What it is
The National Code 2007 Explanatory Guide is a comprehensive and nationally consistent source of advice and assistance to education providers on the implementation of the National Code 2007.
This will help registered providers make a smooth transition to (and ensure ongoing compliance with) the requirements of the National Code 2007. It supersedes the National Code in force from 2001 until 30 June 2007.
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Format and availability
The National Code 2007 Explanatory Guide is an electronic publication only. It will be updated twice a year to add information that answers commonly asked questions including questions about Part C registration issues. Readers should also consult the FAQ page to stay abreast of answers to questions that have come into DEEWR via the ESOS Helpline and Mailbox
.
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Consultation process
Both education providers and students have contributed valuable ideas particularly through their peak bodies. Their collective input enriches the document with material grounded in the education environment reality. The participation of state and territory registration authorities has rounded out the explanations resulting in the Guide being a workable and useful document for all parties. The operational-level knowledge of the many individuals who have given their time to provide feedback on the guide is greatly appreciated.
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Structure
The Explanatory Guide mirrors the National Code structure of Parts A, B, C, and D placing particular emphasis on the 15 standards in Part D. The standards are thoroughly explained with practical advice for providers on ways to achieve the stated outcomes of each standard.
The 15 standards are logically grouped under relevant topics:
- Pre-enrolment engagement of students (Standards 1-4)
- Care for and services to students (Standards 5-6)
- Students as consumers (Standards 7-8)
- The student visa programme (Standards 9-13)
- Staff, educational resources and premises (Standards 14-15).
The explanation of each standard ends with scenarios couched in a simple question and answer format. It is designed to help providers apply the standards in their day to day operations.
This Guide lists key requirements for all sectors, details sector-specific requirements and has handy tips to help providers comply with the National Code 2007.
The reader can make connections between other standards in the Code, the ESOS Act, the Migration Act 1958 and where necessary the Privacy Act 1988.
Text taken directly from the National Code is boxed 
to help readers differentiate the legal text from the explanatory wording. Text related to the ESOS Act is boxed 
. Compliance tips are boxed 
. Scenarios that illustrate the standard are boxed 
.
The Guide has useful definitions, acronyms and abbreviations and, importantly, website addresses, contact phone numbers and email addresses for providers with remaining questions.
The National Code 2007 Explanatory Guide is designed to help providers implement the Code in day to day operations. Providers should note that compliance will be measured against the requirements of the National Code 2007, not against the Explanatory Guide.
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