by: Claire Holmes (Senior Consultant, Governance & Compliance)
Health checks are a vital tool for ensuring the ongoing strength, relevance, and compliance of an institution’s core governance documents, frameworks, policies, and procedures. In an environment of increasing regulatory scrutiny, these reviews are far more than a compliance exercise. They provide a proactive mechanism for risk management, continuous improvement, and institutional confidence.
A well-structured health check enables providers to assess whether their governance and quality assurance systems remain aligned with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HESF) and, where relevant, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018. It helps identify gaps in evidence, outdated policies, inconsistent implementation, or emerging risks before they escalate into regulatory concerns.
This is particularly valuable when preparing for re-registration with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), conducting internal audits, or strengthening broader self-assurance processes. Providers seeking to apply for FEE-HELP may also find a DVE Health Check especially useful in demonstrating alignment with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and associated Guidelines.
DVE has supported numerous institutions across Australia through these high-stakes regulatory milestones. Our Health Check has become a proven diagnostic mechanism for evaluating governance maturity and submission readiness. For example, the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) engaged DVE ahead of its re-registration with TEQSA. With the independent external governance review still pending, GIA commissioned a DVE Health Check as an early-stage assessment to ensure it was fully prepared for the formal review and subsequent TEQSA submission. You can read about the case study here.
DVE’s Health Check approach is comprehensive and structured, incorporating:
- systematic assessment of HESF alignment
- review of governance documentation, policies, reporting frameworks, and minutes
- consultation with Council members, executives, and senior academic leaders
- identification of non-compliance risks and evidence weaknesses
- provision of practical, prioritised recommendations supported by sector exemplars.
Health checks deliver tangible governance value. They don’t just highlight issues, they provide actionable pathways to strengthen systems, reduce regulatory risk, and demonstrate robust self-governance. For institutions seeking to stay ahead of TEQSA expectations and build genuine internal assurance, regular health checks are a strategic investment in long-term quality and resilience.
Beyond re-registration, DVE Health Checks are also invaluable for institutions applying for FEE-HELP. Approval is more than demonstrating eligibility; it requires showing the Australian Government that governance, financial oversight, academic integrity, and compliance systems are robust and capable of responsibly managing Commonwealth-supported funding. In addition to the HESF, a Health Check into FEE-HELP readiness reviews frameworks and documentation against the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Commonwealth standards, identifying gaps and providing prioritised recommendations, templates, exemplars, and practical steps to strengthen readiness and enhance submission credibility.
Whether preparing for re-registration, applying for FEE-HELP, improving governance effectiveness, or strengthening self-assurance, DVE delivers clarity, structure, and confidence at every stage. Contact us via info@dvesolutions.com.au or 1800 870 677 and we will work with your team to strengthen your institutional readiness.
