ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
To ensure sound judgment and decision making, and to provide the opportunity to potential Sydney Rescue Consultants students to raise issues, concerns and questions prior to commencement of training, Sydney Rescue Consultants makes the Student Handbook available to the learners by providing a copy or accessing through the Sydney Rescue Consultants website, located at: https://sydneyrescue.com.au
Sydney Rescue Consultants requires each student to read and understand the information contained in this Student Handbook prior to enrolment or commencement of training.
For any concerns, questions or clarifications please contact Sydney Rescue Consultants at:
Address: Katoomba, NSW 2780
Email: ed@sydneyrescue.com.au
Contact number: 04 3365 5880
INTRODUCTION
This Student Handbook has been designed to brief Sydney Rescue Consultants students on relevant information in relation to their course, enabling students to make informed decisions regarding their training. Students can contact Sydney Rescue Consultants student support team regarding any clarification to the information contained in this handbook.
Mission Statement
It is the goal of Sydney Rescue Consultants to become known Australia-wide as by business and industry as a “first port of call” when wishing to upskill their workforce and develop confidence, as well as robust, practical business skills and knowledge in staff that improve and enhance their operations.
Sydney Rescue Consultants believe that prevention is better than reaction. Sydney Rescue Consultants deliver services to all levels of stakeholders of the business and ensures that our client workforce is properly prepared, trained and skilled to work safe and return home safe.
Sydney Rescue Consultants’ motto is “be prepared, stay safe”, to do that Sydney Rescue Consultants provides on-site training and consultancy through accredited and non-accredited training, to ensure that our clients have a safe workforce and compliant organisation.
Sydney Rescue Consultants acknowledge that every client and organisation is unique thus, Sydney Rescue Consultants believe in taking a flexible approach to safety and provide customised services based on the client’s needs and budget, all delivered to the highest standards.
Vision Statement
The goals of Sydney Rescue Consultants is to be known for its industry leading standards and quality of service by always having up to date training and equipment to help push the safety industry into the future.
Sydney Rescue Consultants aims to achieve this by using a modern facility to which students can be safely trained on a realistic scale, ensuring that students can walk straight out of class and directly into the workforce, with the knowledge they require to work safely.
Sydney Rescue Consultants aim to be a reputable organisation adhering quality and standards known to deliver training with the highest level of service.
The Sydney Rescue Consultants Guarantee
It is Sydney Rescue Consultants’ commitment to:
Provide high quality training and assessment
Comply with the Standards for RTOs 2015 at all times
Uphold standards for issuance of AQF Certifications to competent learners
Training Programs
As a registered training organisation (RTO) in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, Sydney Rescue Consultants offers the following nationally recognised and nationally accredited units of competency:
• RIIWHS202E Enter and Work in Confined Spaces
• RIIWHS204E Working Safely at Heights
• MSMPER200 Work in accordance with an issued permit
• MSMPER217 Gas test Atmospheres
• MSMPER202 Observe permit work
• MSMWHS201 Conduct Hazard Analysis
• MSMPER300 Issue Work Permits
• MSMWHS216 Operate Breathing Apparatus
• PUASAR025 Undertake Confined Space Rescue
• PUASAR022 Participate in a Rescue Operation
• PUASAR032 Undertake Vertical Rescue
For more information on the courses Sydney Rescue Consultants has on offer, please refer to our website: https://sydneyrescue.com.au
SYDNEY RESCUE CONSULTANTS Team
Students may contact Sydney Rescue Consultants at PH: 04 3365 5880.
Student Support
Students completing a training program will be supported by Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Student Support Team. Our knowledgeable team will work with you to help you achieve success in your chosen field.
The Support Team is able to assist students through a variety of activities:
• Assisting with logging in the Student Management System (SMS) and with accessing the resources
• Supporting flexible learning and processing extensions where applicable
• Arranging contact between trainer/assessors and students where required
• Assisting students with finding and understanding their trainer’s feedback
Trainers
Your trainers will be qualified industry professionals, ready to guide you through your learning. Their feedback and guidance will ensure that you are job-ready for your chosen industry.
All Sydney Rescue Consultants trainers must follow the below requirements as outlined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisation 2015 (SRTO 2015) Clause 1.13 to 1.15:
Training and assessment is delivered by trainers and assessors who have:
1. vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed;
2. current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided; and
3. current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment.
4. The RTO’s training and assessment is delivered only by persons who have:
on or prior to 31 March 2019:
a. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; or
b. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or its successor; or
c. A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education
on or after 1 April 2019:
a. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or its successor; or
b. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and:
i. TAELLN411 or TAELLN401A Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills or its successor; AND
ii. TAEASS502 or TAEASS502A or TAEASS502B Design and develop assessment tools or its successor
c. A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education
5. Where a person conducts assessment only, the RTO ensures that the person has:
on or prior to 31 March 2019:
a. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; or
b. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or its successor; or
c. A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education
on or after 1 April 2019:
a. TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or its successor; or
b. TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and:
iii. TAELLN411 or TAELLN401A Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills or its successor; AND
iv. TAEASS502 or TAEASS502A or TAEASS502B Design and develop assessment tools or its successor; or
• A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education
• A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education or
• TAESS00001 Assessor Skill Set or its successor.
Student Selection
Sydney Rescue Consultants always conducts recruitment of students in an ethical, fair and responsible manner using various methods.
Sydney Rescue Consultants is committed to ensuring that all student selection processes are fair, equitable and consistent with workplace performance, competency level and the training package requirements. Therefore, selection into a training program is based upon the applicant:
1. meeting any pre-requisite qualifications or work experience, and
2. meeting any age requirements that may be in place for a particular course
Student enrolments are subject to availability of places on the training program. This is based on the maximum number of participants who can be accommodated, type of course, learning structures, student needs etc.
