Volunteering Queensland Inc. Candidate Handbook. CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs

Transcription

1 Volunteering Queensland Inc. Candidate Handbook CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs

2 2017 Volunteering Queensland Inc. All rights reserved. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise. Acknowledgements In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, Volunteering Queensland Inc (VQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where ever VQ delivers teaching and learning, recognising that those lands have always been places of teaching and learning. VQ pays respect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the community. Training Package Details: National Training Package CHC Community Services Version Release 2 Endorsement Date August 2015 Last revised March 2017 Qualification CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs Page 2 of 27

3 This Candidate s Handbook is published and distributed by: Volunteering Queensland Inc: Training Unit Level 12, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane City 4000 GPO Box 623 Brisbane 4001 Phone: (07) ABN: RTO: # training@volunteeringqld.org.au Web: volunteeringqld.org.au Warranty: VQ warrants that the information contained herein is accurate and conforms to the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 for the Australian VET system. Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure content of this handbook is accurate at the time of publication, Volunteering Queensland Inc reserves the right to update and amend as necessary. Page 3 of 27

4 Table of Contents Welcome to Volunteering Queensland Inc Introduction to our Registered Training Organisation... 6 Pre Enrolment Information Course Information Eligibility USI Fee Information Subsidy Refund of Fees Payment requirements Legal responsibilities Access and Equity Policy Getting Started Steps to study Assessment: Evidence of Competency Assessment Extensions Candidate Academic Appeal and Complaint Processes Training environment, materials and equipment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (C/T) RPL Process Plagiarism and Referencing Submitting Assessment Tasks Candidate Academic Counselling and Support Language, Literacy & Numeracy Support Candidate Records Replacement Certificates Disciplinary matters Changes to Agreed Services Future Pathways Privacy and Confidentiality Policy for Candidates Copyright and disclaimer Page 4 of 27

5 Welcome to Volunteering Queensland Inc. Dear Volunteer Program Coordinators and Volunteers, As the peak body for volunteering in Queensland, Volunteering Queensland Inc (VQ) is pleased to continue to support workers and volunteers engaged in volunteering endeavours to gain formal professionally recognised qualifications through nationally recognised training in recognition of their skills and experience. Our flexible learning model based upon face-to-face training delivery and workplace engagement achieves effective industry-relevant training and assessment related to coordination of volunteer programs. The skills and knowledge you bring to your role in the workplace will be recognised and developed further in this training. This Candidate Handbook provides important information to assist potential candidates make an informed choice as to whether this training meets their needs. It outlines the services that VQ will provide the candidate, along with the rights and responsibilities of VQ and the candidate. Congratulations on considering enrolment in the CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs. We look forward to supporting the development of your professional career. Sector Development Team Volunteering Queensland Inc. Page 5 of 27

6 Introduction to our Registered Training Organisation As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), VQ operates within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 (the Standards) for the Australian VET system. The following content of this Candidate Handbook has been prepared in direct response to the requirements of the Standards. The protection of the rights of candidates in training processes and programs is a priority at VQ, and commences with marketing of courses with integrity, accuracy and professionalism. Nationally Recognised Training Volunteering Queensland delivers a range of Volunteer focused nationally recognised qualifications and have the capacity to run specific skill sets in the future if the industry requires this. The delivery of Certificates I,II and III in Active Volunteering under our Students as Active Volunteers Initiative (SAAVI) is aimed at groups, often school groups, of people who are active volunteers. These complement our delivery of Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer programs aimed at those people in organisations who are responsible for the coordination of volunteers. All Certificates and Statements of Attainment issued by Volunteering Queensland RTO are recognised nationally and meet the requirements of the Certification under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations. Non Accredited Training Volunteering Queensland also conducts workshops and training programs for organisations and individuals who are involved with volunteering. These programs are aimed at increasing the knowledge and skill level of individuals and organisations, improving the volunteer sector and building up resilience in individuals. These workshops and programs do not require assessment and can be modified to suit an organisation s needs. VQ s Sector Development team offers training support to organisations in house upon request enabling volunteer programs and experiences for volunteers in volunteer involving organisations to be improved upon and meet best practice. Sector Development Team The Sector Development Team comprises of qualified trainers and assessors and Administration Staff ensuring we meet all Standards for Registered Training Organisations. Trainers and Assessors are industry professionals as well as qualified Trainers enabling our courses to be current and up to date in content and the delivery of a quality standard. Page 6 of 27

