Karen Kipling

In my current role, I oversee the comprehensive operations of our Registered Training Organisation (RTO), from ensuring regulatory compliance to meeting faculty and student needs. I align these functions with our broader organizational strategy, steering the team towards continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Current Role Highlights

Strategic Leadership and Operations :

• Collaborated closely with the divisional leadership team to deliver outcomes, build income strategies, and ensure efficient operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance :

• Lead compliance to maintain alignment with RTO Standards; implemented robust policies and procedures.
• Transformed the RTO from a state of non-compliance to full compliance with regulatory standards.

Stakeholder Management:

• Established and maintained effective relationships with key internal stakeholders, including divisional leadership and faculty, as well as with external entities such as industry experts and auditors to ensure the delivery of high-quality training programs and compliance with RTO Standards.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement:

• Conducted internal audits and validations to manage risk; initiated strategies for the ongoing improvement of the RTO.
• Redesigned existing policies and procedures to align with current industry best practices.

Learning and Development (L&D) Strategy:

• Designed and implemented an 18-month L&D strategy, focusing on future growth and capability development.

Innovation in Training:

• Championed the use of AI in training solutions and modernized the flagship course with blended learning methodologies.
• Successfully led the acquisition and implementation of a new Learning Management System (LMS) to streamline online assessments.
• Established a new standard in assessment practice for the training faculty

Engaged in a 6-month contracting period with two organizations, focusing on curriculum development, staff capability enhancement, and RTO compliance advisory.

Role Highlights

• Developed tailored learning materials and curricula that aligned with industry best practices and standards.
• Facilitated several training and professional development programs.
• Developed competency frameworks and programs to align with these.
• Provided strategic advice on RTO compliance, streamlining processes and protocols to meet regulatory requirements

I was a senior leader responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the learning and development functions across the gaming staff. My key responsibilities included implementing compliance-driven training programs, advising senior management on regulatory requirements, and leading critical business planning activities:

Role Highlights

Strategic Planning:

• Contributed to the business planning activities for FY22 in the gaming training portfolio, aligning educational goals with broader strategic organizational objectives.

Compliance and Advisory Role:

• Served as the go-to advisor on compliance matters for senior management.

Curriculum Development:

• Created cross-business learning programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational objectives, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Quality Assurance:

• Conducted a comprehensive review of existing training and assessment methods and recommended changes to align with best practices and compliance needs.

Led the Learning and Development function at MSWA, focusing on the development and execution of innovative educational strategies and frameworks. Managed a multi-disciplinary team of training and assessment personnel and served as the linchpin for change management processes across the organization. Established and fortified relations with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Role Highlights

Strategic Planning :

• Designed and executed a 2-year Learning and Development Strategic Plan, effectively aligning educational goals with broader organizational objectives.

Leadership Development:

• Created a Leadership Capability Framework.

Educational Innovation:

• Transitioned the organization from a teacher-led to a student-centred delivery model, enhancing adaptability and responsiveness in the learning environment.

Technology Utilization:

• Initiated and successfully implemented a Learning Management System (LMS), streamlining educational processes and compliance tracking.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Built strong relationships with key stakeholders across various business areas, thus enabling effective collaboration both internally and externally.

Coaching and Mentoring:

• Provided targeted leadership coaching to various internal stakeholders, which led to improved organizational effectiveness and increased staff satisfaction.

Quality and Compliance:

• Challenged and redefined existing training and assessment methods, enhancing both quality and compliance within the organization.

Assessment Methodology:

• Developed and implemented a competency-based assessment model, enabling a more precise and impactful evaluation of workforce skills.
  