Sydney Rescue Consultants shall ensure that any applicants who do not meet entry requirements are advised of any appropriate pre-entry training they may take to meet eligibility criteria.
Enrolment
While Sydney Rescue Consultants will endeavour to complete the enrolment process as quickly as possible, please allow up to 5 business days from confirmation of your payment for enrolment. Upon enrolment, students will receive via email course information. The training and assessment resources necessary to complete the selected course are available on the day of training or through the student management system trough individual student log ins.
Unique Student Identifier
An initiative of the Australian Government is the requirement for all students of Vocational Education and Training to supply a Unique Student Identifier number to their VET provider. Learners are required to provide their verified USI to Sydney Rescue Consultants. Learners who do not hold a USI and require assistance are directed to the USI website where full instructions on how to obtain a USI are specified. Sydney Rescue Consultants has a registered facility to verify each USI before issuance of any certification. All students should be aware that Sydney Rescue Consultants, and no VET provider, can issue a certificate for a VET qualification without being supplied a student’s USI.
Exemptions to the USI requirements may apply including for international students studying onshore and outside of Australia. For any student exempt from supplying a USI, completion results and records will not be available through the Commonwealth Registrar. http://usi.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
STUDYING AT SYDNEY RESCUE CONSULTANTS
Sydney Rescue Consultants conducts training courses to suit student needs, course type, and learning styles. The following student guidelines will help foster a healthy learning environment for all students.
Personal & Academic Support
As a student at Sydney Rescue Consultants, you will enjoy the many benefits of studying at your own pace with flexible hours. Our student support team is available from Monday to Friday 7:30am – 5pm, and weekends by appointment to assist you with any questions you may have!
Trainers are also able to provide guidance by phone and email. Help and support is only a phone call or email away:
Email: ed@sydneyrescue.com.au
Contact number: 04 3365 5880
Sydney Rescue Consultants conducts assessment of needs upon enrolment or before commencement of training. In such cases, Sydney Rescue Consultants will ensure that the assessment of need is undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity and any identified support needs issues are managed.
Learner support may include but is not limited to any disability or impairment that restricts access and equity as well as, computer literacy or English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) information obtained from learners prior to enrolment and prior to the commencement of their first unit of competency.
Educational and support services may include, but are not limited to:
• pre-enrolment materials;
• study support and study skills programs;
• language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) programs or referrals to these programs;
• equipment, resources and/or programs to increase access for learners with disabilities and other learners in accordance with access and equity;
• referral to learning resource centres;
• flexible scheduling and delivery of training and assessment;
• counselling services or referrals to these services;
• information and communications technology (ICT) support;
• learning materials in alternative formats, for example, in large print;
• any other services that the RTO considers necessary to support learners to achieve competency.
Where appropriate, Sydney Rescue Consultants will seek external assistance to ensure additional support services are available. You will be informed in case additional costs may be incurred to arrange access to external additional support services.
Language/Literacy and Numeracy
Sydney Rescue Consultants makes appropriate concessions for language, literacy and numeracy issues of students where these concessions do not compromise the requirements of the relevant Training Package and the integrity, equity and fairness of assessment.
During the enrolment process, all students complete a brief non-invasive language, literacy and numeracy assessment to enable Sydney Rescue Consultants to identify any issues that may need to be addressed prior to the commencement of training. Strategies to address these issues will be negotiated with students and may include adjusting learning and assessment modes and methods.
Sydney Rescue Consultants provide materials, resources and assessment tasks at a level of complexity required and provide opportunities for repeated and supported practice.
Where can I get help with language, literacy and numeracy?
Individuals who want to get help with their literacy and numeracy can access information about the nearest LLN provider by calling the Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506.
What is the Reading Writing Hotline?
The Reading Writing Hotline is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training. The project is managed by TAFE NSW – Access and General Education Curriculum Centre and is Australia’s national telephone adult literacy and numeracy referral service. For the price of a local call from anywhere in Australia, the hotline can provide you with advice as well as a referral to one of 1200 providers of courses in adult literacy and numeracy.
What happens when I call the Hotline?
You will speak to an experienced adult literacy teacher who will advise you on ways you can access classes in your local area to improve reading, writing, spelling and maths skills. The information you give about yourself is confidential and will not be given to anyone else.
When can I call the Hotline?
You can call the Hotline at any time. If a teacher is unavailable to take your call, your name and number will be taken by the hotline paging service and your call will be returned.
Flexible Learning and Assessment
If you’ve already completed a qualification/unit of competency, it may be possible to apply for credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning (RPL) if sufficient and current evidence is provided as required. To learn more about credit transfer and recognition of prior learning please refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy located in the Policies and Procedures section of the handbook or request for the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy from any of the Sydney Rescue Consultants staff.
For further information on how to apply for credit transfer and RPL you can contact Sydney Rescue Consultants’ student support team.
Assessment Requirements
All assessments must be submitted by the due date. If you are having difficulty completing an assessment, you may discuss it with your trainer/assessor well in advance of the due date. This way the trainer/assessor may be able to provide support or grant additional time. Please note there may be conditions to gaining an extension.
Students are advised to keep a copy of their assessments prior to submitting these online. Sydney Rescue Consultants can accept no responsibility for lost assessment tasks.
Please note: Students will have to complete assessment tasks again if their work goes missing and therefore it is important to keep a copy of their original assessment tasks.
Assessment malpractice
Assessment malpractice includes: cheating, collusion and plagiarism.
Sydney Rescue Consultants regards the integrity of assessment as critical to its professional responsibilities as an RTO and therefore strives to ensure the assessment processes are not compromised. Sydney Rescue Consultants has policies and procedures in place for dealing with assessment malpractice.
What is cheating?
Cheating within the context of the study environment, means to dishonestly present an assessment task or assessment activity as genuinely representing your own understanding of
and/or ability in the subject concerned.
Some examples of cheating are:
• Submitting someone else’s work as your own whether you have that person’s consent or not.
