Code of Conduct

Applies to all RTOCPI members

RTOCPI Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct

1. Purpose

The RTO Certified Professionals Institute (RTOCPI) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct sets out the ethical principles, professional standards and behavioural expectations of all RTOCPI members.

This Code exists to:

  • Uphold the integrity and reputation of RTOCPI
  • Promote excellence, compliance and professionalism across the VET sector
  • Protect learners, employers, industry and the public
  • Support confidence in RTOCPI certification and membership

All members are expected to act in a manner that reflects positively on RTOCPI and the broader vocational education and training (VET) system.

2. Application

This Code applies to all RTOCPI members, including:

  • RTO owners, directors, senior leaders and high managerial agents
  • Compliance professionals and internal auditors
  • Trainers, assessors and educational managers
  • Student services, admissions and marketing professionals
  • Consultants, contractors and advisors working in the VET sector
  • Education and migration agents working in the VET sector

Membership of RTOCPI signifies a commitment to these standards.

3. RTOCPI Ethical Principles

RTOCPI members commit to the following core principles:

3.1 Integrity and Honesty

Members will:

  • Act honestly, ethically and transparently at all times
  • Avoid misleading, deceptive or unethical conduct
  • Represent qualifications, outcomes and professional expertise truthfully
  • Declare and manage conflicts of interest appropriately
3.2 Professional Competence

Members will:

  • Maintain current knowledge of VET legislation, standards and regulatory requirements
  • Undertake ongoing professional development aligned with their role and certification
  • Operate only within areas of competence and authority
  • Seek guidance or support where professional limitations exist
3.3 Compliance and Accountability

Members will:

  • Comply with all applicable Commonwealth and State legislation and regulatory frameworks, including:
    • Standards for RTOs
    • ESOS Act and National Code (where applicable)
    • Relevant funding, apprenticeship and traineeship arrangements
  • Accept responsibility for professional decisions and actions
  • Engage constructively with regulators and oversight bodies

4. Learner-Centred and Ethical Practice

RTOCPI members commit to:

  • Acting in the best interests of learners at all times
  • Ensuring training and assessment is fair, valid, reliable and sufficient
  • Providing clear, accurate and timely information to learners
  • Supporting access, equity, inclusion and learner wellbeing
  • Protecting learner privacy and confidentiality

5. Quality Training and Assessment

Members will:

  • Uphold the integrity and value of nationally recognised qualifications
  • Ensure assessment decisions are evidence-based and defensible
  • Avoid practices that undermine competency, work readiness or industry confidence
  • Promote continuous improvement of training and assessment systems

6. Ethical Business, Marketing and Recruitment Practices

RTOCPI members will:

  • Ensure marketing and recruitment practices are accurate, ethical and not misleading
  • Avoid inducements, unethical arrangements or practices that compromise integrity
  • Ensure third-party, agent and partnership arrangements are transparent and compliant
  • Act in a way that maintains trust in RTOCPI certification and membership

7. Professional Behaviour and Respect

Members will:

  • Treat learners, colleagues, regulators and stakeholders with respect and fairness
  • Foster inclusive, safe and professional environments
  • Refrain from behaviour that brings RTOCPI or the VET sector into disrepute
  • Engage in professional and respectful discourse, including in public forums and online

8. Confidentiality and Information Security

Members must:

  • Protect confidential and sensitive information
  • Use personal and organisational data only for lawful and authorised purposes
  • Comply with privacy and information security obligations

9. Conflicts of Interest

Members must:

  • Disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest
  • Take reasonable steps to manage or eliminate conflicts
  • Ensure professional judgment is not influenced by personal, financial or commercial interests

10. Reporting and Professional Responsibility

RTOCPI members have a responsibility to:

  • Raise concerns regarding unethical, unlawful or non-compliant conduct
  • Support ethical practice and continuous improvement within the sector
  • Cooperate with RTOCPI or regulatory investigations where required

11. Breaches and Disciplinary Action

Breaches of this Code may result in:

  • Mandatory professional development or corrective action
  • Suspension or termination of RTOCPI membership or certification
  • Referral to relevant regulatory or legal authorities where appropriate

RTOCPI will manage breaches in accordance with its governance and disciplinary procedures.

12. Member Commitment

By becoming or remaining a member of RTOCPI, individuals agree to:

  • Uphold this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Act in a manner consistent with the values and objectives of RTOCPI
  • Contribute positively to the integrity, quality and sustainability of the VET sector