Between October 2014 and April 2020, I held various positions at DFES Academy, where I progressed from n RPL Project Officer to Trainer Assessor Development Coordinator and also acted as the Manager for Curriculum Projects. Across these roles, my responsibilities ranged from compliance management and process improvements to team leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Role Highlights

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building

• Managed complex stakeholder relationships statewide, including volunteer and career personnel, by developing an extensive network of key stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Provided ongoing advice and coaching to personnel across the training Academy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and understanding.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Successfully co-led the preparation for the 5-year re-registration audit, which we passed with no non-compliance.
• Developed and implemented a continuous professional development policy, procedure, and process to ensure compliance with the Standards for RTOs
• Redesigned the training product development process and RPL process to ensure compliance and consistency.

Leadership & Team Management

• Managed a large network of approximately 1,150 Trainer Assessors across Western Australia.
• Led teams through structural changes, focusing on new working methodologies and performance improvements.

Training & Development

• Supported and implemented a new DFES Trainer Assessor model for volunteer trainers.
• Spearheaded several projects to develop competency frameworks that underpin learning pathways.

Innovation & Change Management

• Implemented a cultural change in training and assessment methodologies.
• Coordinated a wellness and culture initiative to support the development of a high-performing workplace

During a 2 year contract, my main responsibilities included rebranding the company's training materials and elevating internal Trainer Assessor capabilities through professional development activities, coaching, and mentoring. I also played a significant role in ensuring compliance and continuous improvement processes in preparation for regulatory audits.

Role Highlights

Material Development & Rebranding

• Redeveloped all in-house training materials to align with AQTF standards, elevating the level of professionalism and compliance.
• Established a new benchmark for the design and delivery of training programs, setting the standard for future initiatives.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Supported the preparation for the 5-year re-registration audit, successfully reviewing materials and implementing continuous improvement processes.

Coaching & Mentoring

• Developed internal Trainer Assessor capabilities through targeted professional development, coaching, and mentoring sessions.

Stakeholder Management

• Managed key relationships with various stakeholders, playing a critical role in business operations and compliance efforts.

Personalised Services

• Provided personalised coaching services for individual clients, adding an extra layer of value to the company's offerings

I was entrusted with the leadership and management of a national team of approximately 25 Training and Assessment staff. My remit extended to overseeing major training projects across the retail banking sector while representing Retail Training on various internal and external committees. I managed complex stakeholder relationships at the executive level, driving strategic decisions in the design and development of training programs.

Role Highlights

Team Leadership & Development

• Managed the Learning and Development team, taking care of all aspects of performance management, recruitment, professional development, and HR requirements.

Strategic Innovations

• Developed and implemented a forward-thinking training strategy for the launch of the flagship Bankwest Place store, setting a new standard for retail training.

Executive Influence

• Successfully persuaded the executive leadership team to invest additional resources in training development, resulting in an increase in FTE and additional funding.

Competency Framework

• Created a competency framework for all store staff roles and managed the rewriting of training programs aligned with this framework

National Recognition

• Aligned all training programs to nationally recognized qualifications, elevating the quality and reputation of Bankwest's training initiatives

Customer Service Model

• Scoped, developed, and designed the training program and accompanying materials to support the introduction of a new customer service model, ensuring a smooth transition and effective employee training.

I played various roles such as Acting Program Manager for Staff and Sector Development, and Learning Development Consultant. Starting in 2007, this period marked the beginning of my journey in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Over five years, I was instrumental in securing Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status for the department

Role Highlights

RTO Inception

• Played a pivotal role in achieving RTO status for the department, navigating the complexities of compliance and operational needs.

Professional Development

• Spearheaded staff and sector development programs that leveraged accredited training to enhance staff performance and departmental effectiveness.

Cert IV Completion

• Successfully completed my Cert IV in Training and Assessment (TAE), further enhancing my skills and knowledge in the VET sector.

Accredited Training Advocate

• Developed and implemented accredited training and assessment programs, drawing attention to the benefits of a nationally recognized system.

Consultation

• As a Learning Development Consultant, advised on best practices in training, contributing to staff development and the department's operational excellence.

LMS Implementation

• Spearheaded the implementation of a Learning Management System (LMS), streamlining training processes and improving accessibility for staff.

• Career break - raising a family