• Submitting another author’s work as your own, without proper acknowledgement of the author.
• To allow someone else to submit your own work as theirs.
• To use any part of someone else’s work without the proper acknowledgement.
There are other forms of cheating not contained in this list. These are merely given as some examples. If you are unsure about whether any behaviour would constitute plagiarism or cheating, please check with your trainer prior to submitting your assessment work.
What is Collusion?
Collusion is the presentation of work, which is the result in whole or in part of unauthorised collaboration with another person or persons. It is your responsibility to ensure that other students do not have opportunity to copy your work.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and includes presenting another person’s or organisation’s ideas or expressions as your own. This includes, however is not limited to: copying written works such as books or journals, data or images, tables, diagrams, designs, plans, photographs, film, music, formulae, web sites and computer programs.
What are the Penalties for Plagiarism or Cheating?
If a trainer suspects that you are cheating they will investigate further to establish evidence to support their suspicion. By looking at learning resources, searching on Google and reviewing previous or current student’s work. If evidence to support the suspicion is established your trainer will then report their concerns to Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Training Manager . From there the following process will be followed:
1. The assessor will contact you in writing outlining their concerns with your submitted work.
2. You will then have an opportunity to respond to any allegations of cheating or plagiarism.
3. If the Training Manager ’s investigation confirms that you have engaged in cheating or plagiarism you will be advised of one of the following consequences:
• If it is determined that your offence committed is minor or unintentional, you will be asked to resubmit your work and be given a formal warning in writing by Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Training Manager ; or
• If it is determined that your offence committed is of a serious and intentional nature you will be un-enrolled in that unit immediately and have to re-enrol if you wish to complete that unit. Your result for that unit will be recorded as Not Competent. A cheating/plagiarism note will also be recorded against your student file. Notification of any such decision will be made in writing by Sydney Rescue Consultations’ Training Manager .
4. If the conduct is repeated or if the initial conduct is of a very serious nature (as determined by the Training Manager ), such as knowingly falsifying assessment evidence, the student’s enrolment may be terminated. In cases of termination, all fees paid will be non-refundable.
What if I don’t agree with the decision?
If you disagree with the decision or the penalty imposed, you are entitled to lodge an appeal in accordance with the Appeals Policy and Process. For more information you may refer to the Complaints and Appeals section of the Student Handbook.
How do I avoid Plagiarism or Cheating?
Students are advised to note the following advice to avoid claims of plagiarism or cheating:
• Always reference other people’s work. You may quote from someone else’s work (for example, from websites, textbooks, journals or other published materials) but you must always indicate the author and source of the material.
• Always reference your sources. You should name sources for any graphs, tables or specific data, which you include in your assignment.
• You must not copy someone else’s work and present it as your own.
• You must not falsify assessment evidence.
Code of Conduct
All Sydney Rescue Consultants participants are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour during both training and assessment. Any breach of discipline will result in the participant being given a ‘written warning’. Further breach will result in a participant being asked to ‘show cause’ as to why they should not be excluded from further participation in the program. A third breach will result in instant dismissal from the training environment. Where a breach is deemed as of a serious nature, as determined by the Training Manager , the student’s enrolment may be terminated. In instances of dismissal and termination of enrolment, all fees paid will be non-refundable.
Personal, staff-to-student and student-to-student interaction is expected to be respectful. An aggressive manner or degrading and abusive language will be considered contrary to the Code of Conduct and a breach of discipline. Following are further instances of breaches to the Code of Conduct.
Discrimination
Discrimination means treating a person less favourably than another because of a personal attribute that they may have. Under State and Federal equal opportunity laws, discrimination based on attributes is unlawful. The attributes that can initiate a discrimination claim include:
• Gender
• Age
• Race
• Religion
• Marital status
• Disability
• Colour
• Nationality
• Ethnicity
• National origin
Harassment
Harassment is any behaviour which is unwelcome, offends, humiliates or intimidates the person being harassed. Harassment will not be tolerated at Sydney Rescue Consultants and disciplinary action will be taken against any employee, client or student involved in such behaviour. From a staff perspective, this may include termination of employment. From a student or client perspective, enrolment may be terminated, and all fees paid will be non-refundable.
Examples of verbal harassment
• Racist comments or jokes.
• Spreading rumours.
• Comments or jokes about a person’s disability, pregnancy, sexuality, age religion etc.
• Threats, insults or abuse.
• Offensive obscene language.
Physical Assault/Abuse
Physical abuse is an act of another party involving contact intended to cause feelings of physical pain, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm. Physical abuse will not be tolerated in any shape or form and any instances of physical abuse will result in instant termination of the student’s enrolment.
Some examples of physical abuse include:
• Striking
• Punching
• Pushing, pulling
• Slapping
• Striking with an object
• Excessive pinching on the body
• Kicking
• Tripping
• Kneeing
• Strangling
• Head-butting
• Placing in stress positions (tied or otherwise forced)
• Cutting or otherwise exposing somebody to something sharp
• Throwing or shooting a projectile
• Blinding a person or causing impairment of sight.
• Biting
• Eye poking
Change of Personal Details
Students are required to ensure their personal details recorded with Sydney Rescue Consultants are up-to-date at all times. Students must advise Sydney Rescue Consultants of any changes in personal details immediately in writing. If the student has an applicable loan and/or financial arrangement, it is the student’s direct responsibility to notify the financial service provider (e.g. Debit Success) of any change in personal details that may adversely affect payment arrangements.
All testamurs will be emailed to email address and/or posted to the mailing address provided by the student.
Evaluation and Feedback
As a matter of quality assurance and continuous improvement, Sydney Rescue Consultants relies heavily on the feedback from students. Sydney Rescue Consultants requires all students to complete various feedback and evaluation forms.
