Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:57 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Manage specialist external advisory services

Manage specialist external advisory services

Unit of competency
National Code
BSBSMB411A
State Code
WG909
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
28/08/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
01/10/2013
Field of Education
080301 - Business Management
Original Release Date
01/10/2013
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and select suitable external advisory services for a small business or work area operation, and to monitor and review the services provided.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Locate specialist external advisory services
  • 1.1 Identify skill gaps of current staff to determine the nature of the external expertise required to meet the business need
  • 1.2 Research information about the specialist services to determine if there are any specific industry or regulatory requirements that apply to the service
  • 1.3 Prioritise the services required by the business and document according to organisational procedures
  • 1.4 Determine the estimated cost of the services and identify the budget or funding source to purchase external expertise
2. Select a specialist advisor or company
  • 2.1 Organise a quote or advertise for the provision of the specialist service according to organisational requirements
  • 2.2 Establish a process and criteria for shortlisting the potential contractors
  • 2.3 Select the most suitable applicant according to the established criteria and the business’ requirements and procedures
  • 2.4 Document the selection process and outcome following organisational procedures
  • 2.5 Ensure successful and unsuccessful applicants are advised of the outcome and provided with feedback if needed
3. Negotiate services to be provided
  • 3.1 Review and clearly specify the terms and conditions of the quotation or contract
  • 3.2 Clarify and confirm what is required of the specialist advisor, including expectations of performance and outcomes
  • 3.3 Obtain and action legal advice on contract requirements, if necessary
  • 3.4 Formally sign off on the quotation or contract following organisational procedures
  • 3.5 Familiarise the specialist advisor with the business and its personnel as part of induction
4. Monitor performance
  • 4.1 Check that milestones and deliverables are achieved according to the terms and conditions of the quotation or contract
  • 4.2 Discuss progress and review against agreed terms and conditions in line with organisational procedures
  • 4.3 Collaborate to raise any issues or concerns, and follow up and document according to organisational procedures
  • 4.4 Organise progress and final payments against milestones and key deliverables in a timely manner according to organisational procedures
  • 4.5 Evaluate effectiveness and suitability of the specialist advisor in achieving the objectives
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

External expertise may include:
accounting and financial planning
business development
environmental and sustainability expertise:
energy efficiency and clean energy
fleet vehicles and transportation
product expertise
review and audit experience
waste management and recycling
IT and computing:
cloud computing
supply of equipment
technical support
trade skills
legal
project management
research
training:
accredited
formal and non-formal.
Information may include:
directories
government departments, such as:
Consumer Affairs
Office of Fair Trading
industry and professional associations
networks and recommendations
newspaper and online advertisements.
Specific industry or regulatory requirements may include:
government approvals
licences, such as:
for financial planning
trade licences
industry registration
membership of professional associations
minimum qualifications
vendor approval or certification.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:

locate and select a specialist external advisory service relevant to the business that meets specific organisational requirements
negotiate and document the services required, including terms and conditions
monitor the milestones and deliverables, and evaluate the effectiveness of the specialist external advisory services.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant documentation
candidate’s individual business need is used as the basis for assessment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

portfolio of prioritised information relating to external expert services or specialist advice relevant to the business
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of specialist services relevant to the candidate’s business.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBSMB404A Undertake small business planning
BSBSMB405B Monitor and manage small business operations
BSBSMB410A Review and implement energy efficiency in business operations.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUH70 BSBSMB411 Manage specialist external advisory services Unit of competency