The RTO, HBA Learning Centres (HBA) is committed to delivering fair, reasonable, ethical and transparent dealings in all of its undertakings including:
- Client information
- Confidentiality
- Complaints and appeals
- Fee structure
- Guarantee
- Corporate policy
- Training standards
- Marketing
- Access and equity
- OHS
Enrolment into a qualification or course with HBA is subject to the terms, conditions and policies outlined in our pre-enrolment information as detailed below.
ABOUT HBA
HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd (referred herein as HBA) is an Equal Opportunity Organisation engaged in the provision of Nationally Recognised Training under the Australian Quality Training Framework and the Queensland Department of Employment & Training. HBA policy dictates a strict adherence to relevant State and Federal legislation relating to safety, industrial relations and access and equity. All Nationally Recognised Training courses/qualifications will be delivered in line with the standards set by the Australian Quality Training Framework and relevant Federal, State, and Territory authorities. All HBA staff members are expected to promote and embrace HBA’s standards, policies and procedures.
RTO CODE OF PRACTICE
HBA Learning Centres (HBA) is committed to delivering fair, reasonable, ethical and transparent dealings in all of its undertakings including:
- Client information
- Confidentiality
- Complaints and appeals
- Fee structure
- Guarantee
- Corporate policy
- Training standards
- Marketing
- Access and equity
- OHS
CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT
HBA agrees to provide access to available enrolment positions for all persons who have the relevant skills, experience and ability to satisfactorily meet enrolment requirements for behaviour, safety, course/qualification pre-requisites, payment of fees, and the observance of HBA policy.
HBA may seek to terminate the enrolment of a student if they:
- Are abusive, aggressive, or insulting towards HBA staff members or other learners.
- Do not comply with the confidentiality rights of other persons.
- Commit an offence under the law while in the training environment or at a workplace, breach safe work practice, or otherwise act in a manner detrimental to the wellbeing of HBA, other students or persons, or themselves.
- Have provided false or misleading information.
- Have not accurately or honestly disclosed all information relevant to their enrolment and participation in the training with HBA, including relevant matters relating to health, work history, skills and experience, criminal conviction (where appropriate) etc.
- Fail to attend training sessions to a minimum level set for competence.
- Do not comply with proper safety procedures including the wearing of appropriate clothing and PPE for a given workplace when training occurs in an on the job or simulated workplace situation.
NOTE: HBA staff will not accept abuse, raised voices, threats, or aggression from learners and should this occur HBA staff will inform the learner in writing that the matter is being referred to Compliance Manager. Where a learner’s behaviour is in breach of HBA’s code of conduct, the learner’s enrolment with HBA may be terminated.
Where a learner’s enrolment is terminated due to a breach of the code of conduct, not refund will be available.
Note: where a student fails to provide seven (7) days notice for non attendance of a course they are booked into, HBA will invoice the student for full course fees and reserves the right to take legal action if needed for debt recovery.
Enrolment in a course is not secured until payment is made. Payment must be made five (5) working days prior to the commencement of the course otherwise a learner may not be able attend unless prior arrangements have been made with HBA staff.
HBA reserves the right to cancel an enrolment without notice, if after twelve (12) months; a learner has not completed and achieved their qualification. If some of the qualification has been completed, a statement of attainment will be issued for those units completed. If a learner is having difficulty meeting this deadline, HBA may grant extensions under certain circumstances. It is the learner’s responsibility to meet the deadline and/or make appropriate arrangements. This statement should be read in conjunction with our refund policy.
ELEGIBILITY
All participants must be over the age of 18 to participate in a course with HBA unless express and written permission from a parent or guardian is supplied and is accepted by the appropriate HBA staff member.
HBA courses do require a basic level of computer literacy. Learners will need access to a computer with a word-processor (e.g. Microsoft Word) and access to email and internet. Learners will need to have a basic proficiency in;
- Copy and Paste
- Accessing information stored on websites and from a CD
- Saving a word document
- Sending and receiving emails with attachments
It may also be beneficial for learners to have an understanding on using Microsoft PowerPoint.
HBA does not provide these resources nor do we supply additional support or training for learners having IT or computer technical difficulties. Please contact an HBA staff member if you are unsure about the computer requirements for a course.
Learners will need to have a good command of written and spoken English (equivalent to general IELTS Level 6).
PARTICIPANTS CHARTER
All participants in HBA’s courses and programs have a right to:
- Receive a copy of and have access to our complaints process
- The opportunity for feedback on services provided
- Have access to their own records on request
- Recognition of their particular needs and circumstances including: beliefs, ethnic background, cultural and religious practices
- A safe learning environment free from danger, abuse or harassment
- Be treated with respect and dignity
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
As a condition of entry into HBA’s programs, participants are expected to:
- Meet the required dress standard which is defined as smart casual. Further details may be provided in your course welcome email.
