The Examiner is investigating the topics of an internal audit of public vocational education provider TasTAFE after it was tabled in Parliament by Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff last month.

The audit was sparked after the Integrity Commission released its report into a complaint made against former chief executive Stephen Conway.

Auditors WLF found in there was at least two occasions they observed where a matter that could have involved a code of conduct complaint was treated as a WHS incident or hazard.

“We generally found a lack of understanding of the policy framework, particularly in relation to misconduct.

“Anecdotally, managers cited the sufficiency of the policy framework and the training provided to investigating officers as reasons for not identifying secondary issues within cases.”

Auditors found there was a lack of understanding about the policy framework, and there was a lack of documentation in relation to complaints made.

Auditors also examined TasTAFE’s HR policies and procedures and found “no single team has ownership of developing, implementing, and reviewing HR policies and procedures.”

“Historically, where TasTAFE has no policy or procedure of its own, the practice has been to rely on Department of Education policies.

Structure around remuneration were also recommended as part of the audit.

Auditors found little documentation to support wage increases for some staff.

“We noted two permanent appointments and two employees who were paid higher duties allowances above the base rate with no supporting documentation detailing the reason/rationale for this. We did note that for both permanent appointments the employee history suggests experience prior to the permanent appointment.”

In addition, there was no documentation around an employee who had gone on maternity leave. TasTAFE was contacted for comment.