At the end of the training students will be asked to provide feedback by completing a Learner Questionnaire and Course Feedback Form. Learner Questionnaires may also be emailed to a student. Participation in the survey is highly valued and is voluntary. Sydney Rescue Consultants will fully protect student’s anonymity and the confidentiality of student’s response within the limits of the law.
Making the Most of your Training
It is very important to make the most of your training opportunity. Please note it is your responsibility to do this.
To optimize your own learning and successful completion, Sydney Rescue Consultants encourages you to do the following:
1. Attend all training sessions and complete all required reading and learning activities;
2. Prepare well in advance of each training session;
3. Be a willing participant;
4. Work with fellow learners;
5. Respect other people’s opinions;
6. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the assessment requirements;
7. Take responsibility for the quality of evidence that you submit to the Assessor;
8. Keep track of your progress;
9. Conduct additional tasks such as homework which may include reading user manuals and watching videos.
10. Complete and submit all assessment on time, tasks using clear and concise language;
11. Be willing to contact your trainer/assessor if you do not understand the training activity or assessment task.
COURSE INFORMATION
The training programs provided by Sydney Rescue Consultants are registered under nationally endorsed training packages. These training programs are competency based which means that training and assessment focus on the development and recognition of a person’s ability to apply relevant knowledge and skills to perform workplace tasks to a specified standard.
Training Programs
The specific skills and knowledge required for a particular activity are set out in Units of Competency which can be grouped together to formulate the completion of a nationally recognised qualification. Nationally recognised qualifications are outlined in training packages. These can be viewed at www.training.gov.au.
Each qualification has a list of employability skills and foundation skills which describe the non-technical skills and competencies that are important for effective and successful participation in the workforce. For each qualification there are specific employability skills listed under the following headings:
1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Problem solving
4. Initiative and enterprise
5. Planning and organizing
6. Self-management
7. Learning
8. Technology.
These employability skills will be part of the assessment requirements of a nationally accredited course.
Competency Based Training
All programs delivered by Sydney Rescue Consultants are assessed under the principles of Competency Based Training. The aim of Competency Based Training is to assess the student’s ability to complete the activities in each unit.
Sydney Rescue Consultants will assess the student’s ability (or competence) to carry out the activities in each unit of competency.
Competencies are normally expressed in terms of a unit of competency. For example, if you were working in a retail store, a unit of competency might include “use point of sale equipment”. Competencies include the skills and tasks that are required in the workplace. When a student is being assessed on these activities, the student will be required to perform the activity to the level required in the workplace.
All assessment results are recorded in Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Student Management System. Students have access to their assessment outcomes via the student portal or by request. Qualifications or Statement of Attainment are issued from the results recorded in Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Student Management System.
Evidence Requirements
Evidence is the material proof that you have performed the specified competency or task to the required standard. Your evidence requirements will be determined by the Unit of Competency, employability skill requirements, industry expectations, government regulations, and your qualifications and current experience. Evidence can take many forms and you will be required to present more than just one piece of evidence.
Assessment tools that we will provide to you set out the exact requirements for evidence for each unit/module.
Examples of evidence could include one or more of the following:
1. Specific assessment tasks set by your assessor
2. Observation reports
3. Certificates and awards
4. Examples of work completed or special projects
5. Current licenses
6. Position descriptions and performance reviews
7. Third party reports
8. Question responses
9. Tests
Your evidence must also demonstrate the following:
1. That you can do the job or task to the required standard
2. Understand why the job should be done in a particular way
3. Handle unexpected issues or problems
4. Work with others ‘in a team’
5. Do more than one thing at a time, e.g. perform the task and be aware of the occupational health and safety requirements
6. Know the workplace rules and procedures
Assessment
Assessment is defined as the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on the nature and extent of progress towards the performance requirement set out in a (competency) standard, or learning outcome, and, at the appropriate point, making a judgment as to whether competency has been achieved’.
In simple terms, assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved. In order to be assessed as competent (C), you will need to provide evidence which demonstrates that you have the essential knowledge and skills to successfully complete the relevant unit to the required standard. Competency is simply about demonstrating that you can do the task with confidence to the required industry standard as endorsed by the training package or VET accredited Course.
An assessment of ‘Not Yet Competent’ (NYC) is not a failing mark. It is simply a request for more information or further confirmation of the knowledge and skills required. Our trainers will provide feedback to guide your resubmission and are available for contact if required. The student will be required to successfully resubmit the assessment with the required rectifications to achieve a competent result. The student will be allowed a limit of three submissions per unit of the course. To be eligible for the qualification, the student must receive a competent result for all units of the course. Students who are deemed NYC will have to pay a rebooking fee of 100% of total course fee, this will include re-training and re-assessment. Amount of re-training will be dependant on where the students fell short of the knowledge and skills required to achieve the competency.
Assessment, within competency-based approaches to learning, is criterion referenced. This means it identifies an individual’s achievements of defined outcomes, rather than relating their performance to that of other learners or trainees.
Assessment methods used may include:
• Demonstration.
• Observation.
• Work samples.
• Workbook activities.
• Oral presentations.
• Role plays or simulation.
• Projects
Principles of Assessment
There are four key principles that are a part of the assessment process:
Fairness The individual learner’s needs are considered in the assessment process.
Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments are applied by the RTO to take into account the individual learner’s needs.
The RTO informs the learner about the assessment process, and provides the learner with the opportunity to challenge the result of the assessment and be reassessed if necessary.
Flexibility Assessment is flexible to the individual learner by:
• reflecting the learner’s needs;
• assessing competencies held by the learner no matter how or where they have been acquired; and
• drawing from a range of assessment methods and using those that are appropriate to the context, the unit of competency and associated assessment requirements, and the individual.
Validity Any assessment decision of the RTO is justified, based on the evidence of performance of the individual learner.
