality care processes and procedures are essential to facilitate the highest level of care possible for patients. Regular independent auditing identifies any non-compliance against Australian Standards and improves the quality of care and services provided. 6. Financial The findings of the recent Royal Commission into banking indicate quality auditing is essential to servicing customers in a fair and just manner. In the finance sector, quality auditing will often go beyond what Australian standards require. Quality auditing can be both internal and external, with both approaches considered essential to compliance and business success. 7. Manufacturing An effective manufacturing quality auditing program will require both product and process auditing. Quality KPI’s may include standardisation of processes to ensure compliance in areas such as; Product components Timing Accuracy Temperatures 8. Wholesaling Quality auditing can benefit wholesalers by providing risk management, continuous improvement and subsequent improved service levels. Wholesalers of food products especially benefit from Quality Auditing and Compliance. 9. Retailing Processes and procedures in retailing are essential to business success. Multi-store retailers require standardised processes to deliver the company’s standard of service. In a difficult retail climate, businesses that can use their internal systems effectively will reach a higher level of service for the end consumer. Quality auditing will show the weaknesses of service and touch-points for service improvement in a timely and constructive manner. Top 3 business success benefits of upskilling your staff in Quality Auditing: 1. Internal Auditing Internal audits can be cost saving and timely for acting efficiently in areas where non-compliance exists. Conducting internal audits before external audits are an effective way to minimise the cost and effects of non-compliance issues. 2. Versatility A Quality Auditing qualification is a versatile qualification that skills transferable across industries and departments. Employees can also study the course online in a versatile way to meet both employment and study commitments. 3. Competencies & Skills A Diploma of Quality Auditing (BSB50920) qualification will increase the key competencies and skills of employees, helping the organisation to thrive and the employee to experience high levels of job satisfaction and engagement. Quality Auditing is essential to the success of most business industries and sectors. Staff and companies, of all sizes, benefit from qualified employees conducting internal quality audits and facilitating external audits.

Why Quality and Compliance Audits are vital for business success

Quality and compliance audits are a vital factor in pioneering continuous improvement for any organisation, and key to business success. Business audits provide a

Quality Auditing for RTO Success

Is your RTO Compliance Officer quality assured? RTO compliance puts an ever-increasing but necessary demand on administration resources. To solve this need, many RTOs will have a dedicated RTO Compliance Officer on staff whose role it is to maintain the required policies, procedures and reporting standards. RTOs (or Registered Training Organisations) are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) reports around 5000 RTOs currently registered in Australia.

Quality Auditing and Project Management 101

How quality auditing and project management go hand-in-hand Quality audits are a necessary part of a project life cycle and need to be a pre-planned part of project management processes. Quality audits will be conducted internally and externally by a qualified auditing manager and/or an audit team. Quality auditors champion quality and compliance while pioneering continuous improvement. They work with a project management team to ensure a robust quality management system and meet any quality system standards, such as ISO 9001. Therefore, the standards can be self-determined as well as set by an industry. Four key elements of a project management quality audit: They are structured and planned Completely independent Involve vigorous process Present documented conclusions A well-led quality audit will independently determine if a project activity complies with the policies, procedures, and processes of the organisation or project. A quality audit is a documented assessment that will reveal a level of conformance or non-conformance to requirements of a system, process or product. Projects may require more than one type of quality audit. The types of quality audits will depend on the industry where the project is being conducted. Construction and building projects will require a different audit schedule to software development projects. Therefore, the actual audit schedule should be planned in advance as part of the project management scope. Examples of quality audits are: Prequalification/pre-selection audits Third-party audits for certification purposes General internal project audits Specific internal audits from a parent company or joint venture company Project Manager audits requested by the client Work-Audits which may involve an on-site quality tour/walk Unplanned audits in reaction to a request or incident Quality auditing will uncover both the good and the shortcomings of a project Project managers will receive vital information about: The good and best practices being implemented in the organisation or project The non-conformities, shortcoming, and gaps in the project The good practices found within the organisation and project Recommendations to improve the implementation of different processes to raise the productivity of the team Quality audits are aimed at correcting any deficiencies in the project that may result in the reduction of the cost of quality. Practically speaking, a quality audit will ensure: Deliverables are fit for use and meet safety standards Adherence to applicable laws and standards Corrective action is recommended and implemented where necessary The Quality Plan is followed correctly from the beginning Quality improvements are identified sooner Implementation of approved changes occurs in the right way Why project managers need to encourage quality audits The way quality audits are planned and approached will affect the entire project life-cycle. Successful audit planning will result in: Pre-defined standards that will impact the way the project is planned Quality requirements for specific work packages and deliverables are identified in advance Procedures being followed at all stages Identifying which Quality Methods must be defined and followed Completed work and deliverables reviewed for compliance Quality audits in project management should be an underlying framework and provide a set of rules to apply to the project’s Quality Management processes.

