Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Stakeholders:
· commercial fishing groups
· conservation and environmental organisations such as the Nature Conservation Council and the World Wide Fund for Nature
· recreational fishing groups
· traditional fishing groups
· other community-based organisations
· relevant ministers, government departments and authorities such as the department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority
· professional and industry bodies, including industry associations, the Australian Seafood Industry Council, Seafood Training Australia, industry training advisory bodies and Seafood Training Services
· other fishery management committees and advisory groups
· research organisations such as the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Bureau of Rural Sciences and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
· political organisations
· cooperatives, marketing bodies and associations.

Diversity of views:
· conservation of the species
· recognition of the interests of other users of the ecosystem
· maintenance of the ecosystem
· achievement of economically sustainable development of the species
· achievement of the commercial viability of fishing operators
· implementation of adaptive management strategies that reflect uncertainty in scientific and other data.

Meeting purpose:
· meetings with industry groups, researchers and government and political representatives
· port, sector, community and service club meetings
· regional, State and national policy development meetings
· cooperative or other organisation's board meetings
· fishery Management Advisory Committee meetings
· public forums.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· government legislation and budget processes
· information and resources available in the industry and within the organisation
· political parties, platforms and processes
· the range of stakeholder organisations and their interests
· principles of negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution and incident de-escalation
· structured and inclusive meeting procedures
· available public and community forums
· government organisations, processes and communication channels.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· liaising with key people, organisations and government
· consulting and encouraging involvement and commitment within the sector
· encouraging the exchange of views and information through active listening and effective questioning techniques
· providing verbal and written communication that is clear and concise
· ensuring that the intended message is delivered and that the key points are covered
· making a strong case without overselling it or becoming personal or aggressive
· acknowledging disagreements and the views of others and dealing constructively with differences
· ensuring that negotiations stay focused and do not collapse unnecessarily
· compromising to achieve realistic and achievable outcomes
· achieving outcomes in meetings through adherence to meeting procedures and seeking consensus and compromise.

Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· communicate clearly with key individuals, target groups and the government to position the industry to best effect
· listen actively, understand the information needs of others and adapt communication to suit
· prepare for and participate in meetings to obtain effective outcomes
· negotiate and lobby persuasively
· negotiate constructively by acknowledging the legitimate positions of other stakeholders.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed with other leadership units.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted in the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· observation of networking undertaken by the candidate
· interview and oral questioning
· review of industry information prepared by the candidate
· feedback from stakeholders about the capability of the candidate to establish rapport and negotiate effectively
· feedback from stakeholders about the candidate's ability to participate in meetings
· role-play and responses to scenarios.

Resources required for assessment
· No recommendations.

This competency in practice
Industry representatives have provided story-lines to illustrate the practical application of each unit of competency and show its relevance to a workplace setting.

'Families in business not blokes in boats-changing community views'
When you talk to someone on behalf of your sector, you have to know your facts and who you are talking to.

One industry sector leader put it this way:
'Decide whether the person is likely to be of help. If they can help, then you have to speak convincingly about your sector. Remember, that there are four kinds of people-knockers, talkers, gunna do's and doers. Leaders should be able to explain the dollar value of the sector to the community, what legislation they work under and how they meet their obligations. Always have some positive messages about what the sector is doing. Know what's over the horizon-tell them where your sector will be in five years, what's the employment growth, what's the export potential, and so on.'

This leader's message is simple. 'Fishers have to tell their own story because lobbyists do not have the same passion and family commitment.'