Validity requires:
• assessment against the unit/s of competency and the associated assessment requirements covers the broad range of skills and knowledge that are essential to competent performance;
• assessment of knowledge and skills is integrated with their practical application;
• assessment to be based on evidence that demonstrates that a learner could demonstrate these skills and knowledge in other similar situations; and
• judgement of competence is based on evidence of learner performance that is aligned to the unit/s of competency and associated assessment requirements.
Reliability Evidence presented for assessment is consistently interpreted and assessment results are comparable irrespective of the assessor conducting the assessment.
Rules of Evidence
The Rules of Evidence are closely related to the principles of assessment and provide guidance on the collection of evidence to ensure that it is valid, sufficient, authentic and current as follows:
Validity The assessor is assured that the learner has the skills, knowledge and attributes as described in the module or unit of competency and associated assessment requirements.
Sufficiency The assessor is assured that the quality, quantity and relevance of the assessment evidence enables a judgement to be made of a learner’s competency.
Authenticity The assessor is assured that the evidence presented for assessment is the learner’s own work.
Currency The assessor is assured that the assessment evidence demonstrates current competency. This requires the assessment evidence to be from the present or the very recent past.
Assessment Results
Results of assessment are provided to students as soon as practicable. These results are available through your student login account. Assessment results are always confidential and will not be given to any other party unless a written request signed by the student is received in advance. However, verbal feedback may be given to the client with students verbal or written consent.
Reasonable Adjustment
Students with disabilities or learning difficulties are encouraged to discuss with Sydney Rescue Consultants any ‘reasonable adjustment’ to learning and assessment processes which they consider would be necessary or assist them in the performance of their studies.
Careful consideration will be given to any requests for reasonable adjustment of this nature, and, where reasonably practicable, such adjustments will be made. There may however be circumstances where it will not be reasonable or reasonably practicable for Sydney Rescue Consultants to accommodate or where other adjustment may be more appropriate. Reasonable adjustments cannot compromise the integrity of competency-based training and assessment.
Extensions for Assessment
It is expected that all assessment tasks are handed in on the due date. Should you require additional time to complete an assessment, you must communicate with your assessor and apply for an extension.
Awards
Once a student has successfully completed all assessment requirements for their applicable course, the student will be issued with a Qualification/Testamur and an accompanying Record of Results or Statement of Attainment for units of competency.
The Qualification or Statement of Attainment will be emailed to the current email address and noted in Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Student Management System. The student should allow 30 calendar days from the date of completion of the course for the issuance of your award. However, this date may be extended if there are any course requirements still outstanding.
Important Information regarding awards at Sydney Rescue Consultants
• Awards will only be issued to students whose financial status with the college is up- to-date
• It is the responsibility of the student to understand their obligations regarding fees due for units studied
• For a student to be eligible to receive an award, the student must successfully complete all the units listed
• Students who have provided their USI or proof of exemption to the USI
• Training package courses have been submitted to the regulatory authorities, and all units specified in that course are the subjects a student must complete to be eligible to receive that award.
See the Certificate Issuance Policy for more details.
Course Delivery
Sydney Rescue Consultants ensures the following resources are in place:
• Trainer/assessors and assessors with appropriate qualifications, and experience;
• Course materials appropriate to the methods of delivery and assessment requirements;
• All necessary copyright authorisations;
• Appropriate equipment and facilities.
Training and assessment methods used by Sydney Rescue Consultants meet specific quality requirements and are chosen to best suit the unit of competency, while giving consideration to the learning style of the student.
A number of delivery methods will be used throughout the training to help you achieve the necessary skills. Learning is a partnership that involves participation from all involved.
Delivery methods may include, but are not limited to:
• practical demonstrations
• audio/visual presentations
• group participation/ discussions
• trainer/facilitator instruction
• practical activities
• self-paced activities
• individual projects
• workplace based training
• case studies.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
All students have the opportunity to apply for recognition of prior learning. This means that you can submit evidence for a Unit(s) of Competency and have it assessed by a qualified assessor without completing the training.
Sydney Rescue Consultants believes that no learner should be required to undertake a unit of competency for which they are already able to demonstrate satisfactory achievement of the performance outcomes, as stated in the endorsed training package or nationally recognised course.
Sydney Rescue Consultants aims to maximise the recognition of a learner’s prior skills and knowledge whilst at all times maintaining the integrity and standards of the defined learning outcomes of the specific qualification or course of study. Students who consider they already possess the competencies identified in all or part of any course/qualification offered by Sydney Rescue Consultants may seek recognition.
If you think you have the necessary knowledge and skills to match a Unit(s) of Competency or a qualification at the required standard, you need to contact your trainer or any Sydney Rescue Consultants admissions staff who will provide the information you need to complete an application.
Recognition Process
Recognition is a method of assessing if you have evidence of competency for a unit of competency that you are enrolled in. It is important to remember that recognition is an assessment process, not an assumption of competence.
Recognition is the determination, on an individual basis, of the competencies obtained by a student through:
• previous formal/informal training;
• work experience; and/or
• life experience.
Recognition therefore determines the subsequent advanced standing to which the student is entitled in relation to a course/qualification. The focus of recognition is what has been learned rather than how, where or when it was learned. Recognition focuses on both the demonstration of competence and the currency of that competence to industry standards.
It is important to note; the onus is on the student to present evidence and demonstrate pre-existing competence to justify a claim for recognition and present their case to the satisfaction of the assessor.
Any documents that you provide to support your claim of competency must be the originals rather than copies. Your original documents will be photocopied and handed back to you. It is also expected that any evidence submitted is your own and if any part of the work is the work of others, that this is formally acknowledged and advised.
Recognition Decision
Regardless of the type of evidence that you submit, Assessors must be confident that the evidence meets the following criteria:
• Full requirements of the Unit of Competency(s);
• Any regulatory requirements;
• Authenticity – That it is your own evidence and can be authenticated;
• That you can perform the competency consistently and reliably;
• Is at the standard expected in industry and set out in the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF);
• Sufficiency – There is enough evidence to make a judgment.
