🚨 RTO CEOs – Annual Declaration Compliance Questions

I’ve noticed discussion emerging on 3 linked questions on vilification and anti-semitism. What concerns me is not the wording — but the governance implications

These are under Outcome Standard 2.5 Diversity, Inclusion & 2.6 Wellbeing.

1️⃣ Policy & Code of Conduct Question

Do you have published or readily available a policy or code of conduct for staff or students dealing with vilification, including anti-semitism?

Answer options:

 ✔ Yes – staff only

 ✔ Yes – students only

 ✔ Yes – staff and students

 ✖ No

 ❓ Unsure

This tests whether your governance framework explicitly addresses discriminatory conduct, specifically on vilification and anti-semitism, plus where it is documented and accessible.

2️⃣ Leadership Awareness Question

Have you sought any education or information on anti-semitism and thought about the impact of this on the operation of your RTO?

Answer options:

 ✔ Yes

 ✖ No

 ❓ Unsure

This is not about policy - It is about CEO due diligence.

It asks whether you have:

 • Considered cohort risk

 • Reflected on operational impact

 • Exercised governance oversight

Selecting “Unsure” signals a lack of executive assurance.

3️⃣ Your Steps and Approach Question

In line with Outcome Standard 2.5 and 2.6, what steps are you taking to protect students from potential vilification regarding race and religion, including anti-semitism?

This requires a written response.

It moves beyond “Do you have a policy?”

It requires evidence of:

• Prevention strategies

 • Awareness initiatives

 • Reporting mechanisms

 • Response procedures

  Cohort wellbeing identification

 • Active monitoring

Under the 2025 Standards, wellbeing is not passive-It must be identified and supported.

These three questions together assess:

✔ Governance framework

 ✔ Leadership awareness

 ✔ Operational implementation

Think about it:

Before 31 March, CEOs should ask themselves:

- Do our Codes of Conduct explicitly address vilification?

- Have we identified relevant wellbeing risks within our cohort?

- Are our prevention and response strategies documented and active?

- Could we substantiate our written response if reviewed?

The CEO Annual Declaration is a leadership accountability statement on your formal governance. Can you attest to all the above?

Need reassurance? 

Have you covered this? We have the Policy and Procedure as your solution, Contact us to discuss or review your Diversity Inclusion and Wellbeing strategies. compliance@rtostandards2025.com.au