- Be aware of and promote the safety of themselves and others
- Be responsible for their own possessions
- Seek approval from authorised HBA staff for the use of HBA IT equipment, assets, stationery, etc
- Observe any non-smoking restrictions
- Encourage equal opportunity
- Promote an effective learning environment through good personal behaviour
- Notify HBA if they are unable to attend classes or appointments
- Be punctual for classes and appointments
- Respect the rights of others
INDUCTION/ORIENTATION
Learners may, at HBA’s discretion, be required to undergo an induction/orientation prior to course commencement. This process may include details on course delivery, policies, procedures, appeals, access and equity, RPL, Legislative Requirements, OHS, etc as provided in this document.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd and its staff and students will comply with relevant regulations, legislation, standards and other relevant guidelines including but not limited to:
• Standards and Essential Conditions for Registration
• State and territory legislation pertaining to training.
• Australian, state and territory laws governing:
• occupational health and safety
• workplace harassment, victimisation and bullying
• anti-discrimination, including equal opportunity and racial vilification
• disability discrimination
• vocational education and training
• apprenticeships and traineeships.
You may view and download these Acts at the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII: www.austlii.edu.au) website which provides free online access to Australian Government, state and territory case law and legislation.
PRE-DELIVERY ASSESSMENT
Prior to enrolment you should discuss your needs and situation with an HBA staff member who can assist you with or refer you to appropriate assistance for:
- Client Support Services including LLN
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Learning Pathways
- Assessment Procedures & Process
- Delivery Options
FLEXIBLE ASSESSMENT
All assessments conducted by HBA will conform to assessment guidelines for Nationally Endorsed Training Packages or the assessment criteria attached to specific courses.
Assessment usually takes place by way of assignments and course exercises. However these are flexible and at the HBA trainer’s discretion in some courses as long as they meet AQTF guidelines and minimum requirements for competency in the specific course. Flexible courses allow students to learn at their own pace and under varying conditions, which best suit their individual situations.
Students are required to be competent in all areas to receive an overall competency mark (C).
Elements that may be included (depending on course) in the assessment process are:
- Verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Personal presentation appropriate to the environment.
- Problem solving. For example: learning to learn, decision making, creative thinking.
- Positive helpful attitude towards others and the organisation.
- Respect for the understanding of all cultures and beliefs.
- Working with others in teams.
- Organising own schedules to achieve goals.
As a rule of thumb, students will generally be given three (3) opportunities to be assessed for competency in a given course or program. However, HBA may allow for further assessment opportunities where it feels there are special circumstances which are negatively affecting the outcome of assessment or where the client presents a case that HBA feels is valid. In such circumstances, HBA may seek assistance from an outside source (counsellor, tutor, etc) and will record the process for reporting to the Registering Authority.
Where a client has been assessed three times and is still Not Competent (NC), HBA may refuse further assessment if it feels there is little chance of the client becoming Competent.
The participant may appeal this decision in writing to the HBA’s Compliance Manager or Managing Director who will consider the matter and advise the client in writing of the outcome. This process is outlined in Complaints and Appeals.
A flexible assessment process will be undertaken to consider the needs of people with special needs or situations including:
- Handicap.
- Cultural background.
- LL&N difficulties.
- Other trauma or reasons.
In this case, flexibility will not lessen the overall value of a course program but should be seen as a willingness to take different avenues to reach results with the qualification retaining the same worth and value.
The results and details of all assessments will be recorded and kept on file for the purpose of auditing and, where applicable, will be forwarded to, or included in, reports to the Registering Authority. In line with HBA policies, clients will have access to personal information and will be advised of all outcomes in writing.
FEE STRUCTURE
All fees will be competitive when compared to others in the marketplace, and may be varied or discounted at the discretion of HBA to assist individuals, secure corporate contracts or to comply with the requirements of Commonwealth or State/territory Government contracts.
In programs funded by Government Authorities, client charges will be determined by the terms of the Government Contract.
The cost of a course is dependent upon delivery and assessment methods and a separate guide to these costs may be provided as an attachment to this information or on our website.
Qualifications will not be issued until payment has been made in full.
FEES PAID IN ADVANCE
HBA will ensure that fees paid in advance of course delivery shall be protected by having such funds entered into HBA’s accounts as “Unearned Income,” which may not be drawn upon until such time as delivery has commenced.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE OF STUDENT FEES FOR COURSES OVER $1,000
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are required to adhere to a strict regimen that specifies how they can collect student fees. These prescribed conditions determine the amounts and frequencies of payment.
The approved option HBA has agreed to undertake is:
Stage 1 Enrolment and commencement Learner pays $1,000
Stage 2 3rd day of the course Learner pays the balance of fees due
HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd endorses this fee payment system as it protects the learner from the possible loss of fees and will encourage sound financial management from RTOs.
REFUND POLICY
HBA has a strict refund policy:
- Applications for refunds will only be considered if lodged no later than 7 working days prior to the commencement of a course. In the case of a Self-Paced Learner, you have deemed to commence immediately you download our workbooks.
- For individuals who enrol within the 7 days prior to the commencement of the course no refund will be available.
