RTO Superhero 🎙️ Empowering RTOs to Thrive!

In this deeply personal episode, Angela Connell-Richards, CEO of Vivacity and host of the RTO Superhero Podcast, opens up about her recent diagnoses of thyroid cancer and renal cancer — and how early detection, proactive care, and strong leadership systems have helped her navigate both business and health challenges with resilience and clarity.

Angela shares candid insights on:
 ✅ How she’s continued to lead Vivacity through her...

In this explosive episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by compliance powerhouse Lauren Boon-Hollows to unpack the growing crisis in international education across Australia.

From mounting government pressure and audit inconsistencies to the harsh realities facing CRICOS RTOs, Angela and Lauren aren’t pulling any punches. They take the boxing gloves off and dive into:

• The real impact of governmen...

In this powerful episode, Angela Connell-Richards sits down with assessment expert Maciek Fibriek to unpack one of the most critical topics under the new 2025 Standards—assessment practices and audit readiness.

Together, they dive deep into:

✅ What’s actually changed under Standard 1.3
✅ Why fit-for-purpose assessment means contextualising for your learner cohort
✅ How to test, validate, and align your tools to ensure compl...

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows explore the essential elements of structured and engaging training that meets compliance under Standards 1.1 & 1.2. They break down how to design well-paced training programs, avoid the pitfalls of condensed courses, and ensure students remain engaged throughout their learning journey.

🎙️ Key discussion points include:
✅ The importance...

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined once again by Maciek Fibrich, RTO coach and compliance expert, to unpack the major changes in Quality Area 3 – VET Workforce Management under the new 2025 Standards for RTOs.

With a fresh focus on whole-of-organisation workforce management, these changes mean that compliance is no longer just the responsibility of trainers and assessors—it now exten...

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by Lauren Hollows to discuss the critical role of clear and transparent student information under Standards 2.1 & 2.2. They break down what RTOs must communicate before enrolment, how to avoid misleading marketing, and why realistic course durations are essential for compliance and student success.

🎙️ Key discussion points include:
✅ What infor...

🎙️ Episode 8: The Essentials of a Compliant Training System

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards is joined by Maciek Fibrich to explore what it takes to build a compliant, high-quality training system under the revised Standards for RTOs (1.1 & 1.2). They break down the key compliance requirements, common pitfalls, and practical strategies to ensure your training delivery aligns with industry ne...

🚨 The wait is over! The New Standards for RTOs 2025 are finalised and come into effect on 1 July 2025. If you’re an RTO owner, compliance manager, trainer, or assessor, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards breaks down everything you need to know about the new compliance framework, including:

✅ Why these changes are happening – What was wrong with the 2015 Standards...

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows explore supporting students with disabilities under the revised Standards for RTOs. With a greater emphasis on reasonable adjustments, compliance, and trainer responsibilities, they break down what RTOs need to do to ensure inclusive, accessible training.

🎙️ Key discussion points include:
✅ The new compliance focus – What’s changed in the r...

Welcome back to the RTO Superhero Podcast! In this episode, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined once again by Maciek Fibrich, who is caravanning around Australia while working with RTOs. Together, they explore the future of vocational education in Australia and the impact of the new standards for RTOs.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Angela and Maciek dive into:
✅ The potential impact of the upcoming federal election—wi...

Join Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows in this insightful episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, where they break down the changes to VET Student Support Services under the Revised Standards for RTOs.

With the introduction of Standards 2.3 and 2.4, student support has now been given its own Quality Area, significantly impacting how RTOs must provide and document services. Angela and Lauren discuss:

✅ The shift from Clause 1.7...

Not all consultants are created equal—and choosing the wrong one can cost you everything.

In this episode, Angela Connell-Richards reveals the hidden dangers of hiring cheap, inexperienced consultants—and why “you get what you pay for” is more true than ever in RTO land.

You’ll hear real stories (including one facing a tribunal 😱), learn how to spot red flags 🚩, and discover the must-ask questions before trusting someone with your ...

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined for the first time by Maciek Fibrich, who will be a regular guest throughout the year as they unpack the Revised Standards for RTOs.

Together, they break down what RTOs need to know right now about the compliance changes, including:
📜 What’s changing (and what’s not)? The real impact of the new standards on policies, procedures, and day-to-day ...

In this power-packed first episode of 2025, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined by industry legend Lauren Hollows to unpack what the Revised Standards for RTOs really mean—and why waiting to prepare could cost you big.

💡 You’ll learn:

• What’s changing from 1 July 2025—and why it matters
• The risks of leaving compliance to the last minute
• How ASQA’s Practice Guides + AI tools can fast-track your readiness
• Why creating a compliance ...

Discover the future of vocational education as industry mavens Marie from Compliance Assist and Angela from Vivacity unravel the complexities of RTO regulatory changes. Our latest episode promises to guide you through the maze of new assessment standards and the shifting regulatory environment. We tackle the critical balance between the government's hardline on quality assurance and ASQA's supportive ethos, providing excl...

In this episode of the enlightening 2024 RTO Roundtable Series, Lauren Hollows from Aniwaya Education Services continues the insightful dialogue on Clause 4 with Angela Connell-Richards of Vivacity and Katya Holker from Hawkeye Consultancy. This discussion hones in on the critical aspects of ensuring integrity, fairness, and transparency in the delivery of RTO services, an imperative stride towards elevating the sector's stand...

Unlock the full potential of your RTO's leadership with our latest conversation where we join forces with Katja of Hawkeye Consultancy and Angela from Vivacity. Together, we dissect the fresh governance standards that could revolutionize how Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) operate. This enlightening discussion promises to equip you with the know-how to drive inclusivity, integrity, and a safe space for First Nations s...

Welcome to Part 3 of the 2024 RTO Roundtable Series, focusing on the journey from Standard 1.3 to 1.4, with a keen eye on all things assessment. Lauren Hollows of Aniwaya Education Services joins forces with Maree Thorne from Compliance Assist, bringing their expertise to the forefront of this pivotal discussion. If you're catching up, we recommend revisiting the previous episodes for a comprehensive understanding, as this ses...

In this compelling continuation of our RTO Superhero Podcast series, we further dissect the intricacies of the proposed changes to the Standards for RTOs, slated for enforcement on January 1, 2025. Lauren Hollows of Aniwaya Education Services, alongside Angela Connell-Richards from Vivacity Coaching and Consulting, and Maree Thorne from Compliance Assist, dive deeper into the principles of assessment and rules of evidence within th...