Avoid These Mistakes When Completing Risk Assessment

Risk assessment, in its simplest form means to think in advance about potential events, their effects and consequences that may follow, and take the necessary measures to avoid or minimise unwanted effects. Risk assessment is necessary in every business as safety in the workplace for all employees is important not only from a business standpoint, but also purely for humanitarian reasons. In addition, risk assessment is a legal obligation for employers. Therefore, the manager must ensure safety in the workplace, and to do so, it is necessary to identify potential risks and manage them properly. Keep reading to find out what mistakes you need to avoid when completing risk assessment. What are the mistakes to avoid in risk assessment? It often happens that only current burning issues are addressed while a systematic approach is neglected and the approach on risk assessment is not serious enough. Therefore, first it is necessary to identify potential risks and make their gradation according to the degree of danger. Looking at the bigger picture A business should always bear in mind the bigger picture, not just individual risks and how to act in relation to them. A list of actions that need to be taken is necessary. This list should be drawn in a way that the measures that need to be taken in order to prevent greater and more significant risks, are on top of the list. This “priority list” will allow you to manage risks effectively. Get down to the shop floor People often make the mistake of thinking risk assessment is done in an office, on a computer, without insight into the actual operations and events that are unfolding in the work processes. If you do risk assessment this way, it certainly won’t be good enough. It is necessary to know the work processes really well and only then you can identify all potential risks and plan measures to manage them. Stop looking at it as a legal measure One of the mistakes is that risk assessment is approached as something that needs to be done for the sake of legal obligations, but with no real awareness that this is something needed and that it will really help. A well-made evaluation and measures you take based on that will certainly prevent many unwanted consequences, and ultimately save money. Identifying behaviour or process triggers The mistake many make when assessing risks is that they don’t identify the triggers for each risk. Triggers are indicators that the risk has developed or will occur soon. In order to identify these indicators, you have to talk to people who work on certain operations and who know in detail how and what could happen in their workplace. After completing risk assessment, some managers don’t follow what happens next. It is necessary to constantly monitor what is going on, have a watch list and watch to see if triggers which show that the risk could occur soon have showed up somewhere. This way you will prevent the occurrence of risks. Assess your risks frequently Once your risk assessment have been composed, it’s vital that you don’t look at your risk assessment as eternal. As new equipment, new processes, new employees are introduced to the working process, constant update of once made risk assessment is needed. It is necessary to supplement, modify and adjust the risk assessment as new circumstances occur. Don’t overcomplicate your risk assessments There is no need to make your risk assessments complicated where they do not need to be. Quite simply, it is necessary to determine who could get hurt, in what way and what are the exact threats. It is best to discuss this with the employees so you find out things that may not be obvious at first glance. In doing so, don’t scare people and create an image that they are exposed to high risks in their workplace. Be realistic and systematic. Take into account the individuals working in your company Furthermore, you are making a mistake in your risk assessment if you don’t keep in mind what type of employees are working on a particular job. It’s not the same if you have an experienced employee or a beginner, a person with disabilities or a pregnant woman. Such things must be taken into account in your evaluation. Also don’t forget people who aren’t your employees but are important for your business such as visitors, clients and customers. Risk assessment is a job that needs to be addressed seriously and systematically. What is important is that you assessment should be designed to identify the risks from the largest to the smallest. In doing so, it is necessary to include as many factors as possible that can be identified and then, according to that plan, taking necessary actions. With quality assessment and proper measures, employees will be safe, and accidents and other unwanted events will be reduced to a minimum.