- You may, no later than 3 working days prior to the commencement of a course, request a transfer to another date, you may do this on two (2) occasions only. After this the enrolment will be cancelled and the fees forfeited.
- Once you have requested a transfer, no refund will be available under any circumstance.
There are no exceptions to this policy.
For In-house Courses:
In the case where a company has utilised HBA to deliver a course in-house, any requests for refunds, where eligible, will be granted on a per-student basis, as per the HBA refund policy. The minimum fee for in-house courses is non-refundable.
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
A list of referral contact details is available and can be supplied to all clients on request for a variety of services including: counselling, emergency accommodation, substance abuse, etc.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
In some cases, students may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning if they have previously achieved the learning outcomes for an accredited unit/s through Nationally Recognised Training. HBA will offer RPL for all units where there is evidence to support the RPL application.
Please refer to the Recognition (RPL) button on the main page if you want to apply for RPL
The availability of RPL will depend on the learner's experience, qualifications and evidence as well as relevant Training Package Guidelines.
The RPL process shall be consistent with The RPL National Principles as defined by the AQF.
FEEDBACK AND COMMUNICATION
HBA embraces an ongoing policy of open communication and encourages feedback and dialogue with all students to assist with meeting student needs and concerns as well as for ongoing improvement of HBA’s services.
HBA would appreciate feedback in regard to your opinions, satisfaction, or other views about HBA’s operations, policies, procedures and training delivery and assessment.
HBA will analyse and utilise this feedback and communication to:
- Review its policies and procedures and
- Plan for improvement
Feedback can be supplied directly to facilitators, other HBA staff, or as written suggestions which may include the use of HBA feedback forms.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All admissions to HBA’s courses shall be determined fairly without consideration for an applicant’s gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, personal beliefs, handicap, etc, unless such items pose a reasonable argument for non enrolment on the grounds of safety or capacity to undertake the role or if it is in opposition to the laws of the land or HBA’s code of conduct:
Applicants will be assessed on their:
- Successfully meeting course pre-requisites including appropriate qualifications and experience
- Demonstrating a capacity and willingness to adhere to HBA’s standards and code of conduct
- Ability to undertake the course in a manner that encourages a fair, safe and enjoyable learning environment
- Other items as determined for specific courses on a time to time basis
SPECIFIC NEEDS GROUPS
HBA will maintain a flexible and proactive attitude towards specific needs groups and, where practical may cooperate with community or special needs organisations to allow their members access to accredited training. Where appropriate and in line with the development of HBA, it may provide specific courses or programs designed to assist groups of special needs or circumstances.
ANTI DISCRIMINATION
HBA policy does not allow for the discrimination of an individual by virtue of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, political beliefs, handicaps or personal background providing it has no direct, reasonable and legal bearing on the individual’s performance within the position, or on the safety, or well being of the applicant or others.
All persons will be treated fairly and have their application considered on the basis of its merits.
CONFIDENTIALITY
HBA will not disclose the personal details of its employees/students/contractors, or associates except as they expressly permit, or if necessary to meet legislative or compliance standards set by regulatory authorities or other persons empowered under the law.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Where students are in breach of HBA policy, state or territory legislation, are disruptive, rude, unsafe, or fail to meet acceptable standards of good behaviour, HBA may take steps to address the situation. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, HBA may choose to resolve the issue by mediation which will be recorded on student files and written copies and outcomes supplied to the student. Where the issue is more serious or is unable to be resolved, HBA may seek to apply sanctions, suspension, or expulsion to the student or, where relevant, refer the matter to more appropriate authorities or authorised bodies. All such action will be recorded with written outcomes supplied to the student(s) involved.
COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS
HBA takes all complaints seriously and enrolled students can use the following process where they feel it necessary.
STEP 1:
The issue should be raised directly with the facilitator or, if preferred, with HBA staff.
If the complainant is unhappy with the result, they may then take action as per STEP 2.
STEP 2:
a) The complainant may raise the issue in writing with HBA or have HBA staff take notes regarding the complaint. After receiving the written/noted complaint, HBA will receipt the complaint and will arrange for a confidential personal interview as soon as practically possible, preferably within 48 hours.
b) This interview will attempt to resolve the complaint either between the parties involved or between the complainant and HBA
c) If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant the grievance will be forwarded to the Chief Executive of HBA Learning Centres Pty. Ltd. Level 2, 53 Walker St, North Sydney 2060 for actioning.
d) If the grievance concerns an HBA staff member, STEP 2c will automatically follow STEP 1.
STEP 3
The complainant may at any point in this process action their grievance with:
- A trade union, or association
- The Anti Discrimination Board
All issues, complaints and grievances are taken seriously by the staff and management of our business and will be investigated and acted upon as quickly as possible.
Complainants will be informed in writing about actions taken on their behalf and confidentiality will be maintained to ensure the rights of the complainant are upheld.
HBA Learning Centres Pty Ltd
Level 2, 53 Walker St
North Sydney NSW 2060
www.hbalearningcentres.com.au