7 Pre Enrolment Information 1. Course Information Qualification details are provided in the table below, online at the VQ website here, and at the regulator s website here. The course is presented in five (5) clusters integrating a number of units that reflect real industry processes and outcomes. These Clusters are not necessarily delivered in this order. CHC44015 Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs The qualification consists of seven (7) Core Units and four (4) Elective Units. A total of 11 Units of Competency C = Core Unit; E = Elective Unit. Legal context Cluster Workforce Development Cluster Recruitment and Retention Cluster Leadership Cluster Communication Cluster CHCLEG001 - C Work legally and ethically CHCVOL004 - C Manage volunteer workforce development CHCVOL003 - C Recruit, induct and support volunteers BSBLDR403 - C Lead team effectiveness CHCCOM002 - C Use communication to build relationships HLTWHS003 - C Maintain work health and safety BSBCMM401 - E Make a presentation CHCDIV003 - C Manage and promote diversity BSBHRM405 - E Support the recruitment, selection and induction of staff BSBWOR404 - E Develop work priorities PSPGOV411A - E Deal with conflict Duration of course / training: The expected completion time of the course is six (6) to twelve (12) months maximum including 80 hours (10 days) of face-to-face training delivery and a approximately 110 hours of workplace-based research and assessment. VQ training will be conducted by face-to-face workshops usually held in Brisbane, blended with a range of other options negotiated to meet the needs of the individual candidates. Prior to the commencement of any training workshop, candidates will be provided with relevant resources for pre-workshop reading and preparation. Face-to-face training at other locations, and distance learning with online support may also be negotiated. Page 7 of 27

8 As the RTO, VQ is responsible for and will ensure the quality of the training and assessment is in compliance with the CHC Community Services Training Package and the Standards. Trainers with required training and assessment qualifications or higher adult education credentials, together with high-level industry skills and experience will facilitate training to ensure that candidates achieve the stated competency standards and outcomes of the qualification. Candidate feedback on training is collected and analysed. To assist with continuous improvement processes, candidates are given opportunity to provide verbal feedback at the conclusion of each day of workshop training. Formal written feedback by way of Evaluation is sought at the conclusion of each two (2) day workshop and is immediately reviewed by the training team with continuous improvement actioned and recorded in relation to the evaluation feedback. Prospective vocational education and training (VET) students should view themselves as consumers of training services. For more information on enrolling in a VET course as a consumer go to: 2. Eligibility To be eligible to study the Certificate IV in Coordination of volunteer programs, in the accelerated format that Volunteering Queensland offers, you must be engaged as a Volunteer Coordinator role and have access to an organisation paperwork and process to assist with assessment and understanding. 3. USI From 1 January 2015 if you are undertaking a nationally recognised program you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI is a number that links to an online account that will contain all your training records and results (transcript) that you complete from 1 January 2015 onwards. Your results from any study undertaken in 2015 will be available in your USI account in Having a USI will link all your training records and allow you to: view and update your details in your USI account give your training organisation permission to view and/or update your USI account give your training organisation access to your transcript control access to your transcript view and download your training records and results in the form of a transcript which will help you with job applications and enrolment in further training. To get a USI or to find out more about it, go to Page 8 of 27

9 4. Fee Information Prior to enrolment, candidates are advised of and are required to agree to all fees related to their course of training as is outlined in their ITAP. No further fees will be payable in respect to the training outlined in the ITAP. VQ offers instalment payment terms for all courses where the fee is more than $1500. For any course where the full fee is more than $1500, to secure the candidates enrolment VQ requires a $1000 enrolment payment, and the balance of the course fee is then to be paid within three (3) calendar months of enrolment, or such other date as is agreed between VQ and the candidate. Such balance is to be paid by Bank Direct Debit authorised by the candidate at the time of enrolment. In the event that the candidate s employer has agreed to pay their employees course fees, the employer may pay the full fee to facilitate the candidate s enrolment. Miscellaneous fees in relation to provision of duplicate testamurs and academic records are payable at the current rates as advised from time to time on the VQ training website. 5. Subsidy Candidates in this course are able to access the subsidised training under the Higher Level Skills program under Department of Education and Training. To be eligible for the subsidised training for this qualification you must be able to prove: You are an existing worker. You must have 1 months or more paid employment relationship with your employer. This does not include Volunteers. Your employment must include responsibility for volunteer coordination are 15 years or older and no longer in school live in Queensland full time are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident with the necessary visa or work permits don't currently have (or are enrolled in) a Certificate IV or higher level qualification This subsidy only pays for a portion of the study costs. The amount below is what you will need to pay. Full Fees, Non concessional Concessional No subsidy Co Contribution Fee Co Contribution Fee** Eligible* $2,530 $1,445 $1,119 Metropolitan Brisbane delivery only These figures are for Metropolitan delivery only. Regional Queensland Delivery will incur additional fees and will be outlined in the Advertised costs for each course on the website and other Marketing Material. * Full fee for service paying students are all those not eligible for the Subsidised training Page 9 of 27