The recognition process may include the necessity to demonstrate the application of skills. Where it is identified that this is required to assist the assessor in their judgement of competency, this will be arranged at either the student’s workplace or at Sydney Rescue Consultants’ training facilities.
Sydney Rescue Consultants is committed to ensuring that all judgments made by trainers against the same competency standards are consistent. Your trainer will examine the evidence that you present and then make a judgment on that evidence which will be either:
• Competent (C) – you have been deemed competent against all the requirements of the Unit/s of Competency
• Not Yet Competent (NYC) – you have not yet demonstrated competency to all requirements.
Your trainer will advise you of the outcome of your application for RPL and advise where gap training and/or assessment is required.
Credit Transfer
Sydney Rescue Consultants recognises the AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Where a student has completed a unit/s of competency prior to enrolling with Sydney Rescue Consultants that are included in the course in which the student is enrolling, the student may apply for recognition. This may result in the student not having to complete the same unit of competency again. This is known as credit transfer. Should you wish to seek credit transfer, contact the Sydney Rescue Consultants Admissions Staff for a Credit Transfer Form.
See the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy for more details.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Access and Equity
Sydney Rescue Consultants is committed to providing opportunities to all people for advancement, regardless of their background. We support government policy initiatives and provide access to our training for all those seeking to undertake it.
We ensure that our student selection criteria are non-discriminatory and provide fair access to training for the disadvantaged. In addition, we liaise with agencies and government departments for assistance in matters of language, literacy and numeracy difficulties.
Complaints and Appeals Policy
Complaints
Sydney Rescue Consultants supports the rights of a student to lodge a grievance or complaint if a student feels they have been treated unfairly. Sydney Rescue Consultants will do everything possible to address grievances or complaints in an unbiased and professional manner. Complaints are welcomed as a means of ensuring that we identify and overcome problems faced by students and provide an opportunity to improve our business and/or the delivery of our training programs.
1. Sydney Rescue Consultants recommends for students to first try and resolve the complaint/appeal informally by contacting their trainer or Sydney Rescue Consultants student support team at 04 3365 5880 or via ed@sydneyrescue.com.au.
2. All complaints should be committed to in writing at the earliest possible opportunity and lodged through Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Complaints Online Form. You can access the Complaints Lodgement Form through Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Website. This will constitute a formal complaint from the student. This should only happen once step one has been completed and where the student is unhappy with the outcome of this step.
3. The Training Manager of Sydney Rescue Consultants is automatically notified via email each time a Complaints and Appeals form has been submitted.
4. The Training Manager of Sydney Rescue Consultants will initiate a transparent, participative process to deal with the issues at hand.
5. Complaints are to be resolved within 14 working days of the initial application. The Training Manager of Sydney Rescue Consultants may delegate responsibility for the resolution of the complaint as required. In all cases the final conclusion will be endorsed by Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Training Manager .
6. The student will be advised in writing of the outcome of their complaint via email.
7. If the outcome is not to the satisfaction of the student, he/she may contact the Manager to discuss their concerns.
8. All complaints will be handled as Staff-In-Confidence.
Where the student remains unhappy with the outcome:
• The student has the right to request a review of the appeal by an independent party.
• The student will be responsible for the costs of the independent review.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants reserves the right to nominate or agree to the independent party and will cooperate fully with this independent review.
Sydney Rescue Consultants will aim to complete this complaints process as quickly as possible. Sydney Rescue Consultants will keep the student informed of the progress of the complaint throughout the process.
In cases where a complaint will take over 60 calendar days to get resolved, Sydney Rescue Consultants will explain the reasons for the delay to the complainant in writing.
Appeals
Sydney Rescue Consultants supports the rights of a student to lodge an appeal against any assessment decision and will not impair that right in any way. Sydney Rescue Consultants will do everything possible to address the appeal in an unbiased and professional manner.
Any student wishing to appeal and assessment decision/judgment should follow the steps outlined below.
1. Sydney Rescue Consultants recommends for students to first try and resolve the appeal informally by contacting their trainer to discuss their assessment result and why they believe that the trainers judgement is incorrect showing evidence of how they have addressed the assessment criteria. Students may also contact the Sydney Rescue Consultants support team at 04 3365 5880 or ed@sydneyrescue.com.au.
2. All appeals should be committed to in writing at the earliest possible opportunity, and lodged through Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Appeals Lodgement Form through Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Website. This will constitute a formal appeal from the student. This should only happen once step one has been completed and where the student is unhappy with the outcome of this step.
3. The appeal request should contain the following information:
a) The student’s full name and number
b) The unit/subject being assessed
c) Each assessment task name/number (where the result is being disputed) including why the result should be overturned. The student should refer directly to how they believe they have met the requirement of each task in detail and referencing any evidence to support their claims.
4. The Training Manager of Sydney Rescue Consultants is automatically notified via email each time an Appeals form has been submitted.
5. The Training Manager will initiate a transparent, participative process to deal with the issues at hand.
6. Appeals are to be responded to within 14 working days of the initial application.
7. The Training Manager of Sydney Rescue Consultants may delegate responsibility for the resolution of the appeal as required. In all cases the final conclusion will be endorsed by Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Training Manager .
8. The student will be advised in writing of the outcome of their appeal via email.
9. All appeals will be handled as Staff-In-Confidence.
10. If the outcome is not to the satisfaction of the student, he/she may contact the to discuss their concerns.
Where the student is unhappy with the outcome at step two, they can follow the formal appeal process outlined below:
• The student has the right to request a review of the appeal by an independent party.
• The student will be responsible for the costs of the independent review.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants reserves the right to nominate or agree to the independent party and will cooperate fully with this independent review.
Sydney Rescue Consultants will aim to complete this appeals process as quickly as possible. Sydney Rescue Consultants will keep the student informed of the progress of the appeal throughout the process.
