Chisholm wins top national award for customer-centric culture

Chisholm wins top national award for customer-centric culture

Chisholm Institute has been named Customer-centric Culture of the Year at the 2025 Australian Service Excellence Awards (ASEAs).

30/10/2025
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Chisholm CEO Stephen Varty said the award reflects Chisholm's commitment to putting students at the centre of every decision.

“We’ve worked hard to build a culture where every student feels supported, respected and empowered,” Mr Varty said.

The Victorian TAFE provider supports more than 33,700 students, with 42 per cent born overseas and representing 159 countries. Many are the first in their families to pursue post-secondary education, and a significant number come from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Chisholm is ranked the number one TAFE in Australia for quality of educational experience in undergraduate higher education programs, scoring 86.3% — nearly 10 points above the national average.

Nationally, Chisholm is ranked second among TAFEs for phone and email enquiries (ranked by leading customer experience experts, CSBA), and satisfaction with the Student Enrolment Hub is 92.3%.

Mr Varty said the focus on customer experience extends beyond digital and phone interactions.

“Good service isn’t just about answering questions — it’s about how people feel in our spaces.”

That philosophy guided a $67 million redevelopment of Chisholm’s Frankston campus, co-designed with students and community members. The new multi-level facility offers quick access to enrolment and support services in a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.

Chisholm has also partnered with the Victorian Government to build two new Tech Schools in Frankston and Dandenong, offering hands-on training in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). The Frankston Tech School opened last month.

Mr Varty said the recognition highlights the work of staff across the organisation.

“People know good service when they see it. They feel it in how they’re treated, in the respect they’re shown, and in the care that’s taken to meet their needs,” he said. “This recognition belongs to our passionate people across Chisholm who deliver that experience every day.”

The ASEAs, hosted by the Customer Service Institute of Australia, are Australia’s premier customer service awards program, attracting hundreds of nominations each year. Chisholm was also named a Service Hero in the Customer Service Organisation of the Year (Government / Not-for-Profit).

For a full list of winners and finalists, head to the CSIA website: Home | CSIA Customer Service Institute of Australia

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