TERMS & CONDITIONS
Obligations
There are two distinctive sets of obligations for training with Synergy Central being our obligation to you, and your obligation to us:
Our obligation to you:
Our obligation to you is that we will provide you with:
• Access to the online learning system and any resources we have guaranteed to supply
• support and guidance from your online assessor/trainer in accordance with the terms and conditions you signed and agreed to
• fair and reasonable assessment in line the principles of assessment, the rules of evidence, and the dimensions of competency
Your obligation to us:
Your obligation to us is that you will:
• Agree to and act in accordance with the RTO’s student code of conduct
• undertake all assessment activities yourself and will not copy or plagiarise the work of another individual
• Conduct yourself appropriately and politely when dealing with the RTO, staff and or members, and other learners
• Engage in undertaking the course including any research and/or practical activities needed
Nature of Guarantee
Synergy Central Nature of Guarantee | An agreement between Synergy Central and each learner.
Synergy is committed to providing leading quality training and assessment as outlined in its publicly available information. In return Synergy requires the learner to agree to undertake their study in line with the course requirements and Synergy’s participant code of conduct.
The responsibilities of both parties for the nature of guarantee are outlined below:
Learners Responsibility:
Learners guarantee they will:
• Undertake all study in the manner and formats required and in the specified course time-frames.
• Adhere to the participant code of practice Participant code of conduct
• Conduct themselves in a responsible, polite and safe manner and refrain from abuse towards Synergy staff or other learners.
Synergy’s Responsibility:
Synergy will guarantee:
• To deliver training and assessment as specified in the information provided to learners prior to commencement.
• Provide all services within the timeframes agreed to prior to learner commencement.
• Adhere to the RTO’s code of conduct and deal with learners fairly and ethically.
In the event that Synergy is no longer able to provide the training and assessment services as initially agreed, then Synergy will arrange for the training and assessment to be completed through another RTO. This will be facilitated through transition agreements with other RTOs. . This will be undertaken via the following steps:
Step 1: Synergy will inform the learner that delivery of the course cannot be continued and provide details as to why.
Step 2: Synergy will inform the learner of details of alternate course delivery.
Step 3: Synergy will organise transfer to the new provider.
Step 4: Synergy will document the process and provide details to the registering authority.
Entry Requirements & LLN
Some qualifications have no formal entry requirements, where others require specific competencies to be achieved, or may require certain benchmarks prior to admission to the course. Whether your intended course does or does not have prerequisites, RTO is now have certain obligations under their registration with the National VET regulator.
RTO’s are now required to advise learners in advance of LLN requirements to ensure learners are not disadvantaged by being enrolled in courses they are not capable of undertaking.
Synergy endorses this approach as we try to be a good corporate citizen, and wish to deliver beneficial products and outcomes to our clients.
For Synergy courses, a good understanding of English as well as sound basic English reading and writing skills would be necessary along with basic mathematical skills.
Prior to your enrolment been accepted you would need to provide evidence of one of the following:
• Prior completion of a course or undertaking which would have needed a similar or greater level of LLN. In most cases such evidence could include proof of the successful completion of a secondary school leaving certificate, or a certificate III or higher qualification, or other evidence that would demonstrate LLN to this level.
• Completing a short LLN test at http://lln.safework.com.au/report.php . This short test is free and you can request that the results be sent directly to the RTO by email.
• Providing other evidence of your LLN proficiency to the level or higher for the course you seeking to undertake
English
Learners will need to have a good command of written and spoken English (equivalent to general IELTS Band 6).
“Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.”
USI (Unique Student Identifier)
As of 1 January 2015 all learners need a unique student identifier (USI) to enrol or re-enrol in nationally recognised training courses.
Please also Visit Our USI Page
Enrolment
Prior to enrolling in any Synergy Central course, it is recommended that the learner view all terms and conditions, information packs, and other information in this student guide and information packs, or by accessing the same information on our website. Click Here for more information
Conditions of Enrolment
Synergy Central will only enrol people who agree to the terms and conditions set for study with Synergy Central. Our terms and conditions have been created against and meet the requirements of:
• The NVR standards 2015 VIEW HERE
• ASQA guidelines VIEW HERE
• The National Privacy Principles VIEW HERE
Included in Synergy Central’s terms and conditions are items that relate to:
• Participant code of conduct
• Refund policy
• Commitment to engage in learning and assessment activities
• Agreement to provide information required by the RTO for compliance (AVETMISS)
Synergy Central Pty Ltd agrees to provide access to available enrolment positions for all persons who have the relevant skills, experience, and ability to satisfactorily meet enrolment requirements for behaviour, safety, course/qualification pre-requisites, payment of fees, and the observance of Synergy Central Pty Ltd policy.
