Monitoring PTEs

In a 'high-trust' environment, NZQA recognises that the primary responsibility for maintaining registration and accreditation requirements rests with the private training establishment (PTE). NZQA assumes that most PTEs run adequate quality management systems of their own and comply with NZQA and other regulatory requirements.

At the same time, NZQA runs an independent monitoring programme. This programme aims to provide external assurance that the system as a whole is running smoothly. It also aims to ensure that any particular quality problems are quickly addressed. In its monitoring role, NZQA works closely with other Crown agencies, sharing information and coordinating actions as required.

Types of Crown monitoring

The table below summarises the main types of Crown monitoring of the PTE sector, and the costs attached to each.

NZQA’s various monitoring actions are guided by common considerations:

• Is the PTE failing to self-manage compliance with NZQA requirements?
• If there are non-compliances, do they pose a risk to ongoing registration and accreditation?
• Are learners directly or potentially affected?

NZQA response

If the answer to any of the above is 'yes’, NZQA will always intervene, in consultation with other agencies as appropriate. The nature of the intervention depends on the scope, complexity and seriousness of the findings.

In most cases, NZQA will require a PTE to submit an action plan that adequately addresses the non-compliances. NZQA oversees the successful completion of each action plan.

In extreme cases, an action plan may fail, or the non-compliance poses immediate and significant risk. In such cases, NZQA reserves the right to follow immediate legislative pathways. These include:

• Compliance notices: directed action taken when the PTE is slow to meet its responsibilities or has a history of failing to do so
• Conditions: placed on either registration, programme/training scheme approvals, accreditation, or consent to assess against standards
• Withdrawal: of programme/training scheme approvals, accreditations, consents to assess against standards on the NZQF, or of registration itself.

Fees charged by NZQA

Where a fee applies for activities undertaken in the above table, this will be charged at $150 per person, per hour (GST exclusive).

Further information

If you have any queries on NZQA monitoring, contact the Risk and Compliance team.