10 **please note that proof of concessional eligibility is required. Concessional student status applies when: (a) the student holds a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and is named on the card (b) the student provides an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the student, his or her partner, or the person of whom the student is a dependant, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card (c) the student is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (d) the student has a disability (e) the student is an adult prisoner Candidates seeking additional information regarding course fees are invited to call the VQ Sector Development Unit on (07) Page 10 of 27

11 6. Refund of Fees In certain circumstances, enrolled candidates are entitled to make a claim for a credit, or partial or full refund of any monies paid towards a course. Candidates are encouraged to discuss with the VQ Training Business Manager any issues or concerns prior to requesting a refund. VQ will provide refunds in accordance with the following refund policy: There is a non-refundable administration fee of $ applied to withdrawal from any course prior to the commencement of studies. Method of Claiming a Credit or Refund of fees: I. Claims for refunds must be made by the payer of the fees in writing and supported with proof of payment ed to training@volunteeringqld.org.au II. III. IV. Claimants must specify how they want to receive their refund. Subject to the manner in which fee payment was initially transacted, refunds may be taken in the form of a credit note which may be applied to further training; or refunded to the payer s credit card account; or deposited into a nominated bank account. Claims for refunds will be reviewed and processed within 30 days of the final decision made about the claim. The final decision will be based on this VQ Refund Policy. Candidates will have recourse against decisions made regarding refunds via the Candidate Academic Appeal and Complaint Processes (above) V. Any courseware such as learner guides, manuals, text books and/or electronic media, or CDs already supplied to the student on loan, must be returned in good condition before any refund is paid. Materials returned in poor condition or not returned will have replacement costs deducted from any amount refunded. Refunds will not be given for any of the following reasons: i. Failure to attend any scheduled training session; ii. Choosing not to engage in ongoing training after contact with the trainer; iii. Non completion of assessment activities; iv. Change of mind about a course; or v. Other circumstances beyond the control of VQ. For all face-to-face delivered courses, if a refund request is received in writing within 14 days of online enrolment, the candidate will be entitled to a full refund, less the administration fee. If the candidate has commenced workshop events and / or engaged with their trainer then they will not be entitled to any refund of fees paid. Refund requests after 14 days of online enrolment will not be granted unless extreme hardship or a debilitating medical condition can be proven. Page 11 of 27

12 For all paper-based distance learning courses, if a refund request is received in writing within 14 days of online enrolment, and provided the course materials the candidate has been issued with have not been commenced, damaged or marked in any way, the candidate will be entitled to a full refund, less the administration fee, provided all course materials received are returned to VQ within 10 days. If the candidate has commenced the course and engaged with their trainer then they will not be entitled to any refund of fees paid. Refund requests after 14 days will not be granted unless extreme hardship or a debilitating medical condition can be proven. vi. For all online learning courses, if a refund request is received in writing within 14 days of your online enrolment, and provided the course materials the candidate has been issued with have not been commenced, damaged or marked in any way, the candidate will be entitled to a full refund, less the administration fee, provided all course materials received are returned to VQ within 10 days. If the candidate has commenced the course and engaged with their trainer then they will not be entitled to any refund. Refund requests after 14 days will not be granted unless extreme hardship or a debilitating medical condition can be proven. vii. When applying for a refund citing extreme hardship and/or a debilitating medical condition the candidate must provide supporting documentation that might include medical certificates, letters from medical specialists, or legal documents, all of which should be original copies or copies certified by a Justice of the Peace. These documents together with a Refund Request should be posted to GPO Box 623 Brisbane 4001 or ed to training@volunteeringqld.org.au. viii. Should VQ cancel a course, candidates will be entitled to a full refund (or pro rata adjusted refund if a Statement of Attainment can be issued), or to transfer funds to another/future course. In this event, candidates will be given their preferred option. ix. This agreement, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes herein, does not remove the right of the candidate to take action under Australia s consumer protection laws. 7. Payment requirements The candidate agrees to pay all fees associated with this course, as outlined below. There are no additional fees associated with the delivery of this training. No adjustment of fees is applicable in respect of Credit Transfers or RPL. Initial payment of $750 must be paid at time of enrolment, the remaining balance can be paid via a payment plan (our trainer will discuss this with you). This includes candidates paying Co Contributions. Page 12 of 27