Synergy Central Pty Ltd may seek to refuse initial enrolment or terminate or suspend the enrolment of an enrolled student if they:
• Do not comply with the Synergy Central Pty Ltd Participant’s Charter
• Do not comply with proper safety procedures.
• Fail to attend training sessions to a minimum level identified for the assessment process competence. Back to index
• Have not accurately or honestly disclosed all information relevant to their enrolment and participation in the training with SC including relevant matters relating to health, work history, skills and experience, criminal conviction (where appropriate) etc.
• Has provided false or misleading information.
• Commit an offence under the law while in the training environment or at a workplace, breaches safe work practice, or otherwise acts in a manner detrimental to the wellbeing of Synergy Central Pty Ltd, other students or persons, or themselves.
• Do not comply with the confidentiality rights of other persons
• Are rude and aggressive(including swearing at) Synergy Central staff, other learners, or other persons while engaged in training with Synergy Central
Synergy staff will not accept abuse, raised voices, threats, or aggressive behaviour from learners.
Special conditions
In some circumstances, for example where courses are delivered under a corporate rate, through brokerage, or some other special circumstances then there may be additional conditions applied to the enrolment of learners. For example, if enrolment was through the purchase of a voucher, gift voucher, or other third party mechanism then additional and all specific conditions may apply to enrolment.
Such conditions may include but not be limited to:
• Validation or redemption through a mechanism required for the process
• Specific timeframes for commencement, completion, refunds, etc
• Other variations as needed to meet the process
• Participant code of conduct
• All participants in the RTO’s courses and programs have a right to:
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• A safe learning environment free from danger, abuse or harassment
• Recognition of their particular needs and circumstances including: beliefs, ethnic background, cultural and religious practices as practical and reasonable
• Have access to their own records on request
• The opportunity for feedback on services provided
• Receive a copy of and have access to our complaints process
Participant Responsibility
As a condition of entry into the RTO’s programs, participants are expected to:
• Respect the rights of others
• Be punctual for classes and appointments
• Conduct themselves in a poor light and socially acceptable manner
• Notify the RTO if they are unable to attend classes or appointments, or otherwise engage in training and or assessment
• Ensure they do not engage in aggressive or rude behaviour (including swearing) directed towards Synergy Central staff, other learners, or other persons
Where a learner’s behaviour is in breach of the participant code of conduct, the learner’s enrolment may be terminated. Where a learner’s enrolment is terminated due to a breach of the code of conduct, there will be no refund.
Induction & Orientation
In some cases learners may need to undergo an induction/orientation prior to course commencement. This process may include details on course delivery, policies and procedures, appeals access and equity, RPL legislative requirements, WHS, etc. Such orientations may take whatever form Synergy feels is appropriate to the circumstances and may through any or all of the following:
• Verbal
• Written
• Electronic
• Face to face
• Multimedia
• Other method approved by Synergy
Legislative Requirements
Synergy, its staff and students will comply with relevant regulations, legislation, standards and other relevant guidelines including but not limited to:
• Standards and Conditions of Registration
• State and Territory legislation pertaining to training
• Australian, state and territory laws governing:
– Workplace health and safety
– Workplace harassment, victimisation and bullying
– Anti-discrimination, including equal opportunity and racial vilification
– Disability discrimination
– Vocational Education and Training
– Apprenticeships and trainee-ships
You may view and download these Acts at the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII: www.austlii.edu.au ) website which provides free online access to Australian Government, State and Territory case law and legislation.
Pre-Delivery Assessment
Prior to enrolment you should advise Synergy of any specific needs so we can assist you with or refer you to appropriate assistance for:
• Client Support Services including LLN
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Learning Pathways
• Assessment Procedures & Process
• Delivery Options
Support & Assistance
In circumstances where Synergy is unable to assist learners with specific needs, Synergy will do its best to provide clients with the details of organisations or agencies that may be of assistance. This might include such things as referral to counsellors, associations, or government agencies that can assist with specific needs.
Equal Opportunity
All admissions to Synergy’s courses shall be determined fairly without consideration for an applicant’s gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, personal beliefs, handicap, etc. unless such items pose a reasonable argument for non-enrolment on the grounds of safety or capacity to undertake the role or if it is in opposition to the laws of the land or Synergy’s code of conduct.
Applicants will be assessed on their:
• Successfully meeting course pre-requisites and or pathways including appropriate qualifications and experience
• Demonstrating a capacity and willingness to adhere to Synergy’s standards and code of conduct
• Ability to undertake the course in a manner that encourages a fair, safe and enjoyable learning environment
• Other items as determined for specific courses on a time to time basis.
Specific Needs Groups
Synergy will maintain a flexible and proactive attitude towards specific needs groups and, where practical may cooperate with community or special needs organisations to allow their members access to accredited training. Where appropriate and in line with the development of Synergy, it may provide specific courses or programs designed to assist groups of special needs or circumstances.
