Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:17 AM AWST

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Gather information through interviews

Gather information through interviews

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPREG411A
State Code
C8279
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers gathering information through interviews that do not result in a formal record of interview in the legal sense. Interviews may be conducted in a range of locations for a range of reasons. They may be overt or covert. The unit includes preparing for the interview, conducting the interview, and reviewing and correlating interview information.Verbal questioning and other interactions undertaken outside a formal interview structure are not addressed in this unit as these are covered in other communication units in the Training Package, such as PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies. In practice, gathering information through interviews may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, exercising regulatory powers, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, assessing compliance, receiving and validating information.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for interview
  • 1.1 The need for an interview is determined, and the context and requirements are established in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.
  • 1.2 Interview planning is undertaken to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
  • 1.3 Interview arrangements are made in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
  • 1.4 Materials to be used during the interview are prepared as required.
  • 1.5 Advice is obtained as required on legislative or administrative issues relating to the conduct of the interview.
2. Conduct interview
  • 2.1 Commencement of the interview is undertaken following organisational protocols and complies with legislative requirements.
  • 2.2 Interview is conducted in a planned manner, with the sequence evident to others who may use the outcomes.
  • 2.3 Questions are selected and used that are relevant, comprehensive, appropriate to the situation and the interviewee and adhere to the rules of evidence.
  • 2.4 Problem solving skills are used to test, compare and contrast information as it is provided to influence the direction of further questions.
  • 2.5 Information is recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 2.6 Personal conduct is maintained in accordance with legal and organisational requirements and takes account of cultural and ethical issues.
3. Review and correlate information
  • 3.1 Information is reviewed and clarified to ensure its relevance and sufficiency prior to concluding the interview.
  • 3.2 Information is transcribed if necessary and sensitive information is dealt with in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.3 Detailed analysis is conducted, and incomplete and irregular information is identified and noted or followed up in accordance with the nature of the interview and organisational requirements.
  • 3.4 Behavioural characteristics of significance to the purpose of the interview are confirmed.
  • 3.5 Post-interview activities are undertaken as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
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.
Contexts may include:
informal interviews
interviews against set criteria
interviews to assess applications
initial investigation of complaints
audits
intelligence gathering
threat assessment
security vetting
overt interviews
covert interviews, under specific legislative powers
Requirements may include:
interview location/environment:
office
designated interview room
in the field (including overseas)
private home
at a client/contractor location
in other agencies
timing
personnel present:
senior staff
colleagues
interpreter
support persons
method of recording:
tape recording
videotaping
hand written
typewritten/word processed
file notes
equipment:
electronic equipment
recording equipment
computer equipment
availability of interviewee
Organisational and legislative requirements may include:
organisational policy, procedures and guidelines
international treaties and protocols
cross-jurisdictional protocols
organisation's strategic objectives
national strategic objectives
security constraints
public sector codes of conduct/ethics
confidentiality requirements
Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation such as:
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Privacy Act 1988
Archives Act
Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code 1995
Evidence Act
the organisation's enabling legislation
Interview planning may: include
purpose
structure
context
expectations
intended/desired outcomes
criteria for assessment
risk management considerations
key questions in sequential order, highlighting main points
assessing sources of information
interview strategies appropriate to the situation and purpose of the interview, such as:
direct questioning
empathetic questioning
investigative interviewing
exclusion of leading questions
avoidance of cross-examination
safety requirements for interviewer, interviewee and others present
Materials may include:
paper-based and electronic documents, including:
maps
photographs
videotapes
physical objects and materials
audiotapes
Commencement protocols may include:
introductions
producing identification/authority
explaining the purpose, process and recording requirements
confirming confidentiality of information, if appropriate to the interview purpose
Questioning techniques may include:
summarising
re-phrasing
paraphrasing
open and closed questions
cognitive interviewing
using silence
active listening
using and recognising body language
identifying and overcoming barriers to communication
investigative interviewing techniques
Recording may include:
hand written record of interview
typewritten record of interview
audiotapes
videotapes
Dealing with sensitive information may include:
information security procedures
Post-interview activities may include:
interview report
interview assessment report
informal judgment
recommendations with supporting reasons/evidence
suggesting solutions to problems encountered during the interview
informing stakeholders of outcome of interview
providing briefings on outcomes
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
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV408A Value diversity
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
PSPREG403B Assess compliance
PSPREG415A Receive and validate information
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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
information gathered via interviews 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 gathering information through interviews
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when gathering information through interviews
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 gathering information through interviews, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
information gathered via interviews 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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWT85 PSPREG012 Gather information through interviews Unit of competency