Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Information for evaluationmay include:
applications
briefing papers
discussion papers
expert opinion
literature
minutes
project briefs
reports
research
speeches
strategic and operational plans
submissions
web site information
Purpose may include:
to influence opinion
to report on achievement
to recommend options and corresponding actions
to meet regulatory requirements
to meet public sector reporting requirements
to develop policy
to document policy
to obtain funding
to provide briefing material
to provide or contribute to strategic planning
to respond to enquiries/complaints
Materials to be composed may include:
position papers
discussion papers
briefing materials
funding submissions
business cases
project briefs
reports
operational and other plans
Content, structure and sequencingmay include:
facts and observations
case studies
critical analysis
opinion
creative ideas
recommendations and supporting arguments
anticipated arguments and rebuttals
conclusions
division into chapters or sections
tables of contents and indexes
glossaries
executive summary
precis
chronological structure
alphabetic structure
operating sequence
Organisational and legislative requirementsmay include:
use of plain English
style formats
acknowledgements
particular terminology to be used/not used:
acronyms
technical terms
bureaucratic language
abbreviations
requirements for minimising jargon in written materials
requirements for written material to take account of cultural, ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities, etiquette
guidelines for illustrative items
standards for references, acknowledgements, citations, footnotes, endnotes, bibliographies
particular communication channels
State/Territory or Commonwealth legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation and security of written information in the public sector, including freedom of information, copyright, privacy, confidentiality, equal employment opportunity, diversity, occupational health and safety
risk assessment
information security requirements
public sector standards
fraud control standards
codes of practice
codes of ethics
private or confidential materials
embargoed materials
security requirements
politically sensitive materials
security standards for government information

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit: Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit: Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV405B Provide input to change processes
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV408A Value diversity
PSPGOV411A Deal with conflict
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
advanced communication strategies used in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to communication in the public sector, including freedom of information, privacy, equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination, occupational health and safety
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of advanced communication situations likely to be encountered and required in the public sector
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when using advanced communication strategies, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
advanced communication strategies used in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.