In cases where an appeal will take over 60 calendar days to get resolved, Sydney Rescue Consultants will explain the reasons for the delay to the appellant in writing.
See the Complaints and Appeals Policy for more details.
Transition of Superseded Courses
The nationally recognised training courses delivered by Sydney Rescue Consultants may be superseded by a new training package qualification. If required, Sydney Rescue Consultants will apply to add the replacement training package qualification to its scope as soon as practicable but no later than 12 months from the date of publication of the replacement qualification on the national register.
Sydney Rescue Consultants will manage the transition of students to the updated course as soon as is practicable, but no later than 12 months from the date of publication of the replacement qualification on the national register. There may or may not be a fee payable to transition to the updated course.
Student Records
All student records are subject to Sydney Rescue Consultants’ Privacy Policy. However, students may reasonably access their files by notifying Sydney Rescue Consultants. Sydney Rescue Consultants will endeavour to give students prompt access to their own files where reasonable notice is given.
Sydney Rescue Consultants will provide students with timely access to their participation and progress throughout the training course.
Procedure
• Students are able to view their grades, trainer feedback and the list of completed units via written request sent to Sydney Rescue Consultants. For any other requests on their course progress students are to contact student support by ed@sydneyrescue.com.au. Students must list their full name, date of birth, address, course enrolled and Student ID.
• Students will receive notification that the request has been received and may be contacted by Sydney Rescue Consultants to obtain further information.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants will issue a letter of confirmation outlining student results for the course within 7 working days of receiving the request. Students will receive this information by email.
Record Keeping Policy for Assignments and Student Information
Sydney Rescue Consultants has effective administrative and records management procedures in place that maintains student data in a secure and confidential manner.
Records of results, qualifications and Statements of Attainment for students currently enrolled are stored in individual student files. Electronic files are kept up to date and backed up regularly, with the backup copy being kept in a secure location. All student records are stored for retention archiving and retrieval for a period of 30 years.
Sydney Rescue Consultants retains all rights to assignments, tests, exams, projects and assessments. All soft copies of assessments submitted are retained via the Sydney Rescue Consultants Dropbox. All assessments will be kept for a period of 6 months from the date on which the judgement of competence for the student was made as outlined in ASQA’s General Direction: Retention requirements for completed student assessment items.
Fee Payment and Refund Policy
Sydney Rescue Consultants has developed a fair and equitable process for determining course fees, refunds and payment options.
You must advise us of cancellation in writing or by email.
No refund is provided for cancellations outside of the refund period, though some cases may be considered, subject to Sydney Rescue Consultation management’s discretion.
Cancellation and Refunds
The ‘refund period’ is defined as 24 hours prior start date for face to face public facility booked courses and 72 hours for face to face training for onsite client booked courses.
The ‘Agreement Date’ is defined as the date the terms and conditions that were agreed upon at the time the student submitted their enrolment form or when the client booked the course.
If you wish to terminate your studies before the completion of your course, you must first complete a Refund Request Form, available from our website and support team. No refunds will be issued for cancellations outside of the refund period.
For refund applications within the refund period, the Refund Request Form must be received by Sydney Rescue Consultants, within the refund period. A refund of the course fee, less the applicable administration fees will only be issued if all above criteria has been met and the student has no previous outstanding monies with Sydney Rescue Consultants.
If you do not notify Sydney Rescue Consultants in writing within the refund period, you will not be eligible for a refund.
All refunds will be paid to the person or organisation that originally paid the fees. Refunds will be paid within four calendar weeks of the date the request is received.
This refund policy does not remove your right to take further action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.
SRC will reserve the right to hold entire payment of clients and students if:
• Students do not turn up to course on time (Must arrive within 30min of start timing, unless they have called ahead with a valid reason, but will be on case-by-case basis). Must give a minimum of 1 business day (24hrs) notice for face-to-face public facility booked courses. Must give a minimum of 3 business days (72hrs) for on-site client booked courses. Must give a minimum of 3 business days (72hrs) notice for any private facility booked courses.
• Are removed from course for unacceptable behaviour.
• Staff feel threatened or intimidated by students or clients who made the booking.
• Additional information not received as required by quote or email correspondence.
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs on arrival or during course.
• If you book within these time frames ie: you book a public course the 1 day prior to course starting you will not be entitled to a refund.
• If the booking or enrolment is found to be fraudulent.
• Circumstances around booking (from student or client) are found to fraudulent or suspicious in nature and may cause financial or reputational harm.
• If you have a language literacy and numeracy (LLN) issue eg. English not your first language. And don’t disclose this before booking. You will be assessed by the trainer on the day and if found you are unable to attend the course you will not be entitled to a refund and your enrolment will be cancelled. ALL SRC COURSES ARE DELIVERED IN ENGLISH.
• Students are deemed Not Yet Competent (NYC).
• Students who withdraw from the course or are withdrawn by the client who made the booking.
• Students who do not complete the course within the accepted timeframe. Although, extra time can be added for additional fees. However, if no correspondence is received directly from the student or client requesting an extension with payment received within 7 days of the booked last day, students will be withdrawn from the course and given a result depending on whether they have been assessed for any part of the course.
• Students who are deemed NYC will have to pay a re-booking fee of 100% of total course fee, this will include re-training and re-assessment. Amount of re-training will be dependent on where the students fell short of the knowledge and skills required to achieve the competency.
Refunds will be given students if:
• Cancelled more than 3 business days prior to course start for private facility/on-site grouped booking.
• Cancelled more than 1 business day prior to course start for public bookings.
• Family emergency during course (must provide evidence).
• Student booked on incorrect course (partial payment may be held due to student package costs).
• Unforeseen circumstance on student’s behalf but will be on a case by case basis.