13 8. Legal responsibilities VQ adheres to all relevant legislative requirements and implements relevant policies and procedures. Specifically, VQ implements policies and procedures in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS). Your trainer will conduct a Hazard Inspection of the training room prior to the commencement of any training activity, and candidates will be inducted in relation to Emergency Evacuation procedures at the commencement of all workshops. In terms of distance education and work in your home-office, the onus to adhere to WHS duties rests with the candidate. It is suggested that when working from home candidates make themselves familiar with how to set up their workstation and how to monitor the time spent on their computer. There are many websites that provide guidance and tips on the use of computers, laptops and your work station, e.g. Ergonomic guide to computer based workstations at data/assets/pdf_file/0006/83067/guide-ergo-compworkstations.pdf 9. Access and Equity Policy VQ will endeavour to meet the needs of individual candidates through the integration of access and equity legislations. i. VQ will endeavour to ensure that equity principles for all people are implemented through the fair allocation of resources and the right to equal opportunity without discrimination. ii. VQ will endeavour to increase opportunities for people to participate in their training programs delivered within the Vocational Education and training system. iii. VQ will endeavour to provide training programs that consider the needs of all people within the community. Any candidate who makes a request for special consideration including oral assessment and special support shall have his or her request considered on merit and if rejected the candidate shall be advised of the appeal process. All such requests are required in writing and should be accompanied by supporting documentation whenever possible. Page 13 of 27

14 Prior to enrolment candidates will undertake a professional conversation with a VQ trainer to discuss the candidates needs and options, and to prepare for the candidate an Individual Training and Assessment Plan (ITAP). The ITAP is forwarded to the candidate for their further consideration and acceptance. In this process, VQ will recognise the training qualifications issued by other RTOs. Where appropriate, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be discussed during the preparation of the ITAP. The ITAP will contain details of course content and assessment procedures, and all fees and expenses to be paid by the candidate or their employer. VQ offers candidates instalment payment options in certain circumstances. VQ is committed to providing quality processes and training with a focus on continuous improvement. We value feedback from candidates, staff and industry which will be sought on a regular basis. VQ training policies include a fair and equitable refund policy; and a complaints and appeals policy. Where necessary, options will be discussed with candidates who identify as having literacy and/or numeracy, or other academic concerns. VQ has policies and management strategies which ensure sound financial and administrative practices. Candidate records are managed securely and confidentially. Statements of Attainment and Qualifications which reflect the competencies achieved by candidates are issued in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework and the Standards. Our trainers have appropriate qualifications and vocational experience to deliver quality training and to facilitate relevant assessment. Your assessment, including Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), will comply with the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence as set out in the Standards VQ participates in external monitoring and audit processes required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). VQ also engages with industry on a regular basis to ensure that its training is industry-relevant. If you have any enquiries regarding your proposed training course, please contact our office. We look forward to supporting your professional career development. Page 14 of 27

