by Michelle Mosiere
Requests for information (RFIs) from the regulator are often synonymous with tight timeframes, competing priorities, and limited internal resources. The pressure of balancing external regulatory deadlines with existing operational demands can quickly escalate stress across an institution. However, when approached strategically, RFIs can be more than a compliance exercise. They can become a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate robust governance and regulatory maturity.
Importantly, the RFI process provides a practical way for providers to evidence alignment with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HESF). Paragraph 6.1.3(a) of the HESF requires governing bodies to attend to governance functions and processes diligently and effectively, including by obtaining and using independent advice where necessary to support informed, competent decision-making and strategic direction setting.
Engaging external expertise to support RFI responses directly addresses this requirement. Independent input not only strengthens compliance with the HESF, but also enhances the quality, clarity, and credibility of submissions to the regulator. External reviewers bring a fresh perspective, a strong understanding of regulatory focus areas, and insight into sector expectations. This translates into an evidence-based response that is targeted, coherent, and fit for purpose.
Before responding to regulatory requests, DVE recommends a structured series of quality assurance activities to support best-practice governance and confirm the sufficiency and adequacy of the available evidence. These activities are designed to reduce regulatory risk while supporting governing bodies to exercise effective oversight.
Specifically, we suggest:
- undertaking a comprehensive gap analysis to identify areas requiring further detail, clarification, or additional evidence
- identifying opportunities to strengthen proposed rectification plans and corrective actions
- developing supplementary documents where existing evidence is insufficient or fragmented
- providing clear, risk-based briefings to decision makers to support an informed approval process, and
- completing a pre-submission readiness assessment prior to endorsement by the corporate governing body.
DVE has extensive expertise in reviewing and strengthening mechanisms for risk mitigation, risk management, reporting, monitoring, review, oversight and continuous improvement. Our team includes former TEQSA directors and assessors who understand regulatory expectations and produce high-level, practical reports that incorporate both general governance advice and RFI-specific recommendations tailored to each provider’s context.
Working collaboratively with your team, we can help identify:
- the essential information required to address the regulator’s questions effectively
- additional points that should be verified prior to submission
- further detail needed within relevant plans, strategies, and frameworks
- opportunities to clarify or better structure existing information, and
- key issues and risks to highlight when briefing the corporate governing body.
By taking a proactive, quality-assured approach to RFIs, providers can not only meet regulatory requirements but also reinforce strong governance practices and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Contact us via info@dvesolutions.com.au or 1800 870 677 and we will work with your team to resolve regulatory concerns.
