Version Information
Wed, 29 Mar 2023
Approved by: Governance Board
Current Version: V1.1
Replaces Version: V1.0
Next Review: Fri, 31 Dec 2021
Domain:
Staff
Third Party Arrangements Policy
Purpose
This policy outlines Metavision Institute’s approach to third party arrangements and aims to ensure that services or facilities provided by a third party meet the requirements of its higher education courses, regulatory standards and professional accreditation requirements. The policy also aims to ensure that formal third party agreements entered into by Metavision Institute specify roles, responsibilities, and corrective actions in the event of a breach, and are monitored for quality assurance.
Scope
This policy applies to Metavision Institute’s Governance Board and senior management, and formal agreements with third parties for the provision of Information Technology services, campus facilities, student placements and any other services required for its higher education operations.
Definitions
Third Party: another provider of educational services or facilities with which Metavision Institute enters into a formal agreement.
Relevant TEQSA Threshold Standards
This policy aligns with the requirements of Section 2 Learning Environment: 2.1 Facilities and Infrastructure and 2.3 Wellbeing and Safety, Section 5 Institutional Quality Assurance: 5.3 Monitoring, Review and Improvement, Section 6 Governance and Accountability and Section 7 Representation, Information and Information Management in the Higher Education Standards Framework 2015.
Policy
1. Principles
1.1 Metavision Institute maintains full responsibility and accountability for the quality of educational services and facilities delivered by a third party.
1.2 Metavision Institute demonstrates due diligence by evaluating the quality of educational services and facilities offered by third parties prior to entering into formal agreements.
1.3 Metavision Institute has ongoing arrangements in place for monitoring the quality and timeliness of services provided by third parties. The provision of higher education courses through third party arrangements will be governed by Metavision Institute’s policies and frameworks. Ongoing monitoring is to ensure that the operations of associated parties are consistent with such documents.
Implementation
1. Third party agreements include:
- The purpose of the third party arrangement,
- The parties’ roles and responsibilities with timeframes,
- Provision for withdrawal from the agreement by either party with timeframes that protect the delivery of teaching and learning,
- Costs associated with delivery of the service by the third party,
- Non-disclosure and privacy requirements, and
- How the effectiveness and quality of the services and service delivery under the third party arrangement is to be monitored and assessed.
2. The provision of information technology services by a third party includes:
- Website development and maintenance according to the Student Information and Management Policy,
- Development of the learning management system and student records management system,
- Provision of software as required and staff training.
3. The provision of campus facilities by a third party includes:
- Training rooms with computer, audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi,
- Student break out areas,
- Security and safety services, and
- Kitchen and toilet facilities.
4. The provision of student placements by Host Organisations is a third party arrangement that aligns with the Work Integrated Learning Policy and course and professional accreditation requirements.
5. Metavision Institute maintains records of third party agreements and reviews according to the Records Management Policy.
Responsibilities
The Governance Board has responsibility for evaluating and monitoring third party arrangements entered into by Metavision Institute and ensuring that they meet regulatory and legal requirements. The Governance Board assigns monitoring of third party contractual arrangements to senior managers within the organisation.
The Executive Officer is responsible for signing off on third party agreements and regularly monitoring and reporting on the services provided by third parties to the Governance Board.
Related Documents
- Risk Management Framework
- Risk Register
- MOU with Host Organisations Pro Forma