• An administration of fee of $50 or 20% of total fee whichever is higher, will be retained by SRC upon any cancellation.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants requires written notification of withdrawal from training the completion of the Withdrawal from Training Form. Refund will be assessed upon receipt of the request. Statement of fees that includes all fees applied and any fees refunded (if applicable) will be provided where a student withdraws from training.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants will process refund requests within 7 days from the day of receipt. The reimbursement procedure may take up to 4 weeks.
• All refunds will be paid to the person or organisation that originally paid the fees.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants does not accept liability for loss or damage suffered in the event of withdrawal from a course by a client.
• Sydney Rescue Consultants provides a full refund to all clients, should there be a need for Sydney Rescue Consultants to cancel a course. In the first instance Sydney Rescue Consultants will (where possible) provide an opportunity for the client to attend another scheduled course. If Sydney Rescue Consultants cancels a course, clients do not have to apply for a refund; Sydney Rescue Consultants will process the refunds automatically.
• Refunds for cancellation of enrolments and other conditions are granted based on the refunds table in the annex of this policy.
Booking Policy
Students and Clients will have to prepay the course fee to confirm booking and enrolment on a course.
Alternative payment options can be made with prior arrangements between SRC and clients. Possible examples include contract engaged on-going client training packages.
However, students paperwork will not be processed until full payment has been confirmed.
Language literacy and numeracy (LLN)
• If you have a Language literacy and numeracy (LLN) issue eg. English not your first language. And don’t disclose this before booking. You will be assessed by the trainer on the day and if found you are unable to attend the course you will NOT be entitled to a refund and your enrolment will be cancelled. ALL OUR COURSES ARE DELIVERED IN ENGLISH.
• If you identify you have an LLN issue, you will need to provide at your own cost an accredited 3rd party interpreter. This person must not be of any relation ie. family, friend or co-worker. This will need to be prearranged and confirmed by Sydney Rescue Staff before your booking will be confirmed.
Warranty
• Students are deemed qualified and competent at the time of assessment, therefore it is outside of Sydney Rescue Consultants Pty Ltd control what students do with their qualifications after the course is finished.
Special Consideration
Sydney Rescue Consultants understands that some students may experience prolonged difficulties that may impact on their ability to complete their course or a significant disadvantage as a result of a course change due to updates in the training packages that may not be addressed by:
• Extending the maximum duration of your course
• Providing additional learning support services
• Facilitating your Transfer to a different Sydney Rescue Consultants course; or
• Providing you with the option to complete an older version of the course (subject to availability and compliance with relevant regulations)
In such cases, students should apply for a special consideration via email.
Sydney Rescue Consultants may grant special consideration in circumstances where:
• you are up to date with all course fees; and submit a special consideration request via email to Sydney Rescue Consultants, including the relevant sections completed by a medical doctor (where applicable) and any other requested additional supporting documentation
• you have applied for and been granted a course deferral and the circumstances under which you were granted a course deferral are continuing and serious circumstances which will materially affect your ability to continue with your course; or
• there has been a material change to your course resulting in material disadvantage to you which cannot be addressed as mentioned above.
If special consideration is granted, Sydney Rescue Consultants may agree to:
• an extension of the duration of the course;
• provide you with additional support services;
• release you from the payment of future instalments; and/or
• grant a pro rata refund of the Course Fees (taking into account the portion of the course that has been completed and the costs associated with the provision of learning materials).
Without limitation, special consideration will not be given if:
• you change jobs;
• your work hours change;
• you move address (including interstate or international moves);
• your course changes under clause 15 as a result of a regulatory change governing Sydney Rescue Consultants;
• you find the course more difficult, time consuming or stressful than you had expected; or
• you are made redundant, retrenched, or otherwise resign from or terminate your employment or have your employment terminated.
Exceptions
In the unlikely event that Sydney Rescue Consultants is unable to deliver your course in full, however in the event that this occurs:
• you will be offered a refund for the part of your course that has not been assessed
• The refund will be paid to you within two weeks of the date on which the course ceased being provided
• Alternatively, you may be offered enrolment in a suitable alternative course at GCA at no additional cost to you. You have the right to choose whether you would prefer refund for the part of your course that has not been assessed or to accept a place in another course.
Privacy Policy
Sydney Rescue Consultants will follow the Australian Privacy Principles in the management of all student and staff information, however allowing access as to all information as required by relevant National and State Training Authorities for the purpose of monitoring and/or auditing Sydney Rescue Consultants’ operations as a RTO.
The purpose of the privacy policy is to:
• describe the types of personal information that we collect, hold, use and disclose;
• outline our personal information handling systems and practices;
• enhance the transparency of our management of personal information;
• explain our authority to collect personal information, why it may be held by us, how it is used and how it is protected;
• notify whether we are likely to disclose personal information and, if so, to whom;
• provide information on how personal information can be accessed, correct it if necessary and complaint if you believe it has been wrongly collected or inappropriately handled.
See the Privacy Policy for more details.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
Sydney Rescue Consultants is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and work environment. The safety of our students and staff is of primary importance in all activities and operations of our organisation. We are committed to implementing, maintaining and continuously improving work health and safety in all of our facilities and operations.
Sydney Rescue Consultants encourages all persons to regard accident prevention and safety as a collective and individual responsibility.
Sydney Rescue Consultants recognises its responsibility under the Workplace Health and Safety and related regulations. The CEO has responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of staff, students, contractors and visitors. This includes:
1. provide and maintain safe plant, equipment and systems of work.
2. provide, monitor and maintain systems for safe use, handling, storage and transportation of plant, equipment and substances.
3. maintain the workplace in a safe and healthy condition.
4. provide adequate facilities to protect the welfare of all employees.
5. provide information, training and supervision for all staff and contractors, helping them to integrate WHS into their work areas and roles.
6. provide information, where relevant, to students, allowing them to learn in a safe manner.
7. check WHS system compliance via ongoing auditing.
8. integrate continuous improvement into WHS performance.
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