15 Getting Started 1. Steps to study There are seven steps required to formalise your decision to undertake this course and to complete the enrolment process: Step 1 Complete and submit the online Expression of Interest (VQ web site) Step 2 Determine eligibility for study and any subsidised that may be accessible. Step 3 Engage in professional discussion with VQ trainer to prepare ITAP Step 4 Create your Unique Student Identifier (USI) Step 5 Return ITAP to VQ with Enrolment Fee and Bank Direct Debit Authority (where instalment payments negotiated) Step 6 Complete the online enrolment Step 7 VQ will contact the candidate to assist in the commencement of study Candidates are encouraged to contact VQ Training Unit at any stage through this enrolment process to discuss any queries regarding any aspect of this course prior to enrolment. Steps 1 & 2 & 3 Candidates wishing to enrol with VQ will have or must have initially submitted an online Expression of Interest here. Upon receipt of an Expression of Interest, a VQ trainer will make contact with the potential candidate to discuss whether the qualification is appropriate for the candidate s needs and to prepare an Individual Training and Assessment Plan (ITAP). Candidates enrolling must fulfil VQ s minimum entry requirements (usually completion of a post-secondary qualification, and access to a relevant workplace). Eligibility for study subsidy under the Higher Skills program will be determined and proven at this stage At the time of preparing the ITAP, the candidate is offered the opportunity to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of their pre-existing skills, knowledge and experience, and credit transfer (C/T) towards their qualification. Please refer below regarding the RPL process. All fees associated with the training including any repayment plan will be outlined in the ITAP. Where the candidate has accessed government or other funding toward the enrolment fees, the terms, conditions and requirements of such funding will be included with the ITAP. For candidates who have a USI, please proceed to Step 5. Candidates, who do not have their personal USI, please continue with Step 4. Page 15 of 27

16 Step 4 Candidates will not be able to complete the VQ enrolment process without first obtaining and providing their Unique Student Identifier (USI). All VET training candidates in Australia require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) which links all VET training records and results for studies they have completed from 1 January 2015 onwards and which are available to candidates as of VQ cannot issue statements of attainment or qualifications without a candidate s USI. Prior to actual enrolment, candidates are required to apply for their USI here. USI Exemption: If you have a genuine personal objection to being assigned a student identifier, you may apply for an exemption. Candidates must notify and provide VQ evidence of an exemption so that it will be able to lawfully issue you with your VET certificates. Candidates with exemptions will not be able to access their training results through the Commonwealth and their results will not appear on any authenticated VET transcript prepared by the Registrar. Step 5 Candidates will be requested to verify their Individual Training and Assessment Plan (ITAP), including 10 digit USI: I. by returning their fully completed ITAP to VQ; II. III. by making payment of at least the deposit of enrolment fees; and where required, by returning a Bank Direct Debit Authority. Step 6 Upon completion of Step 4 above (return of ITAP and payment of fees), VQ Training Administration will provide the candidate with a link to complete their online enrolment. Step 7 VQ will contact the candidate to assist in the commencement of study. Study resources will be sent to students in the week prior to the Workshop on. This will allow students to review the Learning material and undertake their own research before participating in the compulsory group workshops. Page 16 of 27

17 2. Assessment: Evidence of Competency Evidence gathering of candidate competency (including assessments) may be conducted during the workshops, and at the candidate s work place (or work placement where negotiated), in simulated work environments or any combination of these. A range of training and assessment strategies will be used to deliver and assess the competencies. These include: i. Questioning and professional reflection sharing and review of actual workplace experiences ii. Observation of group / team work (may be in simulated environment) iii. Practical tasks including response to scenarios (may be in simulated environment) iv. Specific project work v. Workplace tasks (including assessments) with or without supervision Feedback is provided to candidates regarding their participation and progress. Candidates are provided feedback as to progress after the completion of each cluster. Other feedback is provided during the face-to-face workshops, where deemed necessary after submission of assessments, and when otherwise requested by candidates. Candidates assessed as not yet competent upon completion of training will be provided with negotiated options for re-assessment to ensure a fair opportunity to attain competence. Should the candidate achieve only some of the competencies from the qualification, they will be awarded a Statement of Attainment identifying the units of competency which have been achieved. The RTO will ensure that after achieving their competencies, candidates will be awarded with the relevant qualification within 30 days of course completion. Please note that VQ is entitled to withhold the issue of awards pending full payment of any and all fees that remain outstanding. 3. Assessment Extensions Full qualifications will usually take between 6 to 12 months to complete. VQ recognises that the management of deadlines is an important aspect of training, assessment and efficient workplace practice. It is also recognised that circumstances may intervene which require candidates more time to complete the qualification. Assessments will usually fall due approximately 4 weeks after the conclusion of a training workshop and prior to the following workshop. Candidates may (re) negotiate assessment due dates with their appointed trainer. In general, extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances. Page 17 of 27

