Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:09 PM AWST

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Compose workplace documents

Compose workplace documents

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV313A
State Code
C8009
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
04/07/2014
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers interpreting and composing a range of workplace documents from a number of sources. It includes interpreting written information for workplace purposes and preparing written materials. The focus is on the content and structure of written materials and not on the use of computer technology, which is addressed by other competencies.In practice, interpreting and composing workplace documents may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, working effectively, working with diversity, etc. This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deal with written communication. Related units are:PSPGOV208A Write routine workplace materialsPSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documentsPSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documentsPSPGOV606A Prepare high-level/sensitive written materialsNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Interpret written information
  • 1.1 Workplace materials are scanned to identify the subject and key information for using or reporting to others.
  • 1.2 Procedural manuals and codes of practice are scanned to locate specific information to carry out work functions in accordance with legislation, policy and standards.
  • 1.3 A range of written materials is scanned to locate and select required information for summaries, short reports and responses to requests.
  • 1.4 Cultural context and assumed prior knowledge needed for interpretation of workplace information are identified and assistance is obtained when required.
  • 1.5 Assistance is sought with interpretation of complex materials in accordance with organisational procedures.
2. Compose written materials
  • 2.1 Established protocols for a range of written materials are identified and complied with in accordance with organisational procedures and standard templates.
  • 2.2 Audience for the material is identified and any specific requirementsand sensitivities are investigated and catered for.
  • 2.3 Material is planned in terms of structure, level of formality and key information to be included, in accordance with the purpose and organisational protocols.
  • 2.4 Written information is prepared in an accurate, concise and unambiguous manner that meets intended audience, legislative and organisational requirements.
  • 2.5 Material is checked to confirm readability, grammar, spelling and punctuation, and to correct any inaccuracies or gaps in content.
  • 2.6 Written materials are prepared and provided for approval within required timeframes.
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.
Workplace materials may include:
agendas
applications
charts
correspondence, including formal letters requesting/responding to information, applications, letters of complaint
diagrams
discussion papers
emails
flyers
graphs
help screens
instructions
letters
manuals
maps
memos
messages
minutes
newsletters
reports
schedules
submissions
timetables
web sites
Procedural information may include:
manufacturers'/operating instructions/technical instructions
occupational health and safety procedures
organisational code of practice
public sector code of ethics
quality assurance procedures
standard workplace documents
style manuals
supervisor's/team leader's instructions
work instructions, guidelines and procedures
Legislation, policy and standards may include:
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
Commissioner's instructions
government style guide
organisational writing guidelines
public sector standards
fraud control standards
codes of practice/codes of conduct
codes of ethics
security standards for government information
Protocols may include:
use of plain English
style formats
style manuals
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
using particular communication channels
Written materials may include:
agendas
applications
emails
factual information
formal correspondence
forms
file notes
instructions
meeting notes
memos
minutes
newsletters
orders
questionnaires
records
reports
rosters
summaries
petty cash vouchers
Audience may include:
internal and external clients
knowledge experts
addressee
those who receive a copy for information
public
Specific requirements and sensitivities may include:
technical and organisation specific vocabulary
cultural, ethnic, religious or language differences, disabilities
government protocols/etiquette
private or confidential materials
security requirements
politically sensitive materials
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:
PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information
PSPGOV308B Work effectively with diversity
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
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
workplace documents interpreted and composed 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 written materials in the public sector
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of written communication situations likely to be encountered 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 interpreting and composing workplace documents, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
workplace documents interpreted and composed 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
portfolios
questioning
scenarios
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
AWV82 PSPGEN020 Compose workplace documents Unit of competency