Meet your Learning Coaches

Robyn Smith
Head Coach: Safety, Quality & Compliance

Robyn has worked in the VET sector throughout Queensland for the past 5 years.

She has worked with domestic, international and school-based students as well as job seekers and other trainers.

Robyn has a background in education, where her teaching skills and understanding of students lead her to look at training. After owning her own businesses in Victoria, she gathered her knowledge, experience and skills to become a trainer to help others in the workforce or want to join the workforce.

Robyn has designed, developed and delivered assessment packages in business, travel, leadership and management, small business and foundation skills. She has also developed employability and life skill resources that she has used with job seekers and international students.

Being with students comes from a genuine desire to support and help them to be the best they can be. To see a student gain employment, gain a promotion, or finish a course is her reward.

Meet the whole team

Real Students. Real Outcomes

Myles

Diploma of Project Management

After leaving the Navy, Myles now works to build the ships he once served on, utilising his Project Management skills for the next generation of Australian Sailors.

Joshua

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership and Management

Saying “no” isn’t an option for Joshua. While juggling family life with work, Joshua has also taken on a Double Diploma to further his management career.

Donna

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership & Management

Beginning in retail management, Donna found her passion for People & Culture. Getting qualified with her Double Diploma is equipping her with skills for current and future roles.

Noel

Double Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) + Project Management

Noel offers some really great advice about how to be proactive in your job search. Noel has also been working on an aid project in the Solomon Islands with the aim of improving water supply infrastructure.

Amanda

Certificate IV in Project Management

Amanda is CAL’s 10,000th student – striving to achieve outcomes and ensure that her team feels valued. She currently works as a CRM Operations Manager.

Cara

DOUBLE DIPLOMA OF BUSINESS + LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Starting out in community services, Cara quickly rose to recognition in the industry for her passion and drive. This prompted her to start her own business - which has led to some incredible opportunities.

Jessica

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership & Management

Jessica jumps at opportunities that present themselves, and after working overseas in HR for a tech start-up, is now formalising her skill set to make herself more employable.

Nirajan

Double Diploma of Project Management + Leadership and Management

Nirajan has worked hard to put his three areas of expertise and experience together – health, design and construction. Nirajan has a previous qualification already under his belt, as well as some excellent project planning and coordinating experience.

Vanessa

Double Diploma of Project Management + Building & Construction (Management)

Vanessa continually challenges herself in her career. She is currently making the leap from being an interior designer in her own business, to breaking into the construction industry and following her love for projects and planning.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would happily recommend to anyone who is in a leadership role.

Lee Hartwell

It covered all topics. Talent management, operations, leadership and metrics. Great overview issues in work place discussion. Great output.

Lenny Ewers

It was really great to be able to complete my Diploma at my own pace and I received excellent support from my CAL coach.

Kylie Jarvis

Very practical and useful information that is directly related to the workplace.

Angela Henderson

There are no other RTO's where you can do this and undertake work at your own pace in your own time.

Shannon Watkins

Thank-you to the CAL team for providing me with a flexible learning environment that would fit around my working commitments.

Joshua Polkinghorne

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Increase your potential with an integrated Double Diploma

Popular Programs include:

Construction and Project Management

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Programs include:

People Management, Business, and Marketing

Construction, Safety, and Project Management

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Meet your Learning Coaches

Robyn Smith Head Coach: Safety, Quality & Compliance

Real Students. Real Outcomes

Myles

Diploma of Project Management

Joshua

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership and Management

Donna

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership & Management

Noel

Double Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) + Project Management

Amanda

Certificate IV in Project Management

Cara

DOUBLE DIPLOMA OF BUSINESS + LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Jessica

Double Diploma of Human Resource Management + Leadership & Management

Nirajan

Double Diploma of Project Management + Leadership and Management

Vanessa

Double Diploma of Project Management + Building & Construction (Management)

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Robyn Smith
Head Coach: Safety, Quality & Compliance