Why I am advising clients Not to Map

I have been getting asked alot by clients if they should map or where they can get a mapping document.

First, let's start with possible benefits of mapping.

Mapping could theoretically allow RTOs to smoothly transition to the new regulatory framework, ensuring compliance while identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

Identifying Key Changes & Gaps

Mapping could help organisations clearly identify where the Revised Standards differ from the 2015 Standards. This allows for a structured gap analysis and could help RTOs understand which areas of their current operations may need updating or additional focus to meet the new requirements.

Facilitating Smooth Transition

Mapping the new standards to the previous ones might help RTOs avoid confusion by linking familiar requirements with the updated expectations. This could allow for a smoother transition for staff and management by aligning their understanding of the changes.

Ensuring Continuity of Compliance

For RTOs that already have compliance systems in place under the 2015 Standards, mapping could ensure continuity. Rather than starting from scratch, RTOs could build upon their existing compliance framework and ensure that nothing is overlooked during the transition to the new standards.

Supporting Training & Development

Mapping the revised standards to the previous version might provide a helpful tool for training staff, particularly compliance officers and trainers, in understanding what has changed and how it affects their roles.

Streamlining Internal Audits & Reporting

By mapping the standards, RTOs could update their internal audit tools and reporting frameworks to align with the new standards while retaining the structure and processes they used under the 2015 Standards. This might minimise disruption to the regular internal audit cycle and help maintain compliance momentum.

OK that all sounds good. But it is all theoretical.

6 Reasons to Forget Mapping Standards Together

The Revised Standards Introduce New Approaches & Concepts

The Revised Standards are a "step change."

They introduce entirely new approaches, expectations, or ways of thinking about quality, compliance and educational delivery. Trying to map the new standards to the older ones limits understanding of the new frameworks RTOs could miss critical insights if they attempt to fit new concepts into an old framework.

Focusing solely on how the new standards align with the old may lead to a superficial transition, where deeper strategic improvements are overlooked.

Risk of Carrying Over Outdated Practices

Mapping the Revised Standards encourages RTOs to retain outdated processes and systems that were designed to meet the 2015 Standards but may no longer be fit for purpose under the Revised Standards.

RTOs are likely to end up adapting to the new expectations superficially, making only minor changes where more significant revisions are required. This could lead to future compliance issues.

Missing the Opportunity for Fresh Evaluation

Rather than mapping, adopting the Revised Standards provides an opportunity for a fresh evaluation of current systems, policies, and practices. This encourages organisations to take a "first principles" approach, reviewing their operations holistically and ensuring that they are aligned not just with compliance, but also with the latest industry trends and learner needs.

Starting with the revised framework allows RTOs to reimagine quality and compliance strategies and address gaps or inefficiencies that may have been overlooked under the previous standards.

Avoiding Confusion and Redundancy

Mapping two sets of standards together is likely to create confusion among RTO personnel, particularly if they are required to maintain familiarity with both.

Encoraging personnel focus on the Revised Standards from the start, without referring back to outdated frameworks, will simplify training and implementation.

Potential Misinterpretation of New Standards Expectations

Mapping leads to a tendency to look for a direct one-to-one correspondence between the old and new standards, which might not always exist. This can cause misinterpretation of the Revised Standards, leading to improper or incomplete implementation.

The new requirements include updated language and expectations. Looking for direct equivalents could prevent staff from fully embracing the broader scope or intent of the revisions.

Demonstrating Due Diligence to Regulators

When audited by regulatory bodies, RTOs can demonstrate that they have taken a systematic and proactive approach to transitioning from the old standards to the revised ones. This helps to build a strong compliance narrative and show that the RTO is committed to maintaining high-quality training and assessment practices.

Don't waste time on mapping. There will be limited insights.

Don't impact your exploration and understanding of the Revised Standards by forcing them into an old framework, potentially encouraging outdated practices.

VET is not 'set & forget.' 
Take this opportunity for a fresh evaluation. 

The more beneficial, efficient & timely approach is to view the Revised Standards as an opportunity to rethink & renew compliance strategies from the ground up.

Don't rush it. It's a marathon, not a sprint to July 1, 2025. 
Take the time to reset & get it right for your organisational strategy & context.