Code of Practice

Our Commitment
Founded in 1913, WEA Sydney has long stood for accessible, inclusive and high-quality adult education. We are proud of our heritage as a community-based provider of learning for adults across Sydney and beyond.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), WEA Sydney is committed to delivering nationally recognised training in full compliance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 and the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2025.

This Code of Practice reflects both our regulatory responsibilities and our enduring values:

respect
fairness
intellectual curiosity
community connection
integrity in education

Access, Equity and Community Inclusion
WEA Sydney welcomes learners from all backgrounds, ages and life stages. Adult education thrives on diversity of experience. We commit to:

Providing access to training and assessment without discrimination
Creating safe, respectful and culturally inclusive learning environments
Supporting First Nations learners through culturally safe practices
Making reasonable adjustments for learners with disability
Encouraging open communication about individual learning needs

Our classrooms reflect our community; diverse, engaged and mutually respectful.

Clear and Honest Information
In keeping with both our ethical responsibilities and ASQA requirements, WEA Sydney ensures that all information provided to prospective and current students is:

Clear
Accurate
Current
Accessible

Before enrolment, students receive information about:

Course codes and titles (where nationally recognised)
Delivery modes and locations
uration and scheduling
Entry requirements
Assessment methods
Fees and refund policies
Available learner support services
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer options
Any licensing or regulatory outcomes

We do not make false or misleading claims about employment outcomes or qualifications. Our reputation is built on trust, and we protect it carefully.

Suitability and Pre-Enrolment Guidance
Adult learners come to WEA Sydney with varied experience, aspirations and capabilities. Prior to enrolment in nationally recognised training, we:

Review learners’ skills and competencies, including language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills
Provide honest advice about course suitability
Offer guidance where additional preparation may be beneficial

We believe informed learners are empowered learners.

Quality Training and Assessment
WEA Sydney is committed to delivering engaging, well-structured training that enables learners to achieve meaningful outcomes. We ensure that:

Training aligns fully with the requirements of the relevant training package or accredited course
Learning activities are structured, appropriately paced and supportive of adult learning principles
Industry engagement informs the relevance and currency of our training
Facilities, equipment and learning resources are safe, accessible and fit-for-purpose

Assessment is conducted in accordance with the principles of:

Fairness
Flexibility
Validity
Reliability

Assessment judgements are based on valid, sufficient, authentic and current evidence. Validation of assessment practices occurs regularly and at least once every five years for each training product on scope, using a risk-based approach consistent with the Standards.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
WEA Sydney respects the knowledge and life experience adult learners bring. We:

Offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathways
Offer credit transfer for equivalent completed units
Ensure decisions are documented, transparent and consistent
Maintain the integrity of the qualification while recognising genuine prior achievement

Student Support and Wellbeing
Learning is most powerful when students feel supported. WEA Sydney:

Provides access to trainers, assessors and support staff
Responds to student enquiries in a timely manner
Identifies support needs and offers appropriate training support services
Advises learners about wellbeing support services and external support organisations where needed

We aim to create an environment where adult learners feel safe to ask questions, explore ideas and grow in confidence.

Diversity, Respect and Cultural Safety
Our long history as an adult education provider has taught us that learning is strengthened by diversity. WEA Sydney fosters:

A respectful and inclusive learning culture
Cultural safety for First Nations people
Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination or bullying

Community learning flourishes in environments built on dignity and mutual respect.

Complaints and Appeals
WEA Sydney values feedback. It strengthens both our community and our compliance framework. We maintain:

A documented complaints process
An appeals process for decisions affecting students
Procedural fairness for all parties
Clear timeframes for resolution
Access to independent review where appropriate

Outcomes of complaints and appeals are recorded and used to inform continuous improvement.

Workforce Quality and Professional Development
Our trainers and assessors are central to our identity as an adult education provider. We ensure that all trainers and assessors:

Hold required credentials under the current Credential Policy
Maintain current industry skills and knowledge
Undertake continuing professional development
Understand adult learning principles
Deliver training with professionalism and care

Where experts are engaged, they work under appropriate direction and oversight.

Governance, Integrity and Accountability
WEA Sydney operates with integrity and accountability. Our governing persons:

Meet Fit and Proper Person requirements
Exercise diligent oversight of compliance and quality
Monitor financial sustainability and organisational risk
Lead a culture of transparency and ethical conduct

Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for staff and third parties. Regulatory changes are communicated and embedded in practice.

Risk Management and Child Safety
WEA Sydney maintains documented risk management systems that identify and mitigate risks to:

Students
Staff
Community participants
Organisational sustainability

Where learners under 18 are enrolled, we operate in alignment with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Records, Certification and Privacy
WEA Sydney maintains secure and accurate student records in accordance with regulatory requirements. We ensure:

Accurate issuance of AQF certification documentation
Timely issuance of statements of attainment and qualifications
Secure storage of assessment evidence
Compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles

Student information is treated with care and confidentiality.

Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is part of our heritage. Since 1913, WEA Sydney has evolved in response to community need. We maintain systems to:

Monitor performance against the Standards
Collect and analyse feedback
Review training and assessment practices
Undertake internal audits
Implement improvement actions

Feedback from students, staff, industry and regulators informs our future direction. WEA Sydney remains committed to:

Upholding the integrity of nationally recognised training
Providing welcoming, community-centred adult education
Maintaining full compliance with ASQA’s 2025 Standards
Delivering learning experiences that foster connection, curiosity and capability

We honour our history while meeting the expectations of contemporary regulation and quality assurance.