Torrens’ Quality Framework
The Quality Framework reflects our institutional commitment to evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement. This is consistent with the Torrens University Australia's (Torrens) aim to achieve excellence in all aspects of its work through accountability, collaboration and teamwork, and a student-centred approach to learning and teaching.
The Quality Framework is designed to maintain the highest standards in meeting regulatory and legislative requirements. Torrens values feedback and participation from staff and students in enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency and acknowledges the importance of external reference points in measuring, monitoring and evaluating performance.
Torrens is committed to the following quality management principles:
- A continuous improvement approach embedded across and at all levels of the business
- Evidence-based and inclusive decision-making processes
- Monitoring outcomes against stated goals, performance indicators, and targets
- Internal and external review mechanisms to identify improvement opportunities and implement action plans and mitigation strategies
- Developing a culture of ownership, participation, and responsiveness where all staff understand their individual and collective responsibility for quality processes and outcomes
- A proactive approach to avert poor quality and risk by addressing weak points as close as possible to real-time
Continuous Improvement Approach
Torrens is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, transparency, and accountability. Our Quality Framework adopts the Plan, Implement, Monitor/Review, and Improve (PIMI) quality management and continuous improvement approach.
Performance Metrics and Evidence-Based Decisions
Central to our quality approach is evidence-based decision-making. It involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting relevant information to inform strategic choices. Performance metrics serve as vital tools for assessing and interpreting relevant information and providing insights into our strengths, and areas for improvement. By relying on evidence, we enhance transparency, accountability, and the alignment of our decisions with institutional goals.
Evaluation Monitoring and Reporting
We consistently undertake internal and external periodic evaluations to measure our performance against stated goals. Performance indicators and targets are established to provide a clearer and more structured approach to our planning, implementation and progress evaluation, monitoring and reporting. Annual and periodic reports serve as comprehensive tools, to communicate our accomplishments, challenges faced, and strategies for the future. These reports are provided to the relevant governance committees for discussion, noting, approval, or endorsement. As part of our commitment to excellence, we also consistently benchmark our achievements against other institutions.
The Governing Board is responsible for the Corporate and Academic Governance for the overall operation and stewardship of TUA. The Governing Board seeks to ensure that it adds value by guiding, assisting and supporting management, to achieve the Company’s goals.
The Academic Board reports to the Governing Board, providing appropriate and timely information and advice on academic matters related to courses and subjects, admission and enrolment of students, assessment, results and conferral of awards. The Academic Board is responsible for quality assurance of all the academic activities of TUA, including the maintenance of high standards in teaching, research and scholarship. The Academic Board is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures in relation to academic matters, and protecting the integrity of academic decision-making to support academic quality. The Academic Board monitors the implementation and effectiveness of academic policies and teaching and learning initiatives through the review of student outcomes. The review process aims to provide constructive feedback on the quality of educational provision.
The Academic Board Sub-Committees provide the Academic Board with analysis and advice within their specific areas of responsibility. The Academic Board relies on the integrity of the evidence provided to it in order to fulfil its role.
Executive Leadership Team oversees the operational leadership of Torrens University with clear delegations and direction from the Governing Board via the President.
Internal and External Review Mechanisms
Quality assurance activities that assure governance that Torrens is following the quality framework include:
- Internal Audits & Reviews - Regular internal audits & reviews to review and assess Torrens' compliance with the quality framework.
- External Reviews - External reviews conducted by independent bodies objectively assess Torrens' performance with viability, sustainability, and quality criteria.
- Stakeholder Feedback - Feedback from stakeholders, including staff, students, and external partners and stakeholders, provides insight into the definition and determining of quality expectations and how well Torrens follows the quality framework.
- Performance Indicators - Developing and tracking performance indicators helps measure the effectiveness of the Torrens quality framework.
- Peer Review and External Benchmarking - Engaging in peer review with other universities or academic institutions provides an opportunity for benchmarking and sharing best practices in quality assurance, helps identify areas for improvement, and encourages continuous improvement.
- Compliance Checks - Regular compliance checks ensure that Torrens follows relevant regulations and accreditation standards.
View the full Quality Framework here
View our Academic Framework here
Data Protection and Privacy
Torrens University's Data Protection and Privacy Officer (DPO) is responsible for encouraging, training and advising on compliance with privacy laws, liaising with the respective Privacy Commissioners or supervisory authorities (as required) and monitoring data protection impact assessments where requested. Please direct any queries to legal@torrens.edu.au.
Registered Name: Torrens University Australia Limited
HEP Registration Number: PRV 12209
RTO Number: 41343
ABN 99 154 937 005
CRICOS Provider: 03389E
