The Australian Council for Private Education and Training has announced that it will produce a Preferred List of education agents to work with its members, as it publishes a new Code of Practice for working with agents and education brokers.
In order to make the list, an agent must be nominated by three ACPET members, before agreeing to abide by the new Code of Practice and pay an annual AUS$1,000 fee.
“Our members have called for strong action to protect the integrity of both the industry and our membership and we have heard that call”
Under the Code, they must agree to thoroughly inform students about study courses and subsequent graduate opportunities; to maintain student confidentiality; and not to misrepresent themselves as being endorsed by a state body by using unauthorised government branding.
Meanwhile, education institutions’ responsibilities include putting a comprehensive written contract in place and ensuring agents adhere to their requirements under the Code.
They are also expected to give priority to agents on the ACPET Preferred List when choosing partners to work with.
ACPET has also launched a broader Code of Ethics that is binding for all members, laying out requirements for ensuring quality education delivery, student services and marketing practices.
“ACPET’s new codes clearly set out the high standards expected of members and third parties, most importantly, to act with integrity in all dealings with students,” its CEO, Rod Camm, told The PIE News.
“The challenge for ACPET is to bring the very best out of providers, and to establish our brand as one of quality” he added. “This requires a commitment to standards, tough decisions and leadership of development of practice.”
ACPET CEO Rod Camm,, deputy chair Mel Koumides, Complex Training Academy CEO Andrew Shea, Senator Simon Birmingham at the launch.
“Our members have called for strong action to protect the integrity of both the industry and our membership and we have heard that call.”‘
Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham, praised the codes as a “solid benchmark” for standards in private education and training provision.
“They demonstrate how quality providers can play their part in delivering positive outcomes for students, employers and taxpayers,” he said ahead of a launch event in Melbourne.
“The decision to include a Code of Conduct for Agents and Brokers, to work in conjunction with a new preferred supplier list, is a critical step designed to improve the transparency of marketing and recruitment practices,” he added.