Anti-Discrimination
Synergy’s policy does not allow for the discrimination of an individual by virtue of their gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, political beliefs, handicaps or personal background providing it has no direct, reasonable and legal bearing on the individual’s performance within the position, or on the safety, or well-being of the applicant or others.
All persons will be treated fairly and have their application considered on the basis of its merits.
Confidentiality
Synergy will not disclose the personal details of its employees/students/contractors, or associates except as they expressly permit, or if necessary to meet legislative or compliance standards set by regulatory authorities or other persons empowered under the law.
Sexual Harassment
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour, which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Sexual harassment is not interaction, flirtation or friendship which is mutual or consensual.
Sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) makes sexual harassment unlawful in some circumstances.
Despite being outlawed for over 25 years, sexual harassment remains a problem in Australia.
Sexual harassment disproportionately affects women with 1 in 5 experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace at some time. However, 1 in 20 men also report experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
Identifying Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can take many different forms – it can be obvious or indirect, physical or verbal, repeated or one-off and perpetrated by males and females against people of the same or opposite sex.
Sexual harassment may include:
• Staring or leering
• Unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against you or unwelcome touching
• Suggestive comments or jokes
• Insults or taunts of a sexual nature
• Intrusive questions or statements about your private life
• Displaying posters, magazines or screen savers of a sexual nature
• Sending sexually explicit emails or text messages
• Inappropriate advances on social networking sites
• Accessing sexually explicit internet sites
• Requests for sex or repeated unwanted requests to go out on dates
• Behaviour that may also be considered to be an offence under criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking or obscene communications.
In what circumstances is sexual harassment unlawful?
The Sex Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for a person to sexually harass another person in a number of areas including employment, education, the provision of goods and services and accommodation. Of all the complaints received by the Commission under the Sex Discrimination Act in 2009-10, 1 in 5 related to sexual harassment.
Disciplinary Procedures
Where students are in breach of Synergy policy, State or Territory legislation, are disruptive, rude, unsafe, or fail to meet acceptable standards of good behaviour, Synergy may take steps to address the situation. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, Synergy may choose to resolve the issue by mediation which will be recorded on student files and written copies and outcomes supplied to the student. Where the issue is more serious or is unable to be resolved, SYNERGY may seek to apply sanctions, suspension, or expulsion to the student or, where relevant, refer the matter to more appropriate authorities or authorised bodies. All such action will be recorded with written outcomes supplied to the student(s) involved.
Storing of Records
All non-student records which are required by law or the request of the Registering Authority will be kept for seven (7) years unless otherwise directed by the Registering Authority, after which time they will be destroyed in accordance with legal requirement for each type of record. These records will be made available to the Registering Authority or other relevant stakeholders as required by the terms of registration.
• All student records will be kept for a minimum of thirty (30) years unless otherwise directed by the Registering Authority.
• All assessment evidence will be kept in line with ASQA guidelines.
• All records are stored on Synergy’s student management system, and a backup copy of the data is stored on an external hard drive.
• Should the RTO cease to trade, fail to renew its registration, etc. all relevant documents including student records will be transferred to the Registering Authority.
The storage of records by the RTO shall include:
• All student records including attendance, training delivered, assessment, results, issue of certificates and qualifications, other relevant data and correspondence with students unless such storage contravenes the Privacy Principles set by the Registering Authority or another Regulatory Authority such as the Australian Taxation Office, etc.
• Relevant correspondence with the Registering Authority, other authorities, RTO’s, institutions, entities or individuals
• Financial records
• Complaint, incident, and safety registers.
The Registering Authority shall:
• Have access to all records that they are legally authorised to.
Other Records
Synergy will maintain records needed to fulfil its obligations under the NVR, AQF, legislative requirements, and to ensure it complies with corporate law including:
• Financial records
• Staff records (qualifications & experience)
• Enrolments
• Participation
• Safety/WHS/OHS records
• Student results
• Audits
• Partnerships
• Industry arrangements
• Other
Access to Personal Records
Synergy Students will have access to all their personal information by request but will not be allowed to access any information that may breach the privacy of other persons. Where such a situation might occur, the details will be provided to the student requesting the information in a format (written, verbal, statistical) that meets their needs but ensures the privacy of other individuals is maintained.
Other organisations may only have access to specific and private information where a client agrees to the release of their information. This does not include other RTOs, employers, or other organisations seeking to confirm general information about competencies or student status for employment or as relevant for other training.
Information may be provided to statutory authorities such as the ATO where there is a legal obligation to provide it.
General Safety Tips
As most of Synergy central’s courses are for sport, fitness, massage, and first aid there is a high component of physical activity in the learning and assessment process. Areas such as first aid, massage, and fitness appraisals specifically require a higher level of hygiene and strategies to reduce cross infection, such as the use of protective equipment. Other areas of the training and assessment require physical undertakings both with and without equipment and in various environments, and as such general work health and safety principles apply. Some basic tips for this are:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE assists with injury prevention and reduction and may include:
• Gloves
• Protective Glasses
• One way resuscitation mask
• Protective mask face
• Appropriate footwear
• Other equipment or clothes as specified by a workplace or industry.