18 Work commitments and/or heavy study workloads are generally not considered valid reasons to request an extension. The reasons given by a candidate for an extension should be in accord with the following guidelines and in all circumstances supported by documentation. The duration of the requested extension must be reasonable and justified by the documentation. Guidelines with respect to the kinds of circumstances that may lead to an approval of an extension application include the following: i. A candidate is unwell or injured; ii. The death or diagnosis of a serious illness of a close family member or friend; iii. Illness of a child or parent /guardian for which the candidate is the primary care giver; iv. An unforeseen event that substantially impacts on the ability to continue study. If a candidate considers that he or she has encountered special circumstances and wishes to request an extension this should be made in first instance in writing (by ) to the candidate s trainer who may refer same to the VQ Training Business Manager. The request will be considered on its merits and the candidate advised within 7 days of their request. Page 18 of 27

19 4. Candidate Academic Appeal and Complaint Processes This is a summary of the Complaints and Appeals process. For detailed information please refer to VQ s Appeals Policy and Complaints Policy available by contacting VQ directly at training@volunteeringqld.org.au. If a candidate feels that they have a complaint with VQ, or believe that they have been discriminated against or harassed; or believe that they have grounds for an appeal against the assessment of their work, they should immediately report the complaint or appeal using the following procedure: Step 1 Candidates should initially approach their trainer within 2 days of their complaint or appeal arising, and explain clearly the basis of their issue in order that their trainer can attempt to resolve the matter. The trainer will advise the candidate of their findings within 7 days of the candidate s approach. Step 2 If a candidate is dissatisfied with the manner in which the complaint or appeal is processed or with the outcome, they should speak immediately with or VQ s Training Business Manager. The Training Business Manager will clarify the main issues of the complaint and/or appeal and will attempt to resolve the matter within 7 days. Step 3 If a candidate remains dissatisfied with the outcome and/or the process that was followed in the attempt to satisfactorily resolve their issues; they are to lodge their complaint in writing with VQ s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will: I. For dissatisfaction with assessment, the CEO will convene a review panel comprising the CEO and an independent qualified assessor (one who has not previously assessed the candidate) and review the assessment in dispute. The student will be advised in writing of the outcome of the review and the courses of action available to them if they remain dissatisfied with the assessment outcome. II. For complaints regarding issues other than academic matters, the CEO will convene a review panel comprising the CEO and a member of the Training Unit, other than one previously involved or associated with the issue, to investigate the candidate s complaint. The CEO will inform the candidate in writing of the findings of the review panel and the courses of action available to the candidate if they remain dissatisfied with the outcome. Page 19 of 27

20 5. Training environment, materials and equipment Adequate facilities, equipment, and training and assessment materials will be provided to ensure a learning environment that is conducive to the success of candidates. It is to be noted that most units of competency within nationally recognised qualifications require evidence of practical work-based experience. Candidates are expected to have or be able to demonstrate access to all necessary operations of an appropriate workplace prior to enrolment. Candidates are required to bring to workshops laptop computers on which to produce industry standard materials. (Please note that hand written assessment responses are not acceptable in an industry setting and thus do not meet industry standards.) 6. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (C/T) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): If a candidate wishes to apply for RPL of an entire qualification, they should discuss same with a VQ trainer. Alternatively, if a candidate believes that they can demonstrate the knowledge and skills, or have documentary evidence of prior learning of competencies within the course in which they are enrolling, they may make application for RPL for those competencies. Credit Transfer (C/T): A candidate may receive credit towards a Qualification in which they are enrolled by producing documentary evidence of having completed any unit of competency with another Registered Training Organisation which meets the packaging rules. Application for C/T must be made at the time of the ITAP professional conversation. 7. RPL Process If a candidate wishes to apply for RPL of an entire qualification, they should discuss same with a VQ trainer and pay the fee applicable to conduct a review of a candidate s Portfolio of Documents. The candidate will be provided with the requirements for a portfolio. If a candidate wishes to apply for recognition of prior learning for any of the units in which the candidate is about to enrol, the candidate must; i. Discuss with their pre-enrolment assessor with whom they are preparing their ITAP, the evidence requirements related to the units of competency in relation to which RPL is sought. ii. iii. In the event that it is determined that the candidate may have sufficient evidence, VQ will provide the candidate with a RPL Assessment Kit for completion. Candidates may contact their assessor for further guidance in relation to the sufficiency of the necessary evidence. Page 20 of 27

