TEQSA’s Evidence-based approach to regulation | Slide 1 TEQSA and the Review of Higher Education Regulation | Slide 1
TEQSA and the Review of Higher Education Regulation Commissioner Michael Wells University Governance and Regulations Forum 16 September 2014
TEQSA’s Evidence-based approach to regulation | Slide 2 TEQSA and the Review of Higher Education Regulation | Slide 2
Overview
The Review in relation to TEQSA
TEQSA’s Response
Changes introduced by TEQSA
Future developments
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The Review in relation to TEQSA
Previous Government established the Review
In response to sector criticism, especially universities
The new Government accepted all the recs
in line with its deregulatory agenda
Direction to CEO of TEQSA (Oct 2013)
To consult with sector and the TAC about the way forward
Achieve greater focus /timeliness of core activities
Advance appropriate deregulation
Considered together with:
Phillips KPA Review
TEQSA’s experience
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TEQSA’s response
Significant sector consultation
TEQSA’s approach – more risk-based
Streamlining processes
Working with Department to reduce overlaps
Clearer communication
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TEQSA’s Approach
Uphold standards by assuring providers’ quality assurance
A framework for a diverse sector is applied consistently to individual providers based on record of delivery, history of compliance and assessment of risk
A highly tailored, equitable approach to assessment regardless of provider category, but where characteristics of provider groups are reflected in the application of the framework
Finely graduated range of responses
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Higher Education Providers by State and Territory
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Workload profile
2012-13 2013-14
Applications Received 472 332
New Provider Registration 2 8
Renewal of Registration 8 41
New Course Accreditation 46 213
Renewal of Course Accreditation 15 300
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Streamlined re-registration
Introduced a core / extended model
Core scope
Capacity to self-assure and student outcomes
Only examines 7 standards (from 43)
Extended scope
Only if warranted by risk assessment; or
Unresolved regulatory issue; or
Limited history of HE provision
http://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/RenewalOfRegistration
ProcessGuidev1.pdf
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Case studies in re/registration
New provider
- No HE history
- No risk profile
Full assessment
against all
standards
10 y.o. provider
- Solid HE history
- Risk profile has
one major risk
- Six courses
accredited, one
major issue
Core assessment
plus limited
extension
Long history (eg
public university)
- Strong HE
history
- Low risk rating
- No regulatory
issues afoot
Core assessment
only
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Revised risk assessments
Better coverage of indicators across sector
Improved calibration of risk thresholds
Incorporation of known context upfront
Provider response optional
Link to registration / accreditation processes clearer
http://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-
documents/TEQSARiskAssessFramework2014_0.pdf
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Other responses
Streamlined course re/accreditation
Material change notification narrowed
Streamlined requests for information (s28)
Annual data collection – Table A fully exempt
Combined CRICOS renewal (optional)
http://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2014ProviderInfor
mationRequest.pdf
http://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/MaterialChangePol
icyAndProcessesDec2013.pdf
TEQSA’s Evidence-based approach to regulation | Slide 12 TEQSA and the Review of Higher Education Regulation | Slide 12
Clearer communication Dialogue with peaks and TAC
Paper on characteristics of different types of
providers and relevance to TEQSA’s approach
New process guides
Increased role for case managers to
agree tailored evidence
advise scope of assessment
Guidance Notes on key issues
Release of Sector Statistics Report
http://teqsa.gov.au/news-publications/current-consultations
http://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-
documents/StatsReportOnTEQSAregHEPs.pdf
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So a year on …
We have responded to the Review and the deregulatory agenda – by pushing the risk-based approach a lot further
Major revision of our regulatory processes
With substantial benefits to providers
Reduced assessment scope
Reduced evidence requirements
Reduced annual reporting
Faster decision time-frames
Clearer communication
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Future directions & developments
Further streamline course re/accreditation
Greater emphasis on guidance & monitoring
Retaining strong assessments for initial registration and SAA
Transition to revised standards
Amendments to TEQSA Act
Evolving forms of HE provision
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Questions and Answers