The Compliance Challenge RTOs Face
Running an RTO is one of the most regulated and complex businesses in Australia.
But here’s the reality most RTO CEOs & managers deal with:
Ever-changing regulations – constant updates to Standards and ESOS requirements
High audit stress – with thousands of dollars at stake
Over-reliance on one compliance manager – who may leave before an audit
Sky-high costs – $90K–$100K+ salaries plus super and overheads
Gaps in expertise – no one person can cover compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, operations, and marketing
The result?
Lost money. Wasted time. Increased audit risk.
The Smarter Way – Our Retainer Solution
At VET Resources, we turn compliance from a headache into peace of mind.
Instead of one compliance officer, you get the strength of an entire multi-disciplinary team, including:
Senior Compliance Consultants
5, 10, even 20+ years of expertise (100+ years combined)
Resource Development Team
creating and contextualising compliant TAS, assessments & learner guides)
E-Learning Specialists
for blended and online delivery success
SMS & AVETMISS Data Experts
ensuring accurate reporting and compliance
Web & Design Team
keeping your website audit-ready and marketing sharp
Senior Compliance Consultants
5, 10, even 20+ years of expertise (100+ years combined)
Game-Changer: Your Dedicated Onsite Consultant
When you choose a larger package, you don’t just get advice—you get an integrated consultant who works as part of your team:
Onsite visits: 30–80 hrs/month (weekly or fortnightly)
Deep integration: knows your policies, procedures, and TAS inside out
Audit presence: consultant attends ASQA audits with you, ready for questions
Backed by a full team: no risk of being left unsupported
Flexible Investment Options
Choose the package that fits your needs
Option 1 – Compliance Only Retainer
Hours per Month Hourly Rate Monthly Investment (AUD)
20 hr $120/hr
$2,400
30 hr $115/hr
Fortnightly
$3,450
40 hr $110/hr
Fortnightly
$4,400
50 hr $110/hr
Weekly
$5,500
60 hr $100/hr
Weekly
$6,000
Option 2 – Compliance + Operational Retainer
Package Compliance Hours Operational Hours Total Investment (AUD)
40 hr total (20/20)
$3,800
50 hr total (25/25)
Fortnightly
$4,750
60 hr total (30/30)
Fortnightly
$5,400
70 hr total (35/35)
Weekly
$6,300
80 hr total (40/40)
Weekly
$7,200
Option 1 – Compliance Only Retainer
Hours per Month Hourly Rate Monthly Investment (AUD)
20 hr $120/hr
$2,400
30 hr $115/hr
Fortnightly
$3,450
40 hr $110/hr
Fortnightly
$4,400
50 hr $110/hr
Weekly
$5,500
60 hr $100/hr
Weekly
$6,000
Option 2 – Compliance + Operational Retainer
Package Compliance Hours Operational Hours Total Investment (AUD)
40 hr total (20/20)
$3,800
50 hr total (25/25)
Fortnightly
$4,750
60 hr total (30/30)
Fortnightly
$5,400
70 hr total (35/35)
Weekly
$6,300
80 hr total (40/40)
Weekly
$7,200
Built for Flexibility
- Carry forward unused hours (up to 3 months)
- Add more support anytime:
- Compliance: $120/hr
- Operations: $85/hr
- Scale up or down depending on audits, enrolments & growth
Why RTOs Choose Us
Always audit-ready
no last-minute panic before ASQA.
No turnover risk
consistent support for the long term.
Whole team, not one person
compliance, resources, AVETMISS, e-learning & ops.
Trusted by 1,025+ RTOs
across Australia.
Flexible & affordable
save $50k+ / year vs hiring in-house.
Customised Packages for Your RTO
We know that every RTO is different. The number of compliance hours, operational support, and resource needs vary from provider to provider.
That’s why, if none of the packages above perfectly fit your needs, we can design a customised retainer package just for your RTO — ensuring you get the right level of support at the right investment.
The Outcome
Access specialists across all RTO functions.
Save time, money & effort; reduce turnover risk.
Stay compliant & audit-ready all year.
Dedicated consultant embedded with your team.
Quick Comparison – In-House X vs VET Advisory Group
Quick Comparison
In-House Compliance Manager 
VET Advisory Group Retainer 
Annual Cost
$90K–$100K+ salary + overheads
From $2,400/month
Expertise
1 person only
Full team: compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, ops, web
Audit Support
Limited
Consultant + team with 100+ years’ expertise
Staff Turnover
High risk
Zero risk – full backup team
Onsite Presence
1 person only
Consultant + wider team
Flexibility
Fixed role & salary
Packages 20–80 hrs,
flexible usage
Quick Comparison
In-House Compliance Manager
Annual Cost
$90K–$100K+ salary + overheads
Expertise
1 person only
Full team: compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, ops, web
Audit Support
Limited
Consultant + team with 100+ years’ expertise
Staff Turnover
High risk
Zero risk – full backup team
Onsite Presence
1 person only
Consultant + wider team
Flexibility
Fixed role & salary
Packages 20–80 hrs,
flexible usage
Quick Comparison
In-House Compliance Manager
VET Advisory Group Retainer
Annual Cost
$90K–$100K+ salary + overheads
From $2,400/month
Expertise
1 person only
Full team: compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, ops, web
Audit Support
Limited
Consultant + team with 100+ years’ expertise
Staff Turnover
High risk
Zero risk – full backup team
Onsite Presence
1 person only
Consultant + wider team
Flexibility
Fixed role & salary
Packages 20–80 hrs,
flexible usage
| In-House Compliance Manager ❌ | VET Advisory Group Retainer ✅ | |
|---|---|---|
 Annual Cost |
$90K–$100K+ salary + overheads | From $2,400/month |
 Expertise |
1 person only | Full team: compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, ops, web |
 Audit Support |
Limited | Consultant + team with 100+ years’ expertise |
 Staff Turnover |
High risk | Zero risk – full backup team |
 Onsite Presence |
1 person only | Consultant + wider team |
 Flexibility |
Fixed role & salary
 |
Packages 20–80 hrs,
flexible usage
 |
Real Case Study
Case: RTO preparing for an ASQA audit
- The RTO had one compliance officer who resigned just 2 months before audit
- They engaged our RTO Compliance Retainer (50 hrs/month)
- Our consultant:
- Reviewed and updated TAS, policies & procedures
- Conducted pre-audit validation sessions with trainers
- Attended the audit and responded to ASQA queries
Outcome: RTO passed audit with zero rectifications.
