The Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) scheduled for audit in 2007 were given a briefing session recently by the Qualifications Authority.

Paul Stone, Manager Provider Registration and Accreditation, says, "Quality audits are a new process for the ITO sector so we want to make the process as smooth as possible for the ten ITOs who will be audited in the following year."

This year's briefing was held on 7 December and attracted a mixture of ITO chief executives and national quality managers. Participants were welcomed to the briefing by NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Qualifications Assurance Division, Mike Willing.

"The focus of the briefing was the audit process and the various steps in that process. Other topics covered the use of the Self Evaluation Workbook, informal feedback on the first year of focused audits, and the basis on which the cost of audits are estimated," Mr Stone says.

NZQA quality audits for ITOs began in November 2005. The first cycle from 2005-09 covers two elements of the Quality Assurance Standard for ITOs – Workplace Assessors, and National External Moderation. The second cycle will cover all nine elements of the standard.

"Despite early reservations in some parts of the sector, many ITOs audited so far have said the process provided a useful and fresh perspective on their current operations and will assist with forward planning," Mr Stone said.

Key presenters at the December briefing were Caroline West, Team Leader, Tertiary Assessment and Moderation; John Keene, Quality Auditor; and Paul Stone, Manager Provider Registration and Accreditation.

For more information contact Paul Stone, phone 04 463-3342 or email paul.stone@nzqa.govt.nz