21 iv. Candidates submit to their trainer for assessment the completed RPL Assessment Kit together with the candidate s portfolio of evidence. v. Assessment of the evidence will be undertaken by the trainer and the candidate will receive written notification of the outcome. vi. vii. If the candidate is found not yet competent, the candidate may be asked to provide additional evidence or to undertake gap training to further support their application. The candidate will be notified of the result. 8. Plagiarism and Referencing Plagiarism means using another person s work and not referencing it, therefore representing it as your own. All of the following are considered plagiarism unless the source of each quotation or piece of borrowed material is clearly acknowledged: failing to adequately reference the work of others; copying part or all of another person s work; submitting work that in part or in its entirety has been copied from written material or electronic material including the Internet. Plagiarism is considered serious. Any work containing plagiarised material can be assessed as Not Yet Competent and the person may be suspended from VQ training as a result. Where a participant has plagiarised for the first time, they are given an opportunity to resubmit their work once. This is considered a resubmission. If at any time you disagree with the decision made by your VQ trainer, please follow the Candidate Academic Appeal and Complaint Processes contained in this handbook. If you would like information on referencing, you can web search a document called, Harvard Referencing Guide - Students. Page 21 of 27

22 9. Submitting Assessment Tasks Candidates need to check that they have: i. Entered all detail required on the coversheet of the assessment, and ii. Have completed all tasks before ing or uploading assessments. Assessments will only be accepted in electronic format (and not by fax). Assessments with information missing or are otherwise incomplete will be returned to the candidate for completion. To avoid delays, please ensure you have answered all questions and provided all evidence. STUDENTS MUST KEEP A COPY OF ALL THEIR ASSESSMENTS. No matter how you submit assessment materials, VQ does not take responsibility if it is not received. In either case, if your assessment does not reach VQ and you have not kept a copy, you will need to redo the assessment and resend it in order for it to be assessed. It is up to individual candidates to check if their assessment has been received by VQ. 10. Candidate Academic Counselling and Support Candidates requiring academic counselling or support should discuss the matter with their trainer. It is not the trainer s role to provide counselling and support on matters other than those of an academic nature. The trainer will assist where possible and in the event that further action is required, will refer the candidate to an appropriate and agreed internal or external support. Such support will be at the candidate s expense. Alternatively the candidate may wish to contact other relevant support organisations themselves. This support will be available to you during the pre-enrolment process and continually throughout the study program. Page 22 of 27

23 11. Language, Literacy & Numeracy Support VQ is required to enrol candidates who are able to demonstrate the requisite Foundation Skills levels for each qualification. This will often be demonstrated by prior completion of a post-secondary qualification and work experience. The Foundation Skills of Language, Literacy and Numeracy, and Employability skills are embedded in assessment of every unit of competency undertaken by the candidate. In the event that during the course, it is identified that the candidate requires additional support in relation to language, literacy or numeracy, the trainer will discuss with the candidate possible strategies to identify appropriate support which may be external to VQ and as such, will be at the candidate s expense. 12. Candidate Records VQ is responsible for and will issue electronically to candidates, Statements of Attainment and Qualifications under its RTO name and identification number in accord with the AQF and the Standards. VQ will store and maintain all students records (Qualifications and Statements of Attainment) for thirty (30) years from the date of the record. 13. Replacement Certificates In the event that a candidate should lose the evidence of their training outcome (either Certificate / Testamur or Statement of Attainment), the candidate is required to provide VQ with a Statutory Declaration setting out the circumstances of loss and a formal request for a replacement. A re-issue fee as advertised on the VQ Training web site will be charged for issuance of any replacement qualification. Page 23 of 27

