Clause 4.1—Provide accurate and accessible information to prospective and current students
Your Ultimate Guide to Clause 4.1 in VET: Transparency and Accuracy in Marketing and Advertising
What is Clause 4.1 in VET and Why is it Important?
Clause 4.1 of the Standards for RTOs 2015 ensures potential learners and third parties receive accurate and factual information about your Registered Training Organisation (RTO), its services, and training products.
Actual Requirements of Clause 4.1
A Step-by-Step Guide to Complying with Clause 4.1 for RTOs
- Review & Align: Compare marketing materials with training strategies and learner records for accuracy.
- Code & Title: Include your RTO code and correct training product codes/titles from the National Register.
- Consent & Logo: Obtain written consent before mentioning others and use the NRT Logo as per guidelines.
- Clarity & Disclosure: Distinguish accredited/non-accredited, disclose third-party involvement, and provide licensing/funding details.
- No Guarantees: Avoid promising outcomes outside your control (employment, course completion).
- Evidence & Preparation: Gather copies of marketing materials, ensure website and third-party marketing comply.
Real-World Case Study: Best Practices for RTOs Under Clause 4.1
Green Thumb Gardening (GTG) offers accredited and non-accredited horticulture courses. Their marketing materials spanned print brochures, online ads, and social media.
After non-compliance with its marketing materials, Green Thumb Gardening revised brochures and online content to clearly distinguish accredited and non-accredited courses, included the RTO code, and disclosed third-party involvement.
GTG successfully demonstrated adherence to Clause 4.1 requirements during a follow-up audit.
Key Takeaways for RTOs
- Prioritise accuracy and transparency in all marketing materials.
- Regularly review and update marketing for compliance.
- Seek and document consent before mentioning other organisations.
- Clearly disclose third-party involvement in training delivery.
- Avoid guarantees beyond your control and focus on what you can deliver.
- Demonstrate your commitment to ethical and responsible marketing.
Common Questions Related to Clause 4.1 During Compliance Audits
An auditor might ask this to check for compliance with third-party marketing and training delivery requirements.
To answer such a question list courses with subsidies/refunds, clarify eligibility criteria, and provide detailed information in marketing materials.
Auditor would want to assesses compliance with marketing materials’ content and format.
Outline your review and approval process, including who approves materials and how Clause 4.1 compliance is checked.
Show examples where the RTO code is prominently displayed and explain its purpose.
Auditor would want to verify that marketing accurately reflects the actual training experience.
Clearly disclose any third-party involvement in training delivery, including their role and responsibilities.
Provide written consent documentation from any industry peak bodies mentioned in your marketing materials.
Explain your use of checklists or other quality control measures to ensure compliance with Clause 4.1 before publishing materials.