All Synergy students involved in on the job or simulated workplace training need to utilise the PPE specified for the specific workplace. For example, if undertaking training for first aid shoes long pants appropriate shirts, protective mask, gloves, etc should be used.
Chemicals and foreign substances
Chemicals may enter your body 4 ways:
• Absorption – through the eyes and/or skin
• Inhalation – through your noise or mouth
• Ingestion – when you swallow
• Injection – either intentional or accidental
Where your training is on the job or in a simulated workplace situation that uses or stores chemicals/hazardous substances on site, you should:
• Make yourself aware of and obey safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Be aware of and obey all safety signs
• Read signs and instructions carefully before using or any chemicals/substances or moving containers holding chemical/substances, and if unsure ask for assistance/direction from authorised site staff or supervisors.
• Follow the directions and advice of authorised site personnel
• “Don’t be the next victim.”
Hazardous spills
Where hazardous spill occurs there are a number of steps that should be taken:
• Warn personnel in the vicinity of the spill
• Immediately clean up the spill but only if it is safe to do so and appropriate equipment, PPE, etc, is available, otherwise inform a supervisor or an authorised staff member who can arrange for the spill to be dealt with
• Block off the area or place warning notices while you get cleaning aids, suitable PPE, or leave to inform authorised supervisor or staff
• If the spill is toxic and can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed, then the vicinity should be evacuated an authorised staff informed of the hazard.
Safe lifting
Safe lifting is necessary for safety and injury prevention. Weight to be lifted should not exceed the identified safe level for the site/industry and should follow the safe work practice safe the host site.
Generally speaking, the process for safe lifting (of appropriate weights) is:
• Plan the lift
• Stand close to the load
• Keep your back straight
• Get a firm grip
• Lift smoothly
• Keep the load close to the body.
In lifting, utilise the large leg muscles and avoid placing strain on your back and neck. “Most of the power in lifting should come from your legs!” Back to index
Emergency Procedures
In case of fire, the following action should be taken by the first person to discover the fire unless the host business has instructed otherwise in their site induction/protocols. Where any step is not safe or practical, the next step should be undertaken.
Alert the nearest staff member
Set off an alarm (if applicable)
Stop ventilation by closing doors, windows, etc.
Extinguish the FIRE (Only if trained in the use of fire extinguishing and if fire is containable).
• Notify Emergency services
• Fire Brigade 000
• Police 000
• Advise the following information:
• Name and address of facility
• Location of emergency fire, smoke
• What is the emergency (e.g. burning)
• Staff person’s name
• Notify the senior trainer/staff member on site
• Remain by the telephone unless in danger or told to evacuate
• Senior Staff member on site:
• Proceed directly to the emergency fire if safe to do so
• Assess the situation
• Make sure that S.A.V.E. (Signal, Alert, Ventilation, Extinguish) has been done
• Make a decision
Complaints & Appeals
Synergy takes all complaints seriously and will advise enrolled students of their right to lodge complaints and appeals using Synergy’s 3 Step appeals process.
Synergy will ensure this information is available to learners in advance of any enrolment or contract by any or all of the following:
• Details provided on Synergy’s publicly accessible website.
• In pre-enrolment information supplied to learners such as information packs and or student handbooks.
• In emails or other written advice.
Process
Synergy’s 3 step appeals process is as follows:
3 STEP COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PROCESS
STEP 1:
The issue can be raised directly with your facilitator/assessor.
If you are not satisfied with the result or action you may then undertake a complaint or appeal through Step 2
STEP 2:
A. The complainant may raise this issue in writing with Synergy or have Synergy staff take notes regarding the complaint. After receiving the written/noted complaint, Synergy will receipt the complaint and will arrange for a confidential personal interview as soon as practically possible, preferably within 48 hours.
B. This interview will attempt to resolve the complaint either between the parties involved or between the complainant and Synergy.
C. If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant the grievance will be forwarded to the Chief Executive of Synergy Central PO Box 1742, Oxenford 4210, info@synergycentral.com.au for actioning
If the grievance concerns a Synergy staff member, STEP 2(c) will automatically follow.
STEP 3:
The complainant may at any point in this process action their grievance with:
• A trade union, or association
• The Anti-Discrimination Board.
All issues, complaints and grievances are taken seriously by the staff and management of our business and will be investigated and acted upon as quickly as possible.
Complainants will be informed in writing about actions taken on their behalf and confidentiality will be maintained to ensure the rights of the complainant are upheld.
Synergy Central
PO Box 1742
Oxenford QLD 4210