24 14. Disciplinary matters VQ retains the right to refuse enrolment as permitted by law or to remove or suspend from a training course any candidates who behave in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner towards VQ staff or other candidates; or who fail to respect the property of VQ, the staff or other candidates, or the premises in which the training is being conducted. There are a number of basic rules to be observed whilst training with VQ: i. Candidates will be courteous to co-candidates; staff and the public at all times; ii. Disruptive behaviour in any form will not be tolerated; iii. All candidates will comply with all reasonable requests and requirements made by staff and trainers of VQ; iv. Any alleged form of discrimination or bullying; or any form of harassment will be reported to authorities; v. Any excessive obscene, offensive or insulting language or behaviour will not be tolerated and may be subject to sanction at the discretion of VQ s CEO; vi. The breaking of any state or federal law including stealing, damage of property, assault, breach of privacy, discrimination, harassment, sabotage or interference with VQ ICT and other systems shall be reported to the relevant authority; vii. At all times while engaged in workplace activities related to VQ training, candidates must continue to abide by all policies and procedures applicable to that workplace. It remains at all times the candidate s responsibility to inform themselves of such policies and procedures. 15. Changes to Agreed Services In the event that there are any changes to the agreed services as outlined herein or other related document/s, VQ will advise candidates as soon as is practically possible. In the event that VQ closes or ceases to deliver any part of the training product, the enrolled candidate will be referred to an alternative RTO that best meets the needs of the candidate. Page 24 of 27

25 16. Future Pathways In completing this qualification, candidates will develop skills that may lead to: Career Options - This qualification may lead to employment as a coordinator of volunteer programs in a very broad range of industries in the government, non-government, not-for-profit and private sectors. The industries may include community services and health, tourism, conservation and environment, museums, recreation and sport, theatre and arts, emergency and community resilience and many more where ever volunteers are engaged. Further Study Pathways - Units of competency in this qualification may provide credit transfer to other VET qualifications of equal or higher levels that the graduate may wish to pursue. Specifically, graduates might consider a pathway to the following qualifications: BSB40215 Certificate IV in Business BSB41515 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice BSB42015 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management CHC42115 Certificate IV in Community Development CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services BSB50215 Diploma of Business BSB50615 Diploma of Human Resources Management CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services CHC52115 Diploma of Community Development CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (Refer ; or ) Graduates may also consider pathways to other industry sectors in which they are engaged as a coordinator of volunteer programs e.g. health, tourism, conservation and environment, museums, recreation and sport, theatre and arts, emergency services and community resilience, and others. Refer to myskills Australia s Directory of Training here. Page 25 of 27

26 17. Privacy and Confidentiality Policy for Candidates The Board and staff of VQ recognise the importance of protecting the privacy of individuals and are committed to maintaining privacy of records held. VQ will uphold and abide by the Australian Privacy Principles found here. VQ only collects information that is relevant to providing training services and collects this information directly from the candidate or through someone they have given permission to provide same. All personal information held by VQ remains confidential and protected, and is only used for the reason it was collected. VQ will not pass on any personal information to a third party without permission. VQ stores its records securely. VQ will only retain your information for as long as is required by law. VQ only uses personal information collected from you for the reasons it was collected. Primarily, we collect it to provide you training services and to check if you are interested in further study. When we contact you regarding further study, you are given the option to opt out from further contact about other courses. You have the right to access or correct the information we have about you and can do so by making a formal request. It is our responsibility to provide this information to you in a reasonable amount of time and in the format you request as long as it is reasonable for us to provide it in this way. VQ trusts that this Candidate Handbook has been informative and meets the needs of prospective candidates. In the event you would like further information or wish to discuss any aspect of VQ training initiatives, please do not hesitate to contact the VQ Sector Development Team (contact details page 2). 18. Copyright and disclaimer All students of Volunteering Queensland must comply with the copyright licence when using intellectual property of Volunteering Queensland or others. For study and research purposes it is allowable to copy 10% (or one chapter) of a book or one article from a journal. Additional copies of material must be only done with permissions from the author. Volunteering Queensland resources are supplied with the understanding that Volunteering Queensland and resource developers are not responsible for the results of any actions taken based on information in this work, nor for any errors or omissions. Volunteering Queensland disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a purchaser of this resource or not, in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or any part of the contents of our publications. Page 26 of 27

27 VQ welcomes candidates into its training course and looks forward to forging with you a long-term professional relationship during your career in volunteer management. An electronic copy of this Candidate Handbook can be found at For helpful information on choosing a training provider, read the training consumer tips on the Department of Education and Training s (DET s) Training website. For more information on the Higher Level Skills program, including eligibility requirements, subsidy information and program related documents, visit training.qld.gov.au/providers/funded/higher-levelskills. Page 27 of 27