HBTA Policies and Procedures
Attendance matters
HBTA has a legal obligation to make sure that you complete your program within a reasonable time period. This is defined on this page, but some additional comments regarding attendance need to be made.
Our need to be kept informed is not intended as a "Big Brother" approach, but in recognition that we are responsible for you during the time of the scheduled workshop or mentoring session. Just as you need to inform an employer about any absences, so we need to be informed as well.
If, for some reason, you are unable to attend a scheduled workshop or mentoring session, you are obliged to inform us in writing with a valid explanation and appropriate evidence. For example:
- if you are unwell, we need to see a medical certificate unless we have prior knowledge of an existing medical condition which could interfere with your studies
- if this condition (such as chronic back pain which is alleviated by morphine-level medication) does interfere, we will need to receive an email or note advising that this has occurred
- if you need to travel interstate to attend a funeral or support a very ill relative, we need to be advised as soon as possible after you are made aware of the need for the trip. Preferably, this will be before you leave but we understand that this may not always be possible
Since we have a contractual obligation to report on your enrolment each month, the government will receive information about your progress. If they do not see signs of reasonable progress or repeated inexplicable absences, we may receive a "show cause" notice in relation to your enrolment.
Also, we may be obliged to take disciplinary action if you repeatedly fail to attend scheduled workshops and/or mentoring sessions. In extreme or repeated cases, you could find yourself counselled, have your enrolment suspended or even terminated. All such action will be taken only after discussion with you as is required in our Disciplinary Actions policy. We may involve DEST in any decision made regarding your enrolment, particularly as suspension or cancellation has serious implications for your voucher.
We do not anticipate any need to take such drastic action but you do need to be aware of the potential outcome for failure to keep us informed.
Last updated on 14 October, 2007