Take the Next Step
- Stop wasting money on compliance hires that don’t stick. With VET Resources Retainer Services, you get:
- Always audit-ready compliance
- A full team of experts at your side
- Flexible, affordable, scalable support
- Peace of mind year-round
1800 959 958
www.vetresources.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
General Service Questions
How is this different from hiring my own compliance manager?
Hiring one person means you get their knowledge only—and if they leave, you’re left exposed. With our retainer, you get access to a full team of specialists in compliance, AVETMISS, e-learning, and operations, backed by 100+ years of combined experience. Even if one consultant is unavailable, the team covers you.
Do you work with both domestic and CRICOS RTOs?
Yes. Our team has extensive experience supporting both domestic-only RTOs and CRICOS providers. We’re across the ESOS Framework and CRICOS requirements as well as the Standards for RTOs.
What industries do you support?
We’ve worked with RTOs delivering qualifications in health, aged care, construction, community services, IT, business, trades, and more. Our resources and compliance support are tailored to your scope.
Packages & Flexibility
Can I change my package size after signing up?
Absolutely. You can scale hours up or down depending on enrolments, audits, or operational demand. Many RTOs increase hours in the months leading to an audit, then reduce afterwards.
What happens if I don’t use all my hours?
Unused hours roll forward for up to 3 months, so you never lose value. For example, if you only use 30 of your 40 hours in March, the remaining 10 roll into April.
Can I buy additional hours if I need more?
Yes. You can add compliance hours for $120/hr or operational hours for $85/hr anytime.
Onsite Consultant
Will I always have the same consultant?
Yes. Your dedicated consultant integrates into your team, learning your policies and procedures inside out. And if they’re unavailable, another consultant from our in-house team steps in seamlessly.
How often will the onsite consultant visit?
It depends on your package. Smaller packages may not include onsite visits, while larger ones (50+ hours) provide weekly or fortnightly onsite support.
Will my consultant attend audits with me?
Yes. Your consultant is available to attend audits, support your team, and even respond to ASQA auditor queries directly.
Compliance & Operations Support
Do you handle AVETMISS and reporting?
Yes. Our SMS & AVETMISS support team ensures your reporting is accurate and audit-ready, saving you hours of admin time.
Do you help with resource development?
Yes. Our resource development team creates and contextualises compliant training and assessment resources for your qualifications.
Can you support online and blended delivery?
Definitely. Our e-learning specialists support LMS setup, online assessment validation, and blended course delivery to keep you compliant and student-ready.
Do you also help with marketing compliance?
Yes. Our team reviews your website, brochures, and digital materials to ensure they meet Clause 4.1 requirements—so you avoid audit findings for misleading information.
Pricing & Cost
How much can I save compared to hiring in-house?
On average, RTOs save $50K–$70K per year by switching to our retainer service instead of hiring a compliance manager in-house. Plus, you gain access to multiple experts, not just one.
Are there any lock-in contracts?
No. Packages are flexible, and you can adjust or cancel with notice. We aim to build long-term partnerships, not trap RTOs in contracts.
Do you charge per student or per enrolment?
No. Our retainers are based on hours, not enrolments. You can use our services for unlimited students across your qualifications.
Audit & Risk
How do you help reduce audit risk?
Our consultants review your policies, TAS, assessment tools, AVETMISS data, and marketing to identify gaps before ASQA does. We also conduct internal audits so you’re prepared year-round.
Have you supported RTOs during actual ASQA audits?
Yes, many times. Our consultants sit in during audits, respond to auditor questions, and provide the evidence ASQA requires. We’ve helped RTOs pass with zero rectifications.
Can you help if my RTO already has compliance issues?
Absolutely. Many RTOs engage us after receiving rectifications or non-compliance notices. We provide corrective action plans and ongoing support to get you back on track.
Customisation
What if none of the packages fit my RTO?
We’ll create a customised package that matches your needs, hours, and budget. You’ll never pay for support you don’t need.
Can you work directly with my trainers and admin staff?
Yes. Your consultant can train your team on compliance processes, mentor trainers, and streamline admin workflows so compliance is embedded across your RTO.
Getting Started
How quickly can we start after signing up?
Usually within 5–7 business days. For urgent audit support, we can start faster.
Do you provide an initial compliance health check?
Yes. Every new retainer engagement starts with a full compliance review to benchmark your RTO’s current state and prioritise actions.
How do I know which package is right for me?
If you’re unsure, request a free consultation. We’ll review your current compliance needs, upcoming audits, and student numbers to recommend the right level of support.