CONTENTS

Secure Login

Currently Logged in as: [Not Logged In]

Username Password

Terms of Reference

The functions of the National Quality Council will include:

  • reporting to the Ministerial Council on the operation of the National Skills Framework, including Training Packages, Australian Quality Training Framework standards and other quality assurance arrangements
  • advising Ministers on the endorsement of Training Packages
  • recommending approaches to improve national consistency within the operation of the National Skills Framework
  • fulfilling accountability requirements through providing an annual report on its operations to the Ministerial Council.

These functions will be implemented as follows:

(A)  Reporting to the Ministerial Council on the operation of the National Skills Framework, including Training Packages, Australian Quality Training Framework standards and other quality assurance arrangements

The National Quality Council will report to each Ministerial Council meeting against its approved annual work plan. The work plan will prioritise work for the National Quality Council around the key components of the National Skills Framework, including Training Packages, accredited courses, the Australian Quality Training Framework, and the Australian Qualifications Framework.

The report will provide advice to Ministers on progress of work being undertaken in relation to various projects around the National Skills Framework, as outlined in its work plan. It may also include additional relevant information such as:

  • qualitative and quantitative advice on the delivery of training products and services at State/Territory levels; or
  • any significant emerging policy issues.

The National Quality Council may also present its own papers to the Ministerial Council on key issues relevant to the National Skills Framework not already addressed through the agreed work plan or the annual report, or which require particular guidance from the Ministerial Council.

(B)  Advising Ministers on the endorsement of Training Packages

The National Quality Council will make decisions in relation to the endorsement of individual Training Packages, and the noting of associated resource materials, to ensure that they meet current and future workforce skill development needs. The National Quality Council will also make decisions in relation to the continuous improvement of Training Packages and associated materials. Advice on these decisions will be provided to Ministers through processes agreed with the Ministerial Council.

This function of advising Ministers on the endorsement of Training Packages includes:

  • Consulting with States and Territories, the Australian Government and relevant industry bodies on implementation of the National Skills Framework.
  • Requesting States and Territories to formally agree to the Council’s Training Package endorsement decisions.
  • Monitoring implementation of national training and assessment products and ensuring that industry qualifications and accredited courses comply with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
  • Ensuring adherence to relevant national policy documents concerning the development, continuous improvement and quality assurance of Training Packages and related products/services.

The National Quality Council may delegate functions related to Training Packages and supporting material as appropriate following approval of the related processes from the Ministerial Council.

(C)  Recommending approaches to improve national consistency within the operation of the National Skills Framework

As a priority within its work plan, the National Quality Council will monitor national consistency in the operation of the National Skills Framework, and investigate areas where consistency could be improved. The report to the Ministerial Council will therefore make recommendations for improvements as appropriate.

(D)  Fulfilling accountability requirements through providing an annual report on its operations to the Ministerial Council.

The National Quality Council will provide an annual report to the Ministerial Council on its financial operations. The report should also include information not covered in the report against its annual work plan such as the involvement of the National Quality Council members on the Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board, or processes put in place to formally engage with the Industry Skills Councils or the National Industry Skills Committee.

Print this page | last updated: